When Do Salmon Run in Michigan? A Seasonal Breakdown
Michigan’s salmon runs are a significant natural event, drawing attention from across the region. This annual migration involves various salmon species moving from the vast waters of the Great Lakes into their freshwater tributaries. It creates a vibrant spectacle each fall, offering unique opportunities for both wildlife enthusiasts and anglers. Understanding the timing of these runs is key to appreciating this remarkable cycle.
Salmon Species and Their Michigan Run Times
The timing of salmon runs in Michigan varies by species and can shift annually due to environmental conditions. Chinook salmon, often called King salmon, initiate their upstream journey in late summer. Their run begins in mid-August, peaking through September and into October. Coho salmon, also known as Silver salmon, typically begin their migration after Chinooks, usually in September. Their runs can extend into November, and some migrating Coho may even be caught as late as Christmas in certain rivers.
Atlantic salmon, while less widespread, have established populations in specific Michigan waterways. Their fall run usually commences in late September, with increasing numbers throughout October and continuing into December. Pink salmon are a smaller species primarily found in Lake Huron tributaries. Their spawning runs typically occur in summer, earlier than other salmon. The largest Pink salmon runs often happen in odd-numbered years.
Beyond salmon, other migratory fish also undertake seasonal runs. Steelhead, a rainbow trout, exhibit multiple runs throughout the year. Summer-run steelhead can be found in rivers starting in June, peaking in July and August, and remaining until March. Fall steelhead enter rivers from mid to late October, with the peak of their run generally occurring in mid-November. Winter steelhead fishing is productive from December through early March, followed by spring steelhead runs from early March through May. Lake-run brown trout become available in rivers from September through the winter months, with some staying until February or March. Larger numbers of brown trout commonly enter rivers in October and early November.
Major Rivers for Salmon Runs
Michigan’s rivers and tributaries provide numerous locations for these migrations. The Manistee River is a key destination for Chinook and Coho salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. The Pere Marquette River offers substantial fall runs of Chinook, Coho, and steelhead. The Grand River, flowing through Grand Rapids, is a notable location where visitors can observe salmon at the Sixth Street Dam, particularly around Labor Day.
The St. Joseph River is recognized for its Coho and Chinook salmon runs, with fish sometimes caught there as late as December. The Platte River hosts Michigan’s largest Coho salmon run. Other significant rivers include the Betsie River, offering Chinook and Coho runs, and the Boardman River, attracting Chinook and Coho in the fall. For Atlantic and Pink salmon, the St. Marys River in the Upper Peninsula and Lake Huron tributaries like the Au Sable River.
Environmental Factors Affecting Run Timing
Environmental factors influence the precise timing and intensity of salmon runs. Water temperature is a factor; salmon prefer cooler temperatures for upstream migration. Warm water can delay entry, while dropping lake temperatures can signal the start of their migration.
Rainfall and water levels also impact runs. Increased rainfall can raise river levels, often triggering earlier and stronger runs. Low water flows or prolonged dry periods can delay salmon movement into rivers. These cues, alongside changes in daylight, contribute to the variability in Michigan’s salmon run timing each year.
The Spawning Journey
The salmon run is an instinctive journey to reproduