Chestnut Lamprey Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 5 lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Chestnut Lamprey are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 5 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. Chestnut Lamprey is narrowly distributed — only 5 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 phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Chestnut Lamprey lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Chestnut Lamprey documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Chestnut Lamprey Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with chestnut lamprey, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manistee Lake South | Manistee | MI | - | 7 |
| 2 | Portage Lake | St. Joseph | MI | - | 3 |
| 3 | Lower Hamlin Lake | Mason | MI | - | 11 |
| 4 | Hamlin Lake | Mason | MI | 65 ft | 3 |
| 5 | Portage Lake | Jackson | MI | 40 ft | 34 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have chestnut lamprey?
Chestnut Lamprey are documented in 5 lakes: 5 in Michigan.
What are the best lakes for chestnut lamprey?
The best chestnut lamprey lakes by water quality are Manistee Lake South, Portage Lake, Lower Hamlin Lake, Hamlin Lake, Portage Lake. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings among all lakes where chestnut lamprey have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with chestnut lamprey?
Chestnut Lamprey are most commonly found alongside chestnut lamprey, rock bass, northern pike, northern logperch, western banded killifish. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Chestnut Lamprey Lakes
Found together in 3 lakes · 786 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 2,386 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 48 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 100 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 68 total
Found together in 2 lakes · 7 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.