Rainbow darter Lakes in Michigan
Found in 7 Michigan lakes
Rainbow darter is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 7 lakes carry documentation. Rainbow darter is narrowly distributed — only 7 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 Rainbow darter lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Rainbow darter documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Rainbow darter Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Long Lake South Central Basin | Cass | B | 10.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Base Line Lake Northeast Basin; Hamburg Township | Livingston | B | 10.5 ft | - |
| 3 | Tamarack Lake North Basin; Hamburg Township | Livingston | C | 7 ft | - |
| 4 | Baldwins Lake | Cass | C | 8 ft | - |
| 5 | Union Lake | Branch | D | 3.5 ft | - |
| 6 | Portage Lake | St. Joseph | D | 4.5 ft | - |
| 7 | Portage Lake Southwest Basin; Mendon Township | St. Joseph | D | 5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have rainbow darter?
Rainbow darter are found in 7 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is C (Fair).
What are the best rainbow darter lakes in Michigan?
The best rainbow darter lakes in Michigan by water quality are Long Lake South Central Basin, Base Line Lake Northeast Basin; Hamburg Township, Tamarack Lake North Basin; Hamburg Township, Baldwins Lake, Union Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.