Fishing for Salmon in Lake Michigan
There are several different types of salmon stocked in Lake Michigan by the states surrounding the lake. In the past few years, there has also been significant natural reproduction of the salmon occurring in several rivers and streams that flow into Lake Michigan. Fishing for salmon in Lake Michigan can be done from spring to fall.
Chinook or King Salmon
Chinook or King Salmon, originally from the Pacific Ocean, have been stocked in Lake Michigan for the past 30 years. There is now significant natural reproduction occurring in several streams and tributary rivers. The Chinook generally spawn during the months of September thru October in Lake Michigan. Fishing for Chinook from shore and in the tributary streams and rivers generally take place in the fall from late August thru October. Fishing for Chinook by trolling from a boat generally takes place from May thru October.
Coho or Silver Salmon
Coho or Silver Salmon, originally from the Pacific Ocean, have been stocked in Lake Michigan for the past 40 years. There is also natural reproduction occurring in several streams and tributary rivers. The Coho generally spawn during the month of October in Lake Michigan. During the winter months large schools of Coho migrate to the southern tip of Lake Michigan following large schools of bait fish. As spring starts to warm the lake water, the schools of bait fish and Coho migrate north along the shoreline till warm water temperatures in June force the bait and Coho to disperse to the cooler deep water in the lake. During the spring migration, Coho can be caught casting lures from shore. Fishing for spawning Coho from shore and in the tributary streams and rivers takes place in the fall from September thru October. Fishing for Coho by trolling from a boat generally takes place from February (in the southern tip of the lake) thru October.
Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon, originally from the Pacific Ocean, have never been officially stocked in Lake Michigan. In the 1950's, Pink salmon were introduced into Lake Superior. The Pink salmon have established spawning colonies in numerous tributaries and the St Mary's River which connects Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are at the same level above sea level and are connected. The Pink salmon spawn during odd numbered years in northern streams and rivers. Occasionally, Pink Salmon migrate into Lake Michigan. These fish are generally mistaken for juvenile Chinook by fishermen.
