Western Blacknose Dace Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 7 graded lakes across 1 state
Rough fish like Western Blacknose Dace 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. Western Blacknose Dace 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 Western Blacknose Dace lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Western Blacknose Dace documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Western Blacknose Dace Lakes
Best Western Blacknose Dace Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with western blacknose dace ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beaver Lake | Keweenaw | MI | B | - | 16 |
| 2 | Beaver Lake | Alger | MI | B | 39 ft | 14 |
| 3 | Shavehead Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 70 ft | 25 |
| 4 | Shavehead Lake | Cass | MI | NR | 70 ft | 26 |
| 5 | Pickerel Lake | Kalkaska | MI | NR | 72 ft | 29 |
| 6 | Rainbow Pond | Oakland | MI | NR | - | 3 |
| 7 | Bass Lake | Marquette | MI | NR | 78 ft | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have western blacknose dace?
Western Blacknose Dace are found in 7 graded lakes: 7 in Michigan. The average water quality grade of lakes with western blacknose dace is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for western blacknose dace?
The best western blacknose dace lakes by water quality are Beaver Lake, Beaver Lake, Shavehead Lake, Shavehead Lake, Pickerel Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where western blacknose dace have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with western blacknose dace?
Western Blacknose Dace are most commonly found alongside western blacknose dace, bluntnose minnow, johnny darter, yellow perch, rock bass. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Western Blacknose Dace Lakes
Found together in 6 lakes · 160 total
Found together in 6 lakes · 98 total
Found together in 6 lakes · 1,577 total
Found together in 5 lakes · 786 total
Found together in 5 lakes · 66 total
Found together in 4 lakes · 861 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.