Emerald Shiner Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 14 graded lakes across 1 state
Emerald Shiner is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 14 lakes carry documentation. Emerald Shiner is narrowly distributed — only 14 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 Emerald Shiner lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Emerald Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Emerald Shiner Lakes
Best Emerald Shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with emerald shiner ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township | Benzie | MI | A | - | 25 |
| 2 | Burt Lake | Cheboygan | MI | A | - | 33 |
| 3 | Crooked Lake | Emmet | MI | A | - | 26 |
| 4 | Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows | Mason | MI | A | - | 11 |
| 5 | Bear Lake East Basin; Pleasanton Township | Manistee | MI | B | - | 4 |
| 6 | Crystal Lake | Montcalm | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 7 | Clark Lake | Livingston | MI | B | - | 20 |
| 8 | Crystal Lake | Gogebic | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 9 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 10 | Crooked Lake | Barry | MI | B | - | 27 |
| 11 | Crystal Lake; East Central Basin; Watersmeet Township | Gogebic | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 12 | Lower Herring Lake | Benzie | MI | B | - | 25 |
| 13 | Cedar Lake | Alcona | MI | C | - | 22 |
| 14 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | MI | C | - | 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have emerald shiner?
Emerald Shiner are found in 14 graded lakes: 14 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with emerald shiner is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for emerald shiner?
The best emerald shiner lakes by water quality are Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township, Burt Lake, Crooked Lake, Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows, Bear Lake East Basin; Pleasanton Township. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where emerald shiner have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with emerald shiner?
Emerald Shiner are most commonly found alongside emerald shiner, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, common shiner. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Emerald Shiner Lakes
Found together in 13 lakes · 996 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 1,769 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 1,692 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 64 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 109 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 1,391 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.