Tadpole madtom Lakes in Michigan
Found in 20 Michigan lakes
Tadpole madtom 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. Tadpole madtom 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 Tadpole madtom lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Tadpole madtom documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Tadpole madtom Lakes in Michigan
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round Lake | Benzie | A | 15 ft | - |
| 2 | Round Lake | Benzie | A | 15 ft | - |
| 3 | Farewell Lake West Basin; Hanover Township | Jackson | A | 11.8 ft | - |
| 4 | Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows | Mason | A | 13.5 ft | - |
| 5 | Round Lake Central Basin | Lenawee | A | 12 ft | - |
| 6 | Farewell Lake | Jackson | B | 11.5 ft | - |
| 7 | Clark Lake | Livingston | B | 12 ft | - |
| 8 | Lake of the Woods | Branch | B | 10 ft | - |
| 9 | Round Lake | Oakland | B | 10 ft | - |
| 10 | Muskegon Lake | Muskegon | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 11 | Devils Lake | Lenawee | B | 10.8 ft | - |
| 12 | Round Lake | Lenawee | B | 12.5 ft | - |
| 13 | Big Star Lake Central Basin; Lake Township | Lake | B | 8 ft | - |
| 14 | Shavehead Lake East Basin; Porter Township | Cass | C | 7 ft | - |
| 15 | Shavehead Lake | Cass | C | 7 ft | - |
| 16 | Cedar Lake | Alcona | C | 8 ft | - |
| 17 | Round Lake | Mecosta | C | 8.5 ft | - |
| 18 | Round Lake | Kent | C | 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 tadpole madtom?
Tadpole madtom are found in 20 lakes in Michigan. The average water quality grade of these lakes is B (Good).
What are the best tadpole madtom lakes in Michigan?
The best tadpole madtom lakes in Michigan by water quality are Round Lake, Round Lake, Farewell Lake West Basin; Hanover Township, Lower Hamlin Lake North Central Basin South of the Narrows, Round Lake Central Basin.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.