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

Muskegon River

Roscommon

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +82 more

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

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📦1,172 🐟86

Higgins Lake

Roscommon 9,600 ac 135ft

Atlantic Salmon Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +44 more

One of Michigan's most beautiful lakes with crystal-clear water. State-record lake trout have been pulled from here. Excellent trout, walleye, and bass.

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📦275 🐟48 ⚓4

Houghton Lake

Roscommon 20,044 ac 21ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +44 more

Michigan's largest inland lake. Excellent walleye and perch fishery. Multiple public launches and full amenities around the lake.

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📦56 🐟48 ⚓4

Lake St. Helen

Roscommon 2,600 ac 42ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +42 more

Large Roscommon County lake near Houghton Lake. Consistent walleye and largemouth bass fishery with good shore fishing access.

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📦49 🐟46 ⚓2

Au Sable River (South Branch)

Roscommon

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +72 more

Au Sable River (South Branch) is a fishing water in Roscommon County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟76

Reedsburg Impoundment

Roscommon

Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback Central Mudminnow +25 more

Reedsburg Impoundment is a fishing water in Roscommon County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟29

S Br Au Sable River

Roscommon

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +72 more

S Br Au Sable River is a fishing water in Roscommon County, Michigan (Northern Lake Huron management unit).

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🐟76

Michigan Lake Finder

Roscommon County Lakes