Chestnut lamprey Lakes in Michigan
Found in 5 Michigan lakes
Rough fish like Chestnut lamprey are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 5 Michigan 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 grade 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 the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Chestnut lamprey documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Chestnut lamprey Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manistee Lake South | Manistee | A | - | - |
| 2 | Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows | Mason | A | 13.5 ft | - |
| 3 | Hamlin Lake | Mason | B | 10 ft | - |
| 4 | Portage Lake | St. Joseph | D | 4.5 ft | - |
| 5 | Portage Lake Southwest Basin; Mendon Township | St. Joseph | D | 5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have chestnut lamprey?
Chestnut lamprey are found in 5 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best chestnut lamprey lakes in Michigan?
The best chestnut lamprey lakes in Michigan by water quality are Manistee Lake South, Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows, Hamlin Lake, Portage Lake, Portage Lake Southwest Basin; Mendon Township.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.