Emerald shiner Lakes in Michigan
Found in 14 Michigan lakes
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.
Best Emerald shiner Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township | Benzie | A | 16 ft | - |
| 2 | Burt Lake | Cheboygan | A | 15.5 ft | - |
| 3 | Crooked Lake | Emmet | A | - | - |
| 4 | Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows | Mason | A | 13.5 ft | - |
| 5 | Bear Lake East Basin; Pleasanton Township | Manistee | B | 11 ft | - |
| 6 | Crystal Lake | Montcalm | B | 10 ft | - |
| 7 | Clark Lake | Livingston | B | 12 ft | - |
| 8 | Crystal Lake | Gogebic | B | 10 ft | - |
| 9 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | B | 9.5 ft | - |
| 10 | Crooked Lake | Barry | B | 10 ft | - |
| 11 | Crystal Lake; East Central Basin; Watersmeet Township | Gogebic | B | 11 ft | - |
| 12 | Lower Herring Lake | Benzie | B | 13.8 ft | - |
| 13 | Cedar Lake | Alcona | C | 8 ft | - |
| 14 | Crystal Lake | Hillsdale | C | 9.5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have emerald shiner?
Emerald shiner are found in 14 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best emerald shiner lakes in Michigan?
The best emerald shiner lakes in Michigan 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.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.