Blackchin shiner Lakes in Minnesota & Wisconsin
Other SpeciesFound in 80 lakes
Blackchin shiner is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 80 lakes carry documentation. Blackchin shiner is narrowly distributed — only 0 Minnesota lakes and 80 Wisconsin lakes 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 Blackchin shiner lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Blackchin shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Blackchin shiner Lakes
Best Blackchin shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with blackchin shiner ranked by overall water quality grade.
Showing top 50 of 80 lakes with blackchin shiner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have blackchin shiner?
Blackchin shiner are found in 80 lakes across Minnesota and Wisconsin, 0 in Minnesota and 80 in Wisconsin. The average water quality grade of lakes with blackchin shiner is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for blackchin shiner?
The best blackchin shiner lakes by water quality are Corey Lake Southeastern Basin; Fabius Township, Whitefish Lake Southeast Basin; Pierson Township, Whitefish Lake, Pickerel Lake, Round Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where blackchin shiner have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with blackchin shiner?
Blackchin shiner are most commonly found alongside bluntnose minnow, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.