Northern Pearl Dace Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 12 lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Northern Pearl Dace are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 12 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. Northern Pearl Dace is narrowly distributed — only 12 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 Northern Pearl Dace lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Northern Pearl Dace documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Northern Pearl Dace Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with northern pearl dace, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Blue Lake | Kalkaska | MI | - | 17 |
| 2 | Lake Harvey | Keweenaw | MI | - | 5 |
| 3 | Long Lake | Gogebic | MI | 60 ft | 40 |
| 4 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | MI | 72 ft | 29 |
| 5 | Squaw Lake | Kalkaska | MI | 5 ft | 8 |
| 6 | Long Lake | Grand Traverse | MI | 88 ft | 40 |
| 7 | Long Lake | Benzie | MI | - | 40 |
| 8 | Bass Lake | Marquette | MI | 25 ft | 16 |
| 9 | Long Lake | Cheboygan | MI | 61 ft | 40 |
| 10 | Pickerel Lake | Emmet | MI | 74 ft | 22 |
| 11 | Bass Lake | Marquette | MI | 78 ft | 10 |
| 12 | Bass Lake | Kalkaska | MI | - | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have northern pearl dace?
Northern Pearl Dace are documented in 12 lakes: 12 in Michigan.
What are the best lakes for northern pearl dace?
The best northern pearl dace lakes by water quality are Big Blue Lake, Lake Harvey, Long Lake, Pickerel Lake, Squaw Lake. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings among all lakes where northern pearl dace have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with northern pearl dace?
Northern Pearl Dace are most commonly found alongside northern pearl dace, yellow perch, bluntnose minnow, iowa darter, white sucker. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Northern Pearl Dace Lakes
Found together in 12 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 126 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 1,211 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 84 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 2,489 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.