Blackstripe Topminnow Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 13 graded lakes across 1 state
Blackstripe Topminnow is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 13 lakes carry documentation. Blackstripe Topminnow is narrowly distributed — only 13 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 Blackstripe Topminnow lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Blackstripe Topminnow documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Blackstripe Topminnow Lakes
Best Blackstripe Topminnow Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with blackstripe topminnow ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cordley Lake | Livingston | MI | A | 31 ft | 7 |
| 2 | Long Lake | Gogebic | MI | NR | 60 ft | 40 |
| 3 | Bear Lake | Manistee | MI | NR | 6 ft | 14 |
| 4 | Harwood Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 50 ft | 11 |
| 5 | Portage Lake | Jackson | MI | NR | 40 ft | 34 |
| 6 | Middle Lake | Lapeer | MI | NR | - | 20 |
| 7 | Long Lake | Grand Traverse | MI | NR | 88 ft | 40 |
| 8 | Long Lake | Benzie | MI | NR | - | 40 |
| 9 | Baldwin Lake | Cass | MI | NR | - | 25 |
| 10 | Long Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 42 ft | 25 |
| 11 | Baldwins Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 55 ft | 33 |
| 12 | Long Lake | Cheboygan | MI | NR | 61 ft | 40 |
| 13 | Donnell Lake | Cass | MI | NR | - | 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have blackstripe topminnow?
Blackstripe Topminnow are found in 13 graded lakes: 13 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with blackstripe topminnow is A (Excellent).
What are the best lakes for blackstripe topminnow?
The best blackstripe topminnow lakes by water quality are Cordley Lake, Long Lake, Bear Lake, Harwood Lake, Portage Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where blackstripe topminnow have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with blackstripe topminnow?
Blackstripe Topminnow are most commonly found alongside blackstripe topminnow, bluntnose minnow, largemouth bass, green sunfish, yellow perch. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Blackstripe Topminnow Lakes
Found together in 13 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 2,489 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 753 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 43 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 100 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.