Least Darter Lakes in Michigan
Found in 17 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. 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.
Least Darter Lakes Map
Every Michigan lake with documented least darter.
Best Least Darter Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derby Lake | Montcalm | 14 ft | 87 ft |
| 2 | Murray Lake | Kent | 9 ft | - |
| 3 | Whitefish Lake | Montcalm | 13.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Au Sable Lake | Ogemaw | 10.5 ft | 52 ft |
| 5 | Bass Lake | Leelanau | 11.2 ft | - |
| 6 | Avery Lake | Montmorency | 27 ft | - |
| 7 | Big Bradford Lake | Otsego | 22 ft | - |
| 8 | Bear Lake | Manistee | 11 ft | 6 ft |
| 9 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | 20 ft | 72 ft |
| 10 | Eagle Lake | Allegan | 15 ft | - |
| 11 | Resort Lake | Menominee | 8.5 ft | 41 ft |
| 12 | Bass Lake | Montcalm | 10.8 ft | 28 ft |
| 13 | Viking Lake | Otsego | 6.8 ft | 25 ft |
| 14 | Bass Lake | Lake | 14.8 ft | 45 ft |
| 15 | Eagle Lake | Van Buren | 15.5 ft | 60 ft |
| 16 | Lake of the Woods | Branch | 10 ft | 70 ft |
| 17 | Bass Lake | Marquette | 11.8 ft | 78 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have least darter?
Least Darter are found in 17 lakes in Michigan.
What are the best least darter lakes in Michigan?
The best least darter lakes in Michigan by water quality are Derby Lake, Murray Lake, Whitefish Lake, Au Sable Lake, Bass Lake.
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys.