What kinds of fish are in Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, is a vast aquatic ecosystem teeming with a wide variety of fish species. Stretching over 22,400 square miles and reaching depths of more than 900 feet, the lake provides diverse habitats—from shallow nearshore areas to deep, cold waters—that support a complex fish community. Some of these fish are native, while others were introduced to balance the ecosystem, support sport fishing, or combat invasive species. Today, Lake Michigan is a celebrated fishing destination, offering everything from trophy-sized salmon to delicate panfish.

Let’s dive into the kinds of fish that call Lake Michigan home.

1. Salmon Species (Introduced)

Salmon were not native to Lake Michigan but were introduced in the mid-20th century to control invasive alewife populations and to enhance recreational fishing.

Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): Introduced in the 1960s, Chinook salmon have become the most sought-after sport fish on Lake Michigan. They are fast-growing, powerful fish often weighing 10 to 30 pounds, though trophy individuals can exceed 40 pounds.

Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than Chinook, Coho salmon are prized for their fighting spirit and flavorful meat. Coho fishing is especially popular in the spring and early summer.

Atlantic Salmon: Stocked more selectively, Atlantic salmon are rarer but highly prized for their acrobatic fights and exceptional taste.

2. Trout Species

Several trout species thrive in Lake Michigan, some native and others introduced.

Lake Trout (Native): Lake trout are one of the lake’s original apex predators. However, their populations suffered dramatically due to overfishing and invasive sea lampreys. Recovery efforts, including stocking programs and lamprey control, have helped restore lake trout populations.

Brown Trout: Introduced from Europe, brown trout can thrive in both the lake and its tributary streams. They are known for their wariness and strength.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): Steelhead are migratory rainbow trout that spend most of their lives in the lake but migrate into rivers to spawn. They are highly valued by anglers for their acrobatics and beauty.

Brook Trout (Native, but rare in Lake Michigan proper): Brook trout primarily inhabit the cold streams and rivers feeding into the lake rather than the lake itself.

3. Bass Species

Bass fishing is very popular, particularly in the warmer, rocky, or vegetated nearshore areas.

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass thrive in Lake Michigan’s clear, rocky habitats. They are known for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays when hooked.

Largemouth Bass: Less common than smallmouths in the main lake, largemouth bass are more often found in the coastal wetlands, bays, and tributaries.

4. Walleye and Northern Pike

Walleye: While walleye are not as abundant in the open waters of Lake Michigan as in other lakes, they are more common in the southern parts and in tributaries, where they are targeted by local anglers.

Northern Pike: These ambush predators prefer weedy bays and wetlands. They are less prevalent in the open waters but can be found along the coasts and in connected rivers.

5. Perch and Panfish

Yellow Perch: Yellow perch are a traditional favorite for both commercial and recreational fishing. They are abundant along the lake’s shorelines and form an important food source for larger predators.

Bluegill and Sunfish: While more common in inland lakes and rivers, these species can also be found in Lake Michigan’s bays and backwaters.

6. Other Native Species

Whitefish: Lake whitefish are prized for their delicate, flavorful flesh. They are a major target of commercial fisheries and are typically found in deeper, colder parts of the lake.

Burbot: Also known as freshwater cod, burbot are a cold-loving species found in the lake’s deeper areas.

Suckers: Various sucker species inhabit Lake Michigan’s tributaries and nearshore waters. Though not often targeted by anglers, they play an important ecological role.

7. Invasive Species

Alewife: Originally from the Atlantic Ocean, alewives invaded the Great Lakes through shipping canals. Their massive die-offs in the 1950s prompted salmon introductions. Today, alewives remain a crucial food source for salmon and trout.

Round Goby: Introduced accidentally via ballast water from ships, gobies have spread throughout the lake. While invasive, they have also become a key prey item for many native and stocked fish species, especially smallmouth bass and lake trout.

Sea Lamprey: These parasitic fish devastated native fish populations in the 20th century. Extensive control efforts, including chemical treatments in spawning streams, have greatly reduced their numbers.

Conclusion

Lake Michigan’s fish community is a rich tapestry woven from both natural heritage and human influence. Native species like lake trout and whitefish coexist alongside introduced species like Chinook salmon and brown trout, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports a world-class fishery. However, managing this diverse population is a delicate balancing act, as challenges from invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change continue to shape the lake's future.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious nature lover, Lake Michigan’s underwater world offers endless fascination and beauty—just another reason this Great Lake holds such a special place in the heart of the Midwest.