Reel in Michigan's Fisheries, Winter 2019 edition

Share or view as webpage  |  Update preferences

sunrise over frozen lake

Reel in Michigan's Fisheries

Winter 2019

Check out what's going on across Michigan as it relates to the state's world-class fisheries. This winter's stories are below.

Thank you for reading!


DNR fish stocking truck picking up Atlantic salmon at LSSU lab

The success & future of Atlantic salmon rearing in Michigan
It’s not really a secret that Atlantic salmon are becoming a must-target species in Michigan. With that popularity has come efforts to rear and stock more of these fish, supported by an invaluable partnership between the Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Cloverland Electric.

Read the full Atlantic salmon rearing story online!


Close up of a cisco on a wooden measuring board

Cisco, and other fish, in Coldwater Lake
Many folks don’t know there are inland populations of cisco (also known as lake herring) in Michigan – particularly along the southern part of the Lower Peninsula. These fish used to be in several lakes in the area, but due to water quality issues over time their populations were reduced.

Read the full Coldwater Lake story online!

The many surprises of Lake Orion
Located in northeast Oakland County, Lake Orion is a 493-acre lake with a maximum depth of 80 feet. Considered a warmwater lake with coolwater species in it, it’s historically been known to produce good numbers of bluegill and largemouth bass.

This lake is an inline impoundment on Paint Creek (part of the Clinton River watershed) and offers southeast Michigan anglers yet another opportunity to have some fun on the water.

Read the full Lake Orion story online!

Cleyo Harris holding a northern pike caught during Lake Orion survey

MSU’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory is critical to Michigan’s fish rearing efforts
Managing the state’s fish populations takes lots of hard work. One critical task is ensuring the health of both wild and hatchery-reared fish, and for that the DNR turns to Michigan State University’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL).

Read the full AAHL story online!

Example of a fish kill with panfish dead under the water