Trout-perch Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 7 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Trout-perch are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 7 the United States (49 states), Canada (Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), and 38 other country hubs. LakeQuality covers lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Trout-perch is narrowly distributed — only 7 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 Trout-perch lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Trout-perch documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Trout-perch Lakes
Best Trout-perch Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with trout-perch ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otter Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 30 |
| 2 | Lake Richie | Keweenaw | MI | B | - | 11 |
| 3 | Lower Herring Lake | Benzie | MI | NR | 50 ft | 25 |
| 4 | Otter Lake | Oakland | MI | NR | 70 ft | 30 |
| 5 | Douglas Lake | Cheboygan | MI | NR | 80 ft | 22 |
| 6 | Douglas Lake | Otsego | MI | NR | 36 ft | 22 |
| 7 | Lake Whittlesey | Keweenaw | MI | NR | - | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have trout-perch?
Trout-perch are found in 7 graded lakes: 7 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with trout-perch is A (Excellent).
What are the best lakes for trout-perch?
The best trout-perch lakes by water quality are Otter Lake, Lake Richie, Lower Herring Lake, Otter Lake, Douglas Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where trout-perch have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with trout-perch?
Trout-perch are most commonly found alongside northern pike, spottail shiner, white sucker, yellow perch, blacknose shiner. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Trout-perch Lakes
Found together in 7 lakes · 2,386 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 39 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,211 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 6 lakes · 84 total
Found together in 5 lakes · 1,550 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.