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Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon in Michigan are not native to the Great Lakes, having been extirpated before 1900, but were successfully reintroduced starting in 1972 when Michigan stocked around 20,000 young fish in the Boyne and Au Sable rivers.

These prized game fish are known for their exceptional leaping and fighting ability, making them one of the most sought-after species globally.

Scientific Name: Salmo salar

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults average 5-12 pounds, with some reaching up to 15 pounds, and feature distinctive silver bodies with x-shaped dark spots and slightly forked tails.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Great Lakes system in Michigan waters, maintained through stocking programs.

Key Locations

  • St.
  • Mary's River (premier destination), Torch Lake (Antrim County), Lexington Harbor, Thunder Bay River, Au Sable River, Lake Huron, St.
  • Clair River near Port Huron, Lake Michigan.

Specific Spots

  • Fast-flowing rapids, tributary mouths, gravel-bottomed riffles for spawning, upper warmer lake layers near shore in spring, deeper cooler water in summer, near river mouths in fall.

Atlantic Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Atlantic Salmon in Michigan?

Soft-plastic jerk baits, spoons or spinners designed for the species' preference for subtle action.

When is the best time to fish for Atlantic Salmon in Michigan?

Prime season runs from late spring through early summer (May-June), with excellent fall fishing from October through December. Spring fishing focuses on the upper, warmer layers near shore, while summer requires deeper presentations as fish retreat to cooler depths.

How do you catch Atlantic Salmon in Michigan?

Trolling using downriggers, drifting in the current below rapids, casting streamers or soft-plastic jerk baits, fly fishing in fast-flowing rapids, fishing at tributary mouths as salmon prepare for spawning.

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Michigan licenses and regulations

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