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

Pine Creek

Van Buren

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

Pine Creek is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦196 🐟74

Brush Creek

Van Buren

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

Brush Creek is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦119 🐟73

Round Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Round Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦115 🐟35

East & South Branch Paw Paw River

Van Buren

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

East & South Branch Paw Paw River is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦110 🐟78

Paw Paw Lake

Van Buren 1,000 ac 42ft

Bigmouth Buffalo Black Buffalo Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow +51 more

Popular southwest Michigan lake near Coloma. Excellent largemouth bass and walleye. Close to Lake Michigan for salmon access.

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📦82 🐟55 ⚓2

Bankson Lake

Van Buren

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Bankson Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦68 🐟35

Shafer Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Shafer Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦47 🐟33

Maple Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +30 more

Maple Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦34 🐟34

Rush Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Trout +31 more

Rush Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦29 🐟35

Gravel Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Gravel Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦15 🐟33

Van Auken Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +28 more

Van Auken Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦10 🐟32

Brownwood Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +29 more

Brownwood Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟33

Cedar Lake

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +30 more

Cedar Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟34

Lake Michigan: South Haven Pier

Van Buren

Atlantic Salmon Blackstripe Topminnow Bloater Bluntnose Minnow +50 more

Lake Michigan: South Haven Pier is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟54

Lake-of-the-Woods

Van Buren

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +28 more

Lake-of-the-Woods is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Mill Creek

Van Buren

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +69 more

Mill Creek is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟73

South & Middle Branch Black River

Van Buren

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Buffalo +77 more

South & Middle Branch Black River is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟81

Upper Scott Lake

Van Buren

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +30 more

Upper Scott Lake is a fishing water in Van Buren County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟34

Michigan Lake Finder

Van Buren County Lakes