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 2,780 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

Manistee River

Wexford

American Brook Lamprey American Eel Arctic grayling Atlantic Salmon +83 more

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

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📦1,454 🐟87

Big Twin Lake

Wexford 210 ac 62ft

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +39 more

Clear deep lake in central Michigan. Excellent rainbow trout stocking program. Smallmouth bass along rocky structure.

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📦156 🐟43 ⚓1

Pleasant Lake

Wexford

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +31 more

Pleasant Lake is a fishing water in Wexford County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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📦46 🐟35

Lake Lavine

Wexford 410 ac 35ft

Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside Brook Stickleback +30 more

Small Wexford County lake with consistent walleye and largemouth bass. Low boat traffic — good for a quiet fishing trip.

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📦42 🐟34 ⚓1

Lake Mitchell

Wexford 2,580 ac 32ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +43 more

Larger of the two Cadillac lakes. Connected to Lake Cadillac. Walleye, perch, and northern pike fishery.

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📦33 🐟47 ⚓1

Lake Cadillac

Wexford 1,141 ac 21ft

Atlantic Salmon Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow +42 more

Connected to Lake Mitchell via canal. Good walleye, northern pike, and perch. Right next to downtown Cadillac.

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📦30 🐟46 ⚓2

Hodenpyl Pond

Wexford

Black Crappie Bluegill Bluntnose Minnow Brook Silverside +30 more

Hodenpyl Pond is a fishing water in Wexford County, Michigan (Central Lake Michigan management unit).

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🐟34

Michigan Lake Finder

Wexford County Lakes