Least darter Lakes in Michigan
Found in 18 Michigan lakes
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.
Best Least darter Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitefish Lake Southeast Basin; Pierson Township | Montcalm | A | 16 ft | - |
| 2 | Whitefish Lake | Montcalm | A | 16.8 ft | - |
| 3 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | A | 15 ft | - |
| 4 | Avery Lake | Montmorency | A | 27 ft | - |
| 5 | Eagle Lake East Basin; Paw Paw Township | Van Buren | A | 17 ft | - |
| 6 | Eagle Lake | Van Buren | A | 15 ft | - |
| 7 | Bass Lake | Leelanau | A | 11.2 ft | - |
| 8 | Au Sable Lake East Central Basin,Goodar Township | Ogemaw | A | 10.5 ft | - |
| 9 | Bass Lake | Lake | B | 14 ft | - |
| 10 | Bear Lake | Manistee | B | 11 ft | - |
| 11 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 12 | Murray Lake East Basin; Grattan Township | Kent | B | 7.2 ft | - |
| 13 | Eagle Lake | Allegan | B | 14 ft | - |
| 14 | Lake of the Woods | Branch | B | 10 ft | - |
| 15 | Devils Lake | Lenawee | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 16 | Au Sable Lake | Ogemaw | B | 10 ft | - |
| 17 | Bass Lake | Marquette | B | 12 ft | - |
| 18 | Bass Lake Central Basin; Forsyth Township | Marquette | B | 11.8 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have least darter?
Least darter are found in 18 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best least darter lakes in Michigan?
The best least darter lakes in Michigan by water quality are Whitefish Lake Southeast Basin; Pierson Township, Whitefish Lake, Pickerel Lake, Avery Lake, Eagle Lake East Basin; Paw Paw Township.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.