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

Portage Lake

Washtenaw 800 ac 25ft

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Bowfin Brook Silverside +45 more

Southeast Michigan lake near Ann Arbor. Good largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Multiple public access points.

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📦298 🐟49 ⚓2

Silver Lake

Washtenaw

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Silver Lake is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦233 🐟37

Ford Lake

Washtenaw

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +33 more

Ford Lake is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦74 🐟37

River Raisin

Washtenaw

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

River Raisin is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦55 🐟81

Geddes Pond

Washtenaw

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Central Mudminnow +26 more

Geddes Pond is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦22 🐟30

South Lake

Washtenaw

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +28 more

South Lake is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦11 🐟32

Joslin Lake

Washtenaw

Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +25 more

Joslin Lake is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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📦5 🐟29

Halfmoon Chain-of-Lakes

Washtenaw

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +26 more

Halfmoon Chain-of-Lakes is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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🐟30

Mill Creek

Washtenaw

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Barred Fantail Darter Bigmouth Shiner +68 more

Mill Creek is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Lake Erie management unit).

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🐟72

Sugarloaf Lake

Washtenaw

Black Crappie Blackstripe Topminnow Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +28 more

Sugarloaf Lake is a fishing water in Washtenaw County, Michigan (Southern Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟32

Michigan Lake Finder

Washtenaw County Lakes