Rosyface shiner Lakes in Michigan
Found in 20 Michigan lakes
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.
Best Rosyface shiner Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Lake | Benzie | A | 15 ft | - |
| 2 | Higgins Lake East Basin | Roscommon | A | 35 ft | - |
| 3 | Higgins Lake Northwest Basin | Roscommon | A | 34.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Round Lake | Benzie | A | 15 ft | - |
| 5 | Elk Lake | Antrim | A | - | - |
| 6 | Upper Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | Benzie | A | 11 ft | - |
| 7 | Lake Ann | Benzie | B | 13.8 ft | - |
| 8 | Scram Lake East Basin; Oakfield Township | Kent | B | 11.5 ft | - |
| 9 | Round Lake | Oakland | B | 10 ft | - |
| 10 | Scram Lake | Kent | B | 10.5 ft | - |
| 11 | Lower Woodcock Lake | Benzie | B | 12.3 ft | - |
| 12 | Lower Woodcock Lake; Almira Twp | Benzie | B | 12.3 ft | - |
| 13 | Elk Lake | Antrim | B | 14.5 ft | - |
| 14 | Upper Woodcock Lake | Benzie | B | 11 ft | - |
| 15 | Round Lake | Mecosta | C | 8.5 ft | - |
| 16 | Lake James | Roscommon | C | 6.8 ft | - |
| 17 | Round Lake | Kent | C | 8 ft | - |
| 18 | Lake Bellaire | Antrim | C | 8.8 ft | - |
| 19 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | C | 6 ft | - |
| 20 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | D | 6.5 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have rosyface shiner?
Rosyface shiner are found in 20 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best rosyface shiner lakes in Michigan?
The best rosyface shiner lakes in Michigan by water quality are Round Lake, Higgins Lake East Basin, Higgins Lake Northwest Basin, Round Lake, Elk Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.