Imagine a fishing season so short, it barely lasts an hour—yet it’s hailed as a triumph. That’s exactly what happened in Michigan this year, and it’s a story that’s as fascinating as it is controversial. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this year’s lightning-fast season wasn’t a failure; it was, in the words of Jay Woiderski, president of the Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow, ‘the perfect day.’ Let’s dive into why.
On a crisp Saturday, 679 registered anglers took to the ice of Black Lake in Cheboygan County, armed with spears and high hopes. But only six of them walked away with a catch—and the season ended in just 48 minutes. Sounds underwhelming, right? Wrong. This year’s pace was actually slower than last year’s, when the season limit of six sturgeon was reached in a mere 17 minutes. ‘We had exactly the same six fish we’re supposed to have,’ Woiderski explained. ‘The timing of the reporting was much easier for the DNR to handle.’
And this is the part most people miss: the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) imposes a strict limit of six sturgeon per season to protect these ancient, dinosaur-like fish. Lake sturgeon can grow up to 300 pounds and live for 150 years, though most in the Great Lakes weigh between 30 and 100 pounds. The largest catch this year was a 79.4-pound female, measuring 67.2 inches, according to a Sturgeon for Tomorrow Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1323214456519481&set=pb.100064928160394.-2207520000).
But why such tight restrictions? Sturgeon populations in the Great Lakes are estimated at just 1% of their historic levels. Their decline began during the Gilded Age’s logging era, when loggers sent timber downstream, destroying spawning grounds. Overfishing and dams further isolated these fish from their breeding sites. By 1999, a survey revealed only about 500 adult sturgeon remained in Black Lake. The DNR considered shutting down fishing entirely—until local residents intervened. They formed Sturgeon for Tomorrow, a group dedicated to reviving the species.
One of their most effective strategies? Guarding the Black River during spawning season to thwart poachers. Collaborating with tribal governments, Michigan State University (MSU), and the DNR, the organization has turned the tide. Today, Black Lake is home to roughly 1,200 adult sturgeon—a conservation success story in the making.
Here’s where it gets controversial: In the fall, MSU and DNR fisheries workers discovered a female sturgeon in the Upper Black River that had been raised in a hatchery and released into the wild. She was carrying eggs, proving that hatchery-raised fish are surviving and reproducing. Scott Colborne, MSU assistant fisheries and wildlife professor, called it a ‘great milestone.’ But some argue that relying on hatcheries could undermine natural recovery efforts. What do you think? Is this a step forward or a risky shortcut?
For anglers, participating in the Black Lake sturgeon season comes with strict rules. They must report catches immediately to the DNR, hoist bright red flags on their ice shanties, and register each harvested fish. Yet, despite these measures, the 2024 season was canceled for the first time due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions (https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/02/02/dnr-cancels-black-lake-sturgeon-season-low-ice/72449310007/).
So, is Michigan’s shortest fishing season a conservation victory or a missed opportunity for anglers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: the story of the lake sturgeon is far from over—and it’s one worth watching closely.
