The Iconic Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon: A Captivating Conservation Story

The Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon is a remarkable species that has captured the hearts and minds of anglers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike. This ancient fish, with its distinctive armored plates and long, slender body, has been a part of the region’s ecosystem for centuries, and its preservation is a testament to the dedication of the local community.

Fishing Season: Balancing Harvest and Conservation

The fishing season for the Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon is a delicate balance between providing recreational opportunities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the population. In a normal season, anglers are allowed to harvest one lake sturgeon, and the season typically closes when the quota of six sturgeon is reached. However, in 2024, the season was canceled due to marginal ice conditions and concerns about excessive harvest and safety issues.

Conservation Efforts: Restoring a Threatened Species

The conservation of the Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon is a collaborative effort between various organizations and agencies. The Sturgeon for Tomorrow, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the future of this iconic species, with a mission to assist fisheries managers in rehabilitation, advance education, and engage in scientific research. Thanks to these efforts, the population has increased in the past 20 years due to lake sturgeon rearing and stocking efforts, research, and protection of spawning adults.

Regulations: Balancing Harvest and Protection

The regulations governing the harvest of the Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon are designed to strike a balance between providing recreational opportunities and protecting the species. Anglers are allowed to harvest one lake sturgeon per season, and the minimum size limit for harvested fish was previously set at 36 inches. However, this limit was removed to help reduce the harvest of mature females, which are crucial for the species’ long-term survival.

Events and Activities: Celebrating the Sturgeon

The Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree is an annual event that celebrates the iconic lake sturgeon. This event features a variety of activities, including a poker run, ice fishing contest, and raffle. Proceeds from the event support lake sturgeon recovery, protection, hatchery, research, habitat conservation, and outreach programs.

Tribal Conservation Efforts: A Collaborative Approach

The conservation of the Black Lake Michigan Sturgeon is a collaborative effort that involves the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and several entities, including tribal organizations. These groups have been working together to rehabilitate lake sturgeon populations in Michigan, recognizing the cultural and ecological significance of this species.

Ice Conditions: A Constant Concern

The ice thickness on Black Lake has been a constant concern, with warnings from the Black Lake chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow and the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department advising anglers to stay off the ice due to thin conditions. This issue highlights the importance of monitoring environmental factors and prioritizing the safety of both the sturgeon and the anglers.

Historical Decline and Management Plan

The lake sturgeon populations in Black Lake, Michigan, have faced significant declines since the 1800s due to habitat loss, degradation, and overfishing. In response, a management plan for lake sturgeon in Black Lake was established in 2016, with the aim of rehabilitating the population through various conservation efforts.

Get Involved: Contact Information

For more information on the Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree and other activities related to the conservation of this iconic species, you can contact Jay Woiderski at 231-420-1237 from the Sturgeon For Tomorrow organization.