Redear Sunfish
Invasive SpeciesFound in 5 lakes
Redear Sunfish appears on state infested-waters lists for 5 surface waters. Boaters and anglers moving gear in or out of those lakes carry a clean-drain-dry obligation under state law. 5 lakes — narrow enough that aggressive containment is still on the table. Most upper-Midwest invasives that established here did so quietly over a decade before anyone noticed, so a low number today is not a guarantee for tomorrow.
The presence of Redear Sunfish does not directly change a lake's LakeGrade rubric score — the grade measures the water itself, not the species inhabiting it. But invasive presence is a meaningful adjacent signal worth reading alongside the grade.
Lakes with Redear Sunfish
| Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Lake Central Basin; Bloomfield Township | Oakland | MI | A | - |
| Square Lake | Oakland | MI | A | - |
| Upper Long Lake Northwest Basin; Bloomfield Township | Oakland | MI | B | - |
| Upper Long Lake | Oakland | MI | C | - |
| Lost Lake | Marshall | IN | D | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have redear sunfish?
Redear Sunfish has been documented in 5 graded lakes: 4 in Michigan, 1 in Indiana.
Does redear sunfish affect water quality?
Invasive species can significantly affect lake ecosystems. They may alter nutrient cycling, displace native species, and change water clarity. Lakes with redear sunfish should be monitored for changes in water quality over time.
Invasives Found With Redear Sunfish
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.