How many lakes are in Michigan?

Michigan has over 2,019 documented lakes, ponds, and water bodies in our database. Combined with four of the five Great Lakes and over 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan offers more freshwater fishing access than virtually anywhere else in the country.

Which Michigan lake has the most DNR stocking history?

Lake Michigan in Allegan County leads with 2,696 recorded stocking events in the DNR database. Lakes with long stocking histories are generally excellent targets for trout, salmon, and walleye.

What fish are stocked in Michigan lakes?

The Michigan DNR stocks over a dozen species in inland lakes — primarily rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, walleye, and muskellunge. Each lake page on this site shows its full stocking history by species and year.

How do I find a good fishing lake in Michigan?

Use the search and filters above to narrow by county, fish species, or lake name. Lake cards show stocking event counts, species present, and boat launch availability. Sorting by stocking count surfaces the most actively managed fisheries.

Are Michigan lake stocking records public information?

Yes. The Michigan DNR publishes fish stocking records as public data. This site aggregates that data and makes it searchable by lake, county, species, and year. Historical records are available to all visitors.

Do I need a boat to fish Michigan lakes?

Not always. Many Michigan lakes have public shore fishing access, county parks, and DNR boating access sites with bank fishing areas. Each lake page lists available boat launches, including carry-in access points suitable for kayaks and canoes.

Search Michigan Fishing Lakes — DNR Stocking Records, Species & Boat Launches

White River

Oceana

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +78 more

White River is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦269 🐟82

Pentwater River (North Branch)

Oceana

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +74 more

Pentwater River (North Branch) is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦85 🐟78

Hart Lake

Oceana

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +31 more

Hart Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦46 🐟35

School Section Lake

Oceana

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

School Section Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦26 🐟34

Stony Lake

Oceana 650 ac 18ft

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Bowfin +40 more

West Michigan lake with good fishing and access to Lake Michigan tributaries. Northern pike and largemouth bass in weedy bays.

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📦8 🐟44 ⚓1

Campbell Lake

Oceana

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

Campbell Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Carlton Creek

Oceana

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +70 more

Carlton Creek is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟74

McLaren Lake

Oceana

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +30 more

McLaren Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟34

Pentwater Breakwall

Oceana

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Trout +28 more

Pentwater Breakwall is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Pentwater Lake

Oceana

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +28 more

Pentwater Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Pentwater River (South Branch)

Oceana

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +73 more

Pentwater River (South Branch) is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟77

Silver Lake

Oceana

Black Crappie Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Silver Lake is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟33

White River (North Branch)

Oceana

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +73 more

White River (North Branch) is a fishing water in Oceana County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟77

Michigan Lake Finder

Oceana County Lakes