Lake Margrethe fishing

Fishing at Lake Margrethe has Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Muskellunge on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.9 times a year since 1979, most often in June and October. Species guides list dawn, day, and dusk for Northern Pike, dawn, dusk, and night for Walleye, and dawn and dusk for Muskellunge.

Last stocked

June 29, 2026

Plants on record

44

Since 1979

Species recorded

4

Surface acres

1,924.2

Access and facts

Nearest town
Grayling
Shore access
Yes
Boat ramp
Yes
Fee required
Yes
Facilities
restrooms, camping, dock

Near Grayling, with a state forest campground for area residents. A DNR-listed public boating access site with 2 launch lanes and 2 piers serves the lake. Administered by Hartwick Pines State Park; a Recreation Passport is required. 1 toilet on site.

Sources: access , shore_notes , facilities , access.fee , shore_notes , nearest_town , access , facilities , fishing_notes , angler_notes

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How Lake Margrethe is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of August. In 2026 it was June 29, 2026, earlier than usual.

No plants recorded in 15 years between 1979 and 2026.

About 2,296 reported fish per acre, 2nd most of 5 lakes in Crawford County with both a fish count and a surface area.

Fish at Lake Margrethe

Fishing Lake Margrethe is most likely to be for Walleye. Walleye accounts for 18 of 44 plants on record, ahead of Tiger Muskie and 2 more.

Walleye 18 plants
Plants
18 of 44
Last stocked
June 29, 2026

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Tiger Muskie 15 plants
Plants
15 of 44
Last stocked
October 14, 1991

Seasons and rigs are on the Tiger Muskie guide.

Muskellunge 10 plants
Plants
10 of 44
Last stocked
October 24, 2022

Seasons and rigs are on the Muskellunge guide.

Northern Pike 1 plant
Plants
1 of 44
Last stocked
May 17, 1990

Seasons and rigs are on the Northern Pike guide.

Fishing Lake Margrethe

Lake Margrethe is well known for its fishing, offering species such as rock bass, yellow perch, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, tiger muskie, and walleye. While most of the lake is relatively shallow, especially the northernmost parts, the western bay has areas exceeding 40 feet, and the southern bay features a small hole with a maximum depth of around 65 feet.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What anglers say

According to the Wikipedia page, Lake Margrethe is a favorite fishing and recreation lake for soldiers in their off-duty hours.

Fish stocked per year

  • 4,0001979
  • 4,0001980
  • 4,0001981
  • 11,7001982
  • 4,0001983
  • 2,0001984
  • 4,0001985
  • 5,0001986
  • 4,8001987
  • 3,4001988
  • 8,0001989
  • 17,3771990
  • 8,0001991
  • 3,250,0001992
  • 360,0001993
  • 2,0062002
  • 4,8932004
  • 4,9982005
  • 69,9032006
  • 2,0002009
  • 3,9932010
  • 45,3852011
  • 1,9942012
  • 69,2982013
  • 1,4462014
  • 204,3232015
  • 2,8552016
  • 40,3532017
  • 20,0172018
  • 63,7942019
  • 66,1882022
  • 61,2982025
  • 62,4702026

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 44 plants Showing 44 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 29, 2026 Walleye 62,470 – report
June 25, 2025 Walleye 24,704 – report
June 25, 2025 Walleye 36,594 – report
October 24, 2022 Muskellunge 2,879 – report
June 28, 2022 Walleye 63,309 – report
November 6, 2019 Muskellunge 3,840 – report
June 12, 2019 Walleye 59,954 – report
June 14, 2018 Walleye 20,017 – report
July 12, 2017 Walleye 40,353 – report
November 9, 2016 Muskellunge 2,855 – report
June 30, 2015 Walleye 91,952 – report
June 17, 2015 Walleye 48,625 – report
June 17, 2015 Walleye 49,125 – report
June 10, 2015 Walleye 6,621 – report
June 9, 2015 Walleye 8,000 – report
November 13, 2014 Muskellunge 1,446 – report
June 20, 2013 Walleye 69,298 – report
November 2, 2012 Muskellunge 1,994 – report
June 16, 2011 Walleye 45,385 – report
November 10, 2010 Muskellunge 3,993 – report
October 15, 2009 Muskellunge 2,000 – report
June 20, 2006 Walleye 69,903 – report
September 21, 2005 Muskellunge 4,998 – report
October 13, 2004 Muskellunge 4,893 – report
October 3, 2002 Muskellunge 2,006 – report
May 21, 1993 Walleye 360,000 – report
May 23, 1992 Walleye 1,850,000 – report
May 22, 1992 Walleye 1,400,000 – report
October 14, 1991 Tiger Muskie 400 – report
October 1, 1991 Tiger Muskie 7,600 – report
September 28, 1990 Tiger Muskie 6,837 – report
May 17, 1990 Northern Pike 10,540 – report
September 20, 1989 Tiger Muskie 8,000 – report
October 3, 1988 Tiger Muskie 3,400 – report
October 8, 1987 Tiger Muskie 4,800 – report
October 15, 1986 Tiger Muskie 5,000 – report
October 3, 1985 Tiger Muskie 4,000 – report
August 29, 1984 Tiger Muskie 2,000 – report
August 2, 1983 Tiger Muskie 4,000 – report
August 5, 1982 Tiger Muskie 2,000 – report
August 4, 1982 Tiger Muskie 9,700 – report
August 13, 1981 Tiger Muskie 4,000 – report
August 12, 1980 Tiger Muskie 4,000 – report
July 16, 1979 Tiger Muskie 4,000 – report
Show 29 more plants Show less

Species stocked here

Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.

Nearest lakes