Murphy Lake fishing

Fishing at Murphy Lake has Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye on the stocking report. It is stocked about 0.4 times a year since 1979, most often in May and June. Species guides list dawn and dusk for Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass, dawn, day, and dusk for Northern Pike, and dusk and night for Channel Catfish.

Last stocked

June 18, 2025

Plants on record

18

Since 1979

Species recorded

6

Surface acres

183.4

Access and facts

Boat ramp
Yes

A DNR-marked prepared boat launch sits off Murphy Lake Road at the lake's north end within the Murphy Lake State Game Area (Tuscola County); several additional prepared parking lots line the game area's perimeter roads.

Sources: access.boat_ramp , shore_notes

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How Murphy Lake is stocked

The first plant of the year usually falls in the second week of June. In 2025 it was June 18, 2025, about when it usually is.

No plants recorded in 34 years between 1979 and 2025.

Fish at Murphy Lake

Fishing Murphy Lake is as likely to be for Northern Pike and Walleye. Each accounts for 5 of 18 plants on record.

Northern Pike 5 plants
Plants
5 of 18
Last stocked
May 9, 1991

Seasons and rigs are on the Northern Pike guide.

Walleye 5 plants
Plants
5 of 18
Last stocked
June 18, 2025

Seasons and rigs are on the Walleye guide.

Channel Catfish 3 plants
Plants
3 of 18
Last stocked
November 8, 1990

Seasons and rigs are on the Channel Catfish guide.

Largemouth Bass 2 plants
Plants
2 of 18
Last stocked
October 31, 1990

Seasons and rigs are on the Largemouth Bass guide.

Tiger Muskie 2 plants
Plants
2 of 18
Last stocked
August 9, 1983

Seasons and rigs are on the Tiger Muskie guide.

Muskellunge 1 plant
Plants
1 of 18
Last stocked
August 16, 1979

Seasons and rigs are on the Muskellunge guide.

Fish stocked per year

  • 1,2001979
  • 4,0001983
  • 4,6371985
  • 5,0001986
  • 22,0001988
  • 12,0001989
  • 23,7121990
  • 10,0001991
  • 10,4352010
  • 47,2932019
  • 8,5082021
  • 11,9202024
  • 24,6452025

Stocking history

Showing 15 of 18 plants Showing 18 plants

Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Date Species Quantity Avg. length Source
June 18, 2025 Walleye 24,645 – report
June 27, 2024 Walleye 11,920 – report
July 10, 2021 Walleye 8,508 – report
June 25, 2019 Walleye 47,293 – report
June 11, 2010 Walleye 10,435 – report
May 9, 1991 Northern Pike 10,000 – report
November 8, 1990 Channel Catfish 10,712 – report
October 31, 1990 Largemouth Bass 7,000 – report
May 16, 1990 Northern Pike 6,000 – report
May 19, 1989 Channel Catfish 12,000 – report
October 26, 1988 Largemouth Bass 5,000 – report
September 17, 1988 Channel Catfish 13,000 – report
May 17, 1988 Northern Pike 4,000 – report
June 6, 1986 Northern Pike 5,000 – report
May 22, 1985 Northern Pike 4,637 – report
August 9, 1983 Tiger Muskie 1,000 – report
August 4, 1983 Tiger Muskie 3,000 – report
August 16, 1979 Muskellunge 1,200 – report
Show 3 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.

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