The Salmon Population of Lake Michigan
In the great lake state, many fishermen search for the majestic and sought-after salmon, an angler’s dream in the mighty Lake Michigan. Winding through the crystal clear waters of the lake, these behemoths make every fisherman’s dreams come true. Boasting of a vast array of other interesting species and a pristine habitat, Lake Michigan is a renowned destination for avid anglers. Salmon are the big draw but catching them may not be so easy. As the state of Lake Michigan’s salmon population continues to fluctuate, anglers question whether the prized fish are biting.
In the past, Lake Michigan was overflowing with a variety of fantastic catches such as Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead salmon, as well as other desirable species of fish. Unfortunately, as of recently, many of the main species of salmon that used to exclusively inhabit Lake Michigan are no longer to be found in the waters that used to be their home. Scientists are uncertain as to why this shift is occurring.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has stated that the salmon fishing season on Lake Michigan will open with the same regulations as the previous year, with the daily bag limit set to 2 salmon per person. For years, this has been the law, and many argue that this law should be amended in order to allow more anglers to have a chance. Nevertheless, some biologists and experts have come to the conclusion that the currently existing law is the most protective for the existing salmon population.
Research by Michigan State University demonstrates that many of the salmon in Lake Michigan today are stocked each spring and fall, thus allowing anglers to target the pre-spawning salmon that head to the top of the lake each fall. It is believed that the ever-changing climate, as well as fewer stocking efforts, are major contributors to the decrease in the type and size of the salmon in Lake Michigan. Adding to the challenge of finding the salmon are the exciting array of predators that Lake Michigan is home to. In the warm summer months muskellunge, walleye, and smallmouth bass can make it difficult for anglers to spot and catch the salmon.
All in all, Lake Michigan is a magnificent fishery, boasting of gamefish and panfish of all species. The forecast for the 2021 salmon season remains unclear, but with the mysteries of the Great Lakes afoot, one thing remains for certain— Lake Michigan is a portal of discovery for the devout angler.
Environmental Factors of Lake Michigan
Many of the environmental factors of Lake Michigan that affect the salmon fishing season are out of the hands of anglers. A prime example of this is the water temperature. Over the past decade, the average water temperature of Lake Michigan has risen, causing fish to migrate earlier or further into the lake. This change has led to a decrease in the salmon population as they seek greener pastures, or warmer, deeper waters.
In addition to the water temperature, the number of salmon in Lake Michigan is greatly affected by the presence of invasive species. Invasive species, such as Asian Carp, Sea Lamprey, and Zebra Mussels, can greatly influence the health of the lake’s ecosystem. This occurs as they consume or displace the native fish, making it difficult for the salmon to locate their food sources, like small baitfish, or lay eggs. As these undesirable species spread through the lake, they continue to dominate the food chain, thus reducing the number of salmon and other desirable species.
The presence of pollutants in Lake Michigan is also detrimental to the survival of the salmon. Research has indicated that the number and size of salmon, as well as the quality of their habitat, are affected by the pollutants. Whether through discharge, run-off, or industrial waste, pollutants have the most severe impact on salmon and other fish in the lake. Furthermore, human activity, such as fishing, tourism, and urban development can further disturb the lake’s ecological balance, as it reduces the amount of available natural space.
Conservationists stress the importance of being mindful of the conditions of the lake, whether recreational or industrial, in order to protect the salmon population. For years, they have warned that the Lake Michigan salmon fishery is in a precarious state, with the potential to dimininish if urgent steps are not taken to protect and improve their habitate.
Can Salmon be Caught in Lake Michigan?
As much of the salmon fishing season relies on luck, there’s no surefire way to guarantee a catch. That being said, it is possible to improve chances of bringing home a salmon from Lake Michigan. To do so, anglers must first determine the most beneficial locations. Typically, the greatest concentration of salmon occur in the northern and eastern arms of Lake Michigan. Since these fish swim in depths up to 260 feet, fishermen should generally use a boat when pursuing the fish.
