Rosyface Shiner Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 16 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. 16 lakes carry documentation. Rosyface Shiner is narrowly distributed — only 16 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 Rosyface Shiner lake list below against each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Rosyface Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Rosyface Shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with rosyface shiner, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Lake | Benzie | MI | - | 37 |
| 2 | Upper Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | 45 ft | 9 |
| 3 | Lower Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | - | 9 |
| 4 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | - | 37 |
| 5 | Lake Bellaire | Antrim | MI | 95 ft | 22 |
| 6 | Lake Ann | Benzie | MI | 75 ft | 10 |
| 7 | Clifford Lake | Montcalm | MI | - | 10 |
| 8 | Scram Lake | Kent | MI | 85 ft | 14 |
| 9 | Round Lake | Oakland | MI | 15 ft | 37 |
| 10 | Round Lake | Oakland | MI | - | 37 |
| 11 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | - | 37 |
| 12 | Lake James | Roscommon | MI | - | 12 |
| 13 | Lower Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | - | 9 |
| 14 | Elk Lake | Antrim | MI | 150 ft | 27 |
| 15 | Round Lake | Kent | MI | - | 37 |
| 16 | Upper Woodcock Lake | Benzie | MI | 45 ft | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have rosyface shiner?
Rosyface Shiner are documented in 16 lakes: 16 in Michigan.
What are the best lakes for rosyface shiner?
The best rosyface shiner lakes by water quality are Round Lake, Upper Woodcock Lake, Lower Woodcock Lake, Round Lake, Lake Bellaire. These lakes carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings 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, rock bass, northern longear sunfish. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Rosyface Shiner Lakes
Found together in 15 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 68 total
Found together in 14 lakes · 786 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 64 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 10 lakes · 126 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.