Fishing Information

Fish found in the Pigeon River Country State Forest

Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis)
Brook trout are native to the Appalachian region, the upper Great Lakes, and parts of Canada. They are native to some streams in Michigan’s lower peninsula including the Pigeon and Black Rivers which flow through the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta)
Brown trout are native to Europe and were introduced to streams in the Pigeon River Country in the early to mid 1900’s.

Rainbow Trout/Steelhead (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Rainbow Trout/Steelhead are native to the Pacific Northwest. They were introduced to streams in the Pigeon River Country in the early to mid 1900’s.

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides)
Largemouth Bass are native throughout much of the eastern United States, including several ponds and lakes within the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Panfish (multiple species)
Several species of panfish are native to the Pigeon River Country. Common species include Bluegill, Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseeds.

Fish found in specific lakes:

Cornwall Flooding
Largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, perch. Excellent fishing opportunities. No gas motors allowed.

Grass Lake
Fair largemouth bass and bluegill.

Pickerel Lake
Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, some bluegill. It’s a designated trout lake. Must have an all species license. Minnows may not be used or possessed. Open to fishing last Saturday in April through September 30. No gas motors allowed.

Town Corner Lake
Fair bluegill, some largemouth bass.

Osmun Lake
Fair largemouth bass, bluegill.

Mud Lake
Largemouth bass, perch, bluegill. Subject to winter kill.

Round Lake
Fishing questionable – some pan fish.

Hardwood Lake
No fish, shallow and prone to winter kill

Tubbs Creek
Small brook trout

Dog Lake
Some northern pike, but prone to winter kill. No gas motors allowed.

Pigeon River
Brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Elk Hill Campground to Pine Grove Campground artificial lures only. Refer to Fishing Guide For more information.

Sturgeon River
Brown and rainbow trout. Refer to the Fishing Guide

Black River
Brook Trout. Limited to two trout daily and only artificial lures between Tin Shanty Bridge downstream to Town Corner Lake Campground. See Fishing Guide for more info.

North & South Blue Lake, and Stewart Lake
Open from the last Saturday in April through September 30. Fishing is catch and release with artificial lures only!

South Blue Lake
Good bass and bluegill.

North Blue Lake
Perch – prone to winter kill

Stewart Lake
Small Pike.

Sinkhole Lakes (Hemlock, Ford and West Lost Lakes)
Open for fishing and stocked annually with trout, Type D regulations – daily limit one, minimum 15”, watercraft with electric motors allowed, no gas powered motors, artificial flies or lures only.

Sinkhole Lakes (Section 4)
Open for fishing and stocked annually with trout, Type D regulations – daily limit one, minimum 15”, float tube use only, no kayaks, canoes, or other vessels and no motor use, artificial flies or lures only.

Sinkhole Lakes (North & South Twin and Lost Lakes)
Will not be stocked, prohibits all water vessels, including float tubes, no fish available.

*Refer to the Michigan Fishing Guide for additional information on seasons, rules, and regulations.