Silver redhorse Lakes in Michigan
Found in 5 Michigan lakes
Silver redhorse is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 5 lakes carry documentation. Silver redhorse is narrowly distributed — only 5 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 Silver redhorse lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Silver redhorse documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Silver redhorse Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burt Lake | Cheboygan | A | 15.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Otter Lake | Benzie | A | 12 ft | - |
| 3 | Otter Lake | Oakland | B | 10 ft | - |
| 4 | Otter Lake | Benzie | B | 12 ft | - |
| 5 | Muskegon Lake | Muskegon | B | 10.8 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have silver redhorse?
Silver redhorse are found in 5 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best silver redhorse lakes in Michigan?
The best silver redhorse lakes in Michigan by water quality are Burt Lake, Otter Lake, Otter Lake, Otter Lake, Muskegon Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.