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

Sturgeon River

Otsego

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +75 more

Sturgeon River is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦528 🐟79

Otsego Lake

Otsego 1,989 ac 95ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +39 more

Clear northern Michigan lake known for lake trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. DNR regularly stocks rainbow trout.

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📦122 🐟43 ⚓2

Big Lake

Otsego

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Big Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦60 🐟37

Big Chub Lake

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Big Chub Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦51 🐟33

Heart Lake

Otsego

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +29 more

Heart Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦46 🐟33

Dixon Lake

Otsego

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Dixon Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦31 🐟37

Big Bear Lake

Otsego

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +31 more

Big Bear Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦27 🐟35

Opal Lake

Otsego

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Brown Bullhead +30 more

Opal Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦27 🐟34

Big Bradford Lake

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +32 more

Big Bradford Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦13 🐟36

Little Bear Lake

Otsego

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Little Bear Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦10 🐟36

Big Bass Lake

Otsego

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +32 more

Big Bass Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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📦3 🐟36

Black River

Otsego

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +71 more

Black River is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟75

Guthrie Lake

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +29 more

Guthrie Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟33

Kolke Creek

Otsego

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

Kolke Creek is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟74

Lake Manuka

Otsego

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Lake Manuka is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟33

Lake Marjory

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

Lake Marjory is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟34

Little Crapo Lake

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

Little Crapo Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟31

Pigeon River

Otsego

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

Pigeon River is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟77

Round Lake

Otsego

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +27 more

Round Lake is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟31

Tubbs Creek

Otsego

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

Tubbs Creek is a fishing water in Otsego County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟74

Michigan Lake Finder

Otsego County Lakes