Finescale dace Lakes in Michigan
Found in 4 Michigan lakes
Finescale dace is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 4 lakes carry documentation. Finescale dace is narrowly distributed — only 4 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 Finescale dace lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Finescale dace documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Finescale dace Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bass Lake Northeast Basin | Kalkaska | A | 18.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Big Blue Lake North Basin; Blue Lake Township | Kalkaska | A | - | - |
| 3 | Grass Lake | Gladwin | B | 4 ft | - |
| 4 | Grass Lake | Gladwin | D | 4 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have finescale dace?
Finescale dace are found in 4 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best finescale dace lakes in Michigan?
The best finescale dace lakes in Michigan by water quality are Bass Lake Northeast Basin, Big Blue Lake North Basin; Blue Lake Township, Grass Lake, Grass Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.