Following recent storm damage at the Little Manistee River Weir (Manistee County), which resulted in a loss of fish, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is evaluating other options to obtain the desired quantity of steelhead eggs for future stocking. The Lower Platte River Weir (Benzie County) is being considered as a potential backup egg source.

The DNR’s steelhead egg collection target for this season is 3.5 million eggs for Michigan’s state fish hatcheries. Once the egg quota for Michigan’s stocking needs has been met, out of state requests will be considered.

To attempt to meet this target, the Lower Platte River Weir has been deployed to secure additional steelhead eggs, should they be required. While the lower weir is in operation, anglers are reminded that the Platte River is closed to fishing within 300 feet of the structure.

Despite the damage to the facilities caused by heavy storms, steelhead egg collection continued this past week at Little Manistee River Weir, and over a million eggs were collected. Additional egg collection efforts at this location are planned for next week.

To check on the status of the egg-collection schedule, call the Little Manistee River Weir hotline at 231-775-9727, then press 8.