Rosyface Shiner Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 20 graded lakes across 1 state
Rosyface Shiner is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 20 lakes carry documentation. Rosyface Shiner is narrowly distributed — only 20 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 Rosyface Shiner lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Rosyface Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Rosyface Shiner Lakes
Best Rosyface Shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with rosyface shiner ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 37 |
| 2 | Higgins Lake East Basin | Roscommon | MI | A | - | 11 |
| 3 | Higgins Lake Northwest Basin | Roscommon | MI | A | - | 12 |
| 4 | Round Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 37 |
| 5 | Elk Lake | Antrim | MI | A | - | 27 |
| 6 | Upper Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | Benzie | MI | A | - | 9 |
| 7 | Lake Ann | Benzie | MI | B | - | 10 |
| 8 | Scram Lake East Basin; Oakfield Township | Kent | MI | B | - | 14 |
| 9 | Round Lake | Oakland | MI | B | - | 37 |
| 10 | Scram Lake | Kent | MI | B | - | 14 |
| 11 | Lower Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | B | - | 9 |
| 12 | Lower Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | Benzie | MI | B | - | 9 |
| 13 | Elk Lake | Antrim | MI | B | - | 27 |
| 14 | Upper Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | B | - | 9 |
| 15 | Round Lake | Mecosta | MI | C | - | 37 |
| 16 | Lake James | Roscommon | MI | C | - | 12 |
| 17 | Round Lake | Kent | MI | C | - | 37 |
| 18 | Lake Bellaire | Antrim | MI | C | - | 22 |
| 19 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | C | - | 37 |
| 20 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | D | - | 37 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have rosyface shiner?
Rosyface Shiner are found in 20 graded lakes: 20 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with rosyface shiner is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for rosyface shiner?
The best rosyface shiner lakes by water quality are Round Lake, Higgins Lake East Basin, Higgins Lake Northwest Basin, Round Lake, Elk Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where rosyface shiner have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with rosyface shiner?
Rosyface Shiner are most commonly found alongside rosyface shiner, bluntnose minnow, common shiner, northern longear sunfish, rock bass. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Rosyface Shiner Lakes
Found together in 19 lakes · 171 total
Found together in 18 lakes · 64 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 68 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 846 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 1,769 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 109 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.