Shorthead Redhorse Lakes in Michigan
Found in 7 Michigan lakes · 184 in Minnesota
Shorthead Redhorse is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 191 lakes carry documentation. Shorthead Redhorse is moderately distributed — 184 lakes in Minnesota and 7 in Michigan. Some counties have it, others do not, so checking the per-lake pages matters.
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 Shorthead Redhorse lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Shorthead Redhorse documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Shorthead Redhorse Lakes Map
Every Michigan lake with documented shorthead redhorse, colored by water-quality grade.
Best Shorthead Redhorse Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ore Lake West Basin; Hamburg Township | Livingston | A | 10 ft | - |
| 2 | Otter Lake | Benzie | A | 12 ft | - |
| 3 | Houghton Lake | Roscommon | A | 5 ft | - |
| 4 | Indian Lake | Kalkaska | NR | 16.5 ft | - |
| 5 | Otter Lake | Oakland | NR | 10 ft | - |
| 6 | Otter Lake | Benzie | NR | 12 ft | - |
| 7 | Muskegon Lake | Muskegon | NR | 10.8 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have shorthead redhorse?
Shorthead Redhorse are found in 7 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is A (Excellent).
What are the best shorthead redhorse lakes in Michigan?
The best shorthead redhorse lakes in Michigan by water quality are Ore Lake West Basin; Hamburg Township, Otter Lake, Houghton Lake, Indian Lake, Otter Lake.
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys.