paddleboarder fishing on the Huron River in Island Lake State Park

Fishing


The Brighton Howell Area houses 168 lakes offering optimal fishing opportunities. Located within the area are Brighton Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, Pinckney Recreation Area, and Huron Meadows Metropark each embodies a variety of lakes with the option to fish from the shore or in a boat.

Before heading out onto the Brighton Howell Area waters, be sure to purchase your DNR fishing license or permit. Find more fishing information on the DNR Fishing site.




Brighton Recreation Area man fishing on Bishop Lake

Brighton Recreation Area

Brighton Recreation Area covers almost 5,000 acres and offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Drop your boat or fish off the shore on the Chilson Pond, Bishop Lake, or Appleton Lake for a scenic view while you cast your line.

For optimal fishing, try your luck on the ADA fishing pier located by the boat launch at Bishop Lake.

Learn More
Huron Meadows Metropark Fishing dock on the lake

Huron Meadows Metropark

The picturesque Huron Meadows Metropark offers fishing opportunities on Maltby Lake and the Huron River. Anglers most commonly reel in bluegill, sunfish, and smallmouth bass on Maltby Lake. Fish from the shores of the Huron River and Maltby Lake. There is a large barrier-free fishing piece located at the Sunset Ridge Picnic Area on Maltby Lake.

Learn More
Island Lake fishing in the lake in Brighton, Michigan

Island Lake Recreation Area

Stretching over 4,000 acres, the Island Lake Recreation Area houses four lakes, and the Huron River offers a variety of fishing opportunities. As the park does not have a boat launch, you can drop your non-motorized watercraft on Island Lake, Huron River Fishing Site, or Kent Lake to fish from the water.

Learn More
Fishing boat at Kensington Metropark in Brighton, Michigan

Kensington Metropark

Kensington Metropark is a popular fishing location in Southeastern Michigan for its shore fishing along the east shore or on a boat on Kent Lake. Anglers can expect to find bass, bluegill, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch on the lake.

Toward the north end of the park, the Huron River provides shady, secluding locations to cast your line. Boat Rentals are also available.

There is no fishing allowed on Kingfisher Lagoon or at posted areas of Wildwing Lake.

Learn More
Pinckney Recreation Area Fishing on the lake surrounded by fall leaves

Pinckney Recreation Area

Spanning over 11,000 acres, the chain of lakes in Pinckney Recreation Area is a fisherman’s dream. Drop your boat at Bruin Lake which connects to Halfmoon Lake, Bling Lake, and Patterson Lake for a variety of places to drop your line. Shore fishing is available for those who prefer to stay on land on Silver Lake. Anglers can also fish off the pier on Silver Lake and Crooked Lake.

Learn More

Scofield Park

In the heart of downtown Howell, fisherman can cast their reels at Scofield Park on the shores of Thompson Lake. Anglers can expect to reel in a variety of fish such as northern pike, sunfish,  largemouth bass, crapping, and more. There is a public boat launch available to fish from the water.

Learn More

Brighton Mill Pond

The focal point of downtown Brighton, the Mill Pond stretches 1 mile out and back offering unique and charming fishing opportunities. Take a walk along the wooden Tridge and cast your reel to see what you’ll catch!

Learn More