Least Darter Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 18 graded 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. 18 lakes carry documentation. Least Darter is narrowly distributed — only 18 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 Least Darter lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Least Darter documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Least Darter Lakes
Best Least Darter Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with least darter ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitefish Lake Southeast Basin; Pierson Township | Montcalm | MI | A | - | 21 |
| 2 | Whitefish Lake | Montcalm | MI | A | - | 21 |
| 3 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | MI | A | - | 29 |
| 4 | Avery Lake | Montmorency | MI | A | - | 9 |
| 5 | Eagle Lake East Basin; Paw Paw Township | Van Buren | MI | A | - | 12 |
| 6 | Eagle Lake | Van Buren | MI | A | - | 12 |
| 7 | Bass Lake | Leelanau | MI | A | - | 13 |
| 8 | Au Sable Lake East Central Basin,Goodar Township | Ogemaw | MI | A | - | 11 |
| 9 | Bass Lake | Lake | MI | B | - | 7 |
| 10 | Bear Lake | Manistee | MI | B | - | 14 |
| 11 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | MI | B | - | 13 |
| 12 | Murray Lake East Basin; Grattan Township | Kent | MI | B | - | 29 |
| 13 | Eagle Lake | Allegan | MI | B | - | 30 |
| 14 | Lake of the Woods | Branch | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 15 | Devils Lake | Lenawee | MI | B | - | 27 |
| 16 | Au Sable Lake | Ogemaw | MI | B | - | 11 |
| 17 | Bass Lake | Marquette | MI | B | - | 13 |
| 18 | Bass Lake Central Basin; Forsyth Township | Marquette | MI | B | - | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have least darter?
Least Darter are found in 18 graded lakes: 18 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with least darter is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for least darter?
The best least darter lakes by water quality are Whitefish Lake Southeast Basin; Pierson Township, Whitefish Lake, Pickerel Lake, Avery Lake, Eagle Lake East Basin; Paw Paw Township. These lakes have the highest water quality grades 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, yellow perch, iowa darter, bluegill. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Least Darter Lakes
Found together in 18 lakes · 171 total
Found together in 18 lakes · 1,769 total
Found together in 16 lakes · 131 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 1,692 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 2,637 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 116 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.