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.
Best Lake sturgeon Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burt Lake | Cheboygan | A | 15.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Black Lake | Cheboygan | A | 16 ft | - |
| 3 | Otter Lake | Benzie | A | 12 ft | - |
| 4 | Otter Lake | Oakland | B | 10 ft | - |
| 5 | Otter Lake | Benzie | B | 12 ft | - |
| 6 | Mullett Lake | Cheboygan | B | 13 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.