Trout-perch Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 9 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Trout-perch are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 9 Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Trout-perch is narrowly distributed — only 9 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 LakeGrade rubric: 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 | Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township | Benzie | MI | A | - | 25 |
| 2 | Douglas Lake | Otsego | MI | A | - | 22 |
| 3 | Otter Lake | Benzie | MI | A | - | 30 |
| 4 | Lake Richie | Keweenaw | MI | B | - | 11 |
| 5 | Otter Lake | Oakland | MI | B | - | 30 |
| 6 | Otter Lake | Benzie | MI | B | - | 30 |
| 7 | Lower Herring Lake | Benzie | MI | B | - | 25 |
| 8 | Douglas Lake | Cheboygan | MI | B | - | 22 |
| 9 | Lake Whittlesey | Keweenaw | MI | B | - | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have trout-perch?
Trout-perch are found in 9 graded lakes: 9 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with trout-perch is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for trout-perch?
The best trout-perch lakes by water quality are Lower Herring Lake East Basin; Blaire Township, Douglas Lake, Otter Lake, Lake Richie, Otter 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, bluegill. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Trout-perch Lakes
Found together in 9 lakes · 2,620 total
Found together in 9 lakes · 43 total
Found together in 9 lakes · 1,275 total
Found together in 9 lakes · 1,769 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 1,692 total
Found together in 7 lakes · 891 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.