Second, lures and techniques should be selected with the most effective outcome in mind. When salmon are stocked, they are not immediately ready to bite; instead, they’ll hide in the depths of the lake and go into a state of slow-moving hibernation. Therefore, it is imperative that anglers select larger, more resilient lures like spoons, plugs, and jigs, with which to entice the fish into taking a bite. Additionally, many professionals suggest using a trolling technique, which will allow different lures to cover a larger expanse of water while searching for salmon.
Once you’ve hooked the fish, however, diligent reel-work is essential in order to bring the salmon to shore. As these creatures are adept swimmers and run fast, anglers must be patient and should reel in slowly and in short bursts, in order to exhaust the fish before hauling it in for a catch. Once the fish is at the water’s edge, its liveliness will depend on how it was reeled in, so reducing stress on the fish should be a priority.
Managing Fishing Pressure
Managing the pressure placed on the salmon population of Lake Michigan is paramount to its survival. To do this, some state departments employ a Salmon Management Plan (SMP). An SMP is a dynamic, adaptive plan in which fishing pressure, catch limits, and regulations are adjusted in accordance with salmon resources. Furthermore, the SMP looks holistically at other factors that contribute to the salmon population, such as water temperature, invasive species, and biodiversity. The SMP thus serves as an important regulating and tracking tool for both the conservationists and anglers alike.
Thankfully, the salmon population in Lake Michigan is not in an irreversible state. As it is still relatively plentiful, the solutions to the problem are inherent. The state government, ensured by the SMP, should be empowered with the privilege of regulating and managing the lake’s salmon population. Their oversight should focus on both the long and short-term ramifications of the decreasing salmon resources. Additionally, the SMP will serve to assess the most ethical and economically viable population solutions.
More tangibly, anglers can also contribute to the preservation of the salmon population by engaging in responsible fishing practices. Whether employed by fishermen or conservationists, these practices involve limiting the number of fish one catches, refraining from using bottom trawls and stakes, and properly disposing of garbage and debris. Responsible fishing and salmon management will ensure the continued health of the lake’s multicultural population, and thus provide access to the much-adored salmon for years to come.
Educate Yourself on Best Practices
Smart and ethical fishing practices must be employed in order to preserve and protect the ever-declining salmon population of Lake Michigan. The decision on whether to fish in the lake ultimately rests on the angler, and for those that do choose to angle, being fully informed about the best practices is essential. Before heading out to fish, you need to make sure that you are familiar with the regulations, laws and size limits of the salmon.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Natural Resources both website provide an extensive list of regulations and suggestions regarding salmon fishing. In addition to limits and bag restrictions, the sites outline rules for the use of hooks, nets, tackle, catch-and-release, bait, and fish poisons. With an in-depth understanding of legal regulations and proper handling of the salmon, anglers will be fully equipped to make the most of their time on the lake.
However, anglers may want to consider other options as well. Alabama, Alaska, and Washington are all areas abundant with salmon, and are much closer in proximity, making a closer-to-home fishing getaway feasible if desired. Apart from fishing, the areas and their attractions open up the opportunity to experience different sceneries and cultures, as well as learn about other lifestyles. Ultimately, the choice of which lake to fish in and how to do so is up to the angler, and their decision should be well-informed and cautious.
Stay Informed
In order to remain up-to-date with the most recent news regarding the salmon population of Lake Michigan, anglers should follow the most reliable sources for information. Weather reports and fishing forums can provide valuable insight and tips on where to find salmon, as well as what techniques to use. Social media platforms and online group chats can also provide a wealth of knowledge that can be used when angling. Furthermore, anglers should keep track of what the national and state departments of natural resources have to say, as their insurance and fishing guidelines are the most reliable and up-to-date.
By staying informed, fishermen can understand and abide by the regulations and laws of the state, and become better educated on the best practices of angling. In addition, anglers should make sure that they are aware of the difficulties involved in locating and catching the salmon, as well as the potential risks that come along with it. In other words, they must take into account the potential hazards of the activity, such as hypothermia, exhaustion, and drowning.
Moreover, anglers should be aware of their personal limits and understand the conditions of the lake before going out to fish. While living for the thrill of the catch is part of angling’s culture, safety should always come first. Experiencing the beauty of the lake and its aquatic wildlife is a wonderful privilege, but to derive the best outcomes from it, anglers should remain informed and be sure to practice ethical and responsible fishing guidelines.
