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LakeQuality

Rough fish like Alewife are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 1 the United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs. LakeQuality covers lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Alewife is narrowly distributed — only 1 lakes in Michigan have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.

Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Alewife lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Alewife documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.

1
Total Lakes
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Michigan lakes →
120 ft
Avg. Depth

Best Alewife Lakes by Water Quality

Top 50 lakes with alewife, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.

RankLakeCountyStateDepthSpecies
1Mullett LakeCheboyganMI120 ft23

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes have alewife?

Alewife are documented in 1 lakes: 1 in Michigan.

What are the best lakes for alewife?

The best alewife lakes by water quality are Mullett Lake. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings among all lakes where alewife have been documented by state DNR surveys.

What other fish are found with alewife?

Alewife are most commonly found alongside blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, common shiner, creek chub. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.

Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.