Brindled madtom Lakes in Michigan
Found in 4 Michigan lakes
Rough fish like Brindled madtom are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 4 Michigan lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Brindled madtom is narrowly distributed — only 4 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 Brindled madtom lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Brindled madtom documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Brindled madtom Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portage Lake South Basin; Dexter Township | Washtenaw | B | 13 ft | - |
| 2 | Base Line Lake | Washtenaw | B | 11 ft | - |
| 3 | Base Line Lake Northeast Basin; Hamburg Township | Livingston | B | 10.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Union Lake | Branch | D | 3.5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have brindled madtom?
Brindled madtom are found in 4 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best brindled madtom lakes in Michigan?
The best brindled madtom lakes in Michigan by water quality are Portage Lake South Basin; Dexter Township, Base Line Lake, Base Line Lake Northeast Basin; Hamburg Township, Union Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.