Ninespine Stickleback Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 4 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Ninespine Stickleback are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 4 the United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs. LakeQuality covers lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Ninespine Stickleback is narrowly distributed — only 4 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 Ninespine Stickleback lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Ninespine Stickleback documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Ninespine Stickleback Lakes
Best Ninespine Stickleback Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with ninespine stickleback ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gratiot Lake | Keweenaw | MI | B | 70 ft | 1 |
| 2 | Birch Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 80 ft | 2 |
| 3 | Birch Lake | Antrim | MI | NR | 50 ft | 2 |
| 4 | Elk Lake | Antrim | MI | NR | 150 ft | 27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have ninespine stickleback?
Ninespine Stickleback are found in 4 graded lakes: 4 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with ninespine stickleback is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for ninespine stickleback?
The best ninespine stickleback lakes by water quality are Gratiot Lake, Birch Lake, Birch Lake, Elk Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where ninespine stickleback have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with ninespine stickleback?
Ninespine Stickleback are most commonly found alongside ninespine stickleback, lake herring, blacknose shiner, bluegill, bluntnose minnow. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Ninespine Stickleback Lakes
Found together in 3 lakes · 113 total
Found together in 1 lake · 84 total
Found together in 1 lake · 1,550 total
Found together in 1 lake · 160 total
Found together in 1 lake · 113 total
Found together in 1 lake · 55 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.