We fish for numerous species of fish from Saugatuck, one of those is the native fish, Lake Trout, that for many years was experiencing declining numbers. In a very positive part of Lake Michigan news, this trend has been going in a positive direction over the past years.

It is always exciting to see native fish succeeding in our lakes and the opportunity to fish for them is something we are excited to see our customers experience. So, we wanted to share with you a recent communication from a recent Michigan DNR release:

Each year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources assesses lake trout populations in lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, using a fleet of specially designed Great Lakes research vessels to determine trends in their populations and their status toward being self-sustaining. The results of the 2015 surveys and outlook for 2016 for each lake are as follows:

Lake Michigan

During the 2015 field season, lake trout were sampled in northern and eastern Lake Michigan from May to June, with more than 1,500 fish collected. Overall, survey catch rates were lowest in northern Lake Michigan and higher in Grand Traverse Bay and the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Lake Trout catch rates have been increasing from Arcadia to Naubinway and were above the 10-year average in 2015. Survey catch rates were lower than the 10-year average in southeastern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. A broader range of ages and sizes is being seen in northeastern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.

Numbers of deposited lake trout eggs remain low but were higher in 2015 compared to the previous two years and there is evidence of natural recruitment in Lake Michigan. Because of reductions in Chinook salmon populations and stable to expanding lake trout populations, the DNR expects to see higher recreational catch rates of lake trout that should include larger fish in 2016.

When you come fish with us this summer, we look forward to sharing with you some of these native fish!