Spotfin Shiner Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 16 graded lakes across 1 state
Spotfin 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. Spotfin 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 grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Spotfin Shiner lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Spotfin Shiner documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Spotfin Shiner Lakes
Best Spotfin Shiner Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with spotfin shiner ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derby Lake | Montcalm | MI | A | 87 ft | 12 |
| 2 | Murray Lake | Kent | MI | A | - | 29 |
| 3 | Round Lake | Lenawee | MI | A | 67 ft | 25 |
| 4 | Round Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 37 |
| 5 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | D | - | 37 |
| 6 | Sanford Lake | Benzie | MI | NR | - | 17 |
| 7 | Clark Lake | Jackson | MI | NR | 50 ft | 19 |
| 8 | Sanford Lake | Midland | MI | NR | 20 ft | 17 |
| 9 | Evans Lake | Lenawee | MI | NR | 42 ft | 19 |
| 10 | Round Lake | Oakland | MI | NR | 15 ft | 37 |
| 11 | Round Lake | Oakland | MI | NR | - | 37 |
| 12 | Clark Lake | Livingston | MI | NR | 40 ft | 20 |
| 13 | Rose Lake | Shiawassee | MI | NR | - | 17 |
| 14 | Round Lake | Shiawassee | MI | NR | - | 37 |
| 15 | Green Lake | Allegan | MI | NR | 60 ft | 20 |
| 16 | Round Lake | Kent | MI | NR | - | 37 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have spotfin shiner?
Spotfin Shiner are found in 16 graded lakes: 16 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with spotfin shiner is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for spotfin shiner?
The best spotfin shiner lakes by water quality are Derby Lake, Murray Lake, Round Lake, Round Lake, Round Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where spotfin shiner have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with spotfin shiner?
Spotfin Shiner are most commonly found alongside bluegill, largemouth bass, spotfin shiner, bluntnose minnow, rock bass. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Spotfin Shiner Lakes
Found together in 16 lakes · 1,550 total
Found together in 16 lakes · 2,489 total
Found together in 15 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 14 lakes · 786 total
Found together in 14 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 13 lakes · 84 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.