Bowfin Lakes in Michigan
Found in 18 Michigan lakes
Bowfin is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 18 lakes carry documentation. Bowfin is narrowly distributed — only 18 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 Bowfin lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Bowfin documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Bowfin Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | A | 15 ft | - |
| 2 | Diamond Lake | Osceola | A | 16 ft | - |
| 3 | Burt Lake | Cheboygan | A | 15.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Bass Lake | Leelanau | A | 11.2 ft | - |
| 5 | Clear Lake East Basin; Waterloo Township | Jackson | A | 10 ft | - |
| 6 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 7 | Portage Lake South Basin; Dexter Township | Washtenaw | B | 13 ft | - |
| 8 | Murray Lake East Basin; Grattan Township | Kent | B | 7.2 ft | - |
| 9 | Clear Lake | Jackson | B | 10 ft | - |
| 10 | Bass Lake | Livingston | B | 9.5 ft | - |
| 11 | Bass Lake | Marquette | B | 12 ft | - |
| 12 | Whitmore Lake | Livingston | C | 9 ft | - |
| 13 | Wall Lake | Barry | C | 9.5 ft | - |
| 14 | Paw Paw Lake | Hillsdale | C | 8 ft | - |
| 15 | Paw Paw Lake | Kalamazoo | C | 9 ft | - |
| 16 | Paw Paw Lake | Hillsdale | C | 8 ft | - |
| 17 | Pickerel Lake | Emmet | C | 9.5 ft | - |
| 18 | Bass Lake | Livingston | C | 9.5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have bowfin?
Bowfin are found in 18 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best bowfin lakes in Michigan?
The best bowfin lakes in Michigan by water quality are Pickerel Lake, Diamond Lake, Burt Lake, Bass Lake, Clear Lake East Basin; Waterloo Township.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.