Slimy sculpin Lakes in Michigan
Found in 4 Michigan lakes
Slimy sculpin is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 4 lakes carry documentation. Slimy sculpin is narrowly distributed — only 4 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 Slimy sculpin lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Slimy sculpin documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Slimy sculpin Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | A | 15 ft | - |
| 2 | Lake Richie | Keweenaw | B | 8.3 ft | - |
| 3 | Pickerel Lake | Emmet | C | 9.5 ft | - |
| 4 | Epidote Lake | Keweenaw | C | 7.2 ft | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michigan lakes have slimy sculpin?
Slimy sculpin are found in 4 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best slimy sculpin lakes in Michigan?
The best slimy sculpin lakes in Michigan by water quality are Pickerel Lake, Lake Richie, Pickerel Lake, Epidote Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.