Burbot Lakes in Michigan
Found in 13 Michigan lakes
Rough fish like Burbot are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 13 Michigan lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Burbot 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 Burbot lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Burbot documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Burbot Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal Lake | Benzie | A | 32 ft | - |
| 2 | Elk Lake | Antrim | A | - | - |
| 3 | Otter Lake | Benzie | A | 12 ft | - |
| 4 | Crystal Lake | Montcalm | B | 10 ft | - |
| 5 | Crystal Lake | Gogebic | B | 10 ft | - |
| 6 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | B | 9.5 ft | - |
| 7 | Otter Lake | Oakland | B | 10 ft | - |
| 8 | Otter Lake | Benzie | B | 12 ft | - |
| 9 | Crystal Lake; East Central Basin; Watersmeet Township | Gogebic | B | 11 ft | - |
| 10 | Elk Lake | Antrim | B | 14.5 ft | - |
| 11 | Big Star Lake Central Basin; Lake Township | Lake | B | 8 ft | - |
| 12 | Big Star Lake | Lake | C | 8 ft | - |
| 13 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | C | 9.5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have burbot?
Burbot are found in 13 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best burbot lakes in Michigan?
The best burbot lakes in Michigan by water quality are Crystal Lake, Elk Lake, Otter Lake, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.