Blackside Darter Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 11 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Blackside Darter are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 11 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. Blackside Darter is narrowly distributed — only 11 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 Blackside Darter lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Blackside Darter documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Blackside Darter Lakes
Best Blackside Darter Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with blackside darter ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ore Lake | Livingston | MI | A | 81 ft | 14 |
| 2 | Tamarack Lake | Livingston | MI | B | 34 ft | 20 |
| 3 | Sanford Lake | Benzie | MI | NR | - | 17 |
| 4 | Long Lake | Gogebic | MI | NR | 60 ft | 40 |
| 5 | Sanford Lake | Midland | MI | NR | 20 ft | 17 |
| 6 | Long Lake | Grand Traverse | MI | NR | 88 ft | 40 |
| 7 | Long Lake | Benzie | MI | NR | - | 40 |
| 8 | Baldwin Lake | Cass | MI | NR | - | 25 |
| 9 | Long Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 42 ft | 25 |
| 10 | Baldwins Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 55 ft | 33 |
| 11 | Long Lake | Cheboygan | MI | NR | 61 ft | 40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have blackside darter?
Blackside Darter are found in 11 graded lakes: 11 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with blackside darter is A (Excellent).
What are the best lakes for blackside darter?
The best blackside darter lakes by water quality are Ore Lake, Tamarack Lake, Sanford Lake, Long Lake, Sanford Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where blackside darter have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with blackside darter?
Blackside Darter are most commonly found alongside blackside darter, johnny darter, northern logperch, yellow perch, bluegill. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Blackside Darter Lakes
Found together in 11 lakes · 98 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 48 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 871 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.