Catch a Sturgeon?

With over 7,000 sturgeon swimming around the Saginaw River system, the odds of catching one while fishing are increasing. Be part of the effort to help monitor the restoration effort by logging any catch!

Anglers should not target Lake Sturgeon for fishing in the Saginaw River system or Bay. Still, sturgeon are commonly caught while ice fishing for walleye in the Saginaw River, its connected tributaries, and the Bay. If fishing other waters, consult the MI DNR Fishing Guide as regulations vary across the state.

Lake Sturgeon are resilient fish, provided they are not out of the water for a prolonged amount of time. Freezing air temperatures can quickly freeze sensitive fish gills and impact their health. If you catch one while fishing for other species, return the sturgeon quickly to the water.

Sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth. Remove the hook with needle-nose pliers. If the fish is hooked deep, near the gills, or is bleeding profusely, cut the line and leader and release the fish with the hook left in. This hook will drop out eventually. While handling the fish, keep fingers away from gills, out of the gill plates, or eyes. Do not squeeze or hug fish, and avoid placing the fish on dirt or ice.