Vertical distribution of larval fish in pelagic waters of southwest Lake Michigan: Implications for growth, survival, and dispersal

► We examined the vertical distribution of larval fish in pelagic Lake Michigan. ► Five species collected: alewife, bloater, burbot, deepwater sculpin, and yellow perch. ► Alewife and yellow perch were found in shallow waters with high temperatures. ► Bloater and burbot were more evenly distributed throughout the water column. ► Abiotic factors, largely temperature, shape the vertical distribution of fish larvae.