Pugnose Shiner Lakes in Michigan
Found in 3 Michigan lakes
Pugnose Shiner is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 3 lakes carry documentation. Pugnose Shiner is narrowly distributed — only 3 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 Pugnose Shiner lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Pugnose Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Pugnose Shiner Lakes Map
Every Michigan lake with documented pugnose shiner, colored by water-quality grade.
Best Pugnose Shiner Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murray Lake East Basin; Grattan Township | Kent | A | 7.2 ft | - |
| 2 | Chippewa Lake | Mecosta | NR | 11.5 ft | - |
| 3 | Murray Lake | Kent | NR | 7 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have pugnose shiner?
Pugnose Shiner are found in 3 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is A (Excellent).
What are the best pugnose shiner lakes in Michigan?
The best pugnose shiner lakes in Michigan by water quality are Murray Lake East Basin; Grattan Township, Chippewa Lake, Murray Lake.
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys.