Bigmouth Shiner Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 5 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Bigmouth Shiner are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 5 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. Bigmouth Shiner is narrowly distributed — only 5 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 grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Bigmouth Shiner lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Bigmouth Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Bigmouth Shiner Lakes
Best Bigmouth Shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with bigmouth shiner ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otter Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 30 |
| 2 | Otter Lake | Oakland | MI | NR | 70 ft | 30 |
| 3 | Green Lake | Allegan | MI | NR | 60 ft | 20 |
| 4 | Swan Lake | Allegan | MI | NR | - | 2 |
| 5 | Brooks Lake | Newaygo | MI | NR | - | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have bigmouth shiner?
Bigmouth Shiner are found in 5 graded lakes: 5 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with bigmouth shiner is A (Excellent).
What are the best lakes for bigmouth shiner?
The best bigmouth shiner lakes by water quality are Otter Lake, Otter Lake, Green Lake, Swan Lake, Brooks Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where bigmouth shiner have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with bigmouth shiner?
Bigmouth Shiner are most commonly found alongside bigmouth shiner, bluegill, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluntnose minnow. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Bigmouth Shiner Lakes
Found together in 4 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 2,489 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 1,386 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 126 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 98 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.