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LakeQuality

Lake sturgeon Lakes in Michigan

Found in 6 Michigan lakes

Lake sturgeon is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 6 lakes carry documentation. Lake sturgeon is narrowly distributed — only 6 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 Lake sturgeon lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Lake sturgeon documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.

6
Michigan Lakes
B
Avg. Grade
3
Grade A Lakes
3
Counties

Best Lake sturgeon Lakes in Michigan

RankLakeCountyGradeClarityDepth
1Burt LakeCheboyganA15.5 ft-
2Black LakeCheboyganA16 ft-
3Otter LakeBenzieA12 ft-
4Otter LakeOaklandB10 ft-
5Otter LakeBenzieB12 ft-
6Mullett LakeCheboyganB13 ft-

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Michigan lakes have lake sturgeon?

Lake sturgeon are found in 6 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).

What are the best lake sturgeon lakes in Michigan?

The best lake sturgeon lakes in Michigan by water quality are Burt Lake, Black Lake, Otter Lake, Otter Lake, Otter Lake.

Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.