Least Darter Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 17 lakes across 1 state
Least Darter is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 17 lakes carry documentation. Least Darter is narrowly distributed — only 17 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 phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Least Darter lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Least Darter documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Least Darter Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with least darter, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derby Lake | Montcalm | MI | 87 ft | 12 |
| 2 | Murray Lake | Kent | MI | - | 29 |
| 3 | Whitefish Lake | Montcalm | MI | - | 21 |
| 4 | Au Sable Lake | Ogemaw | MI | 52 ft | 11 |
| 5 | Bass Lake | Leelanau | MI | - | 13 |
| 6 | Avery Lake | Montmorency | MI | - | 9 |
| 7 | Big Bradford Lake | Otsego | MI | - | 14 |
| 8 | Bear Lake | Manistee | MI | 6 ft | 14 |
| 9 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | MI | 72 ft | 29 |
| 10 | Eagle Lake | Allegan | MI | - | 30 |
| 11 | Resort Lake | Menominee | MI | 41 ft | 19 |
| 12 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | MI | 28 ft | 13 |
| 13 | Viking Lake | Otsego | MI | 25 ft | 18 |
| 14 | Bass Lake | Lake | MI | 45 ft | 7 |
| 15 | Eagle Lake | Van Buren | MI | 60 ft | 12 |
| 16 | Lake of the Woods | Branch | MI | 70 ft | 16 |
| 17 | Bass Lake | Marquette | MI | 78 ft | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have least darter?
Least Darter are documented in 17 lakes: 17 in Michigan.
What are the best lakes for least darter?
The best least darter lakes by water quality are Derby Lake, Murray Lake, Whitefish Lake, Au Sable Lake, Bass Lake. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings among all lakes where least darter have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with least darter?
Least Darter are most commonly found alongside bluntnose minnow, least darter, iowa darter, yellow perch, largemouth bass. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Least Darter Lakes
Found together in 17 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 16 lakes · 126 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 14 lakes · 2,489 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 786 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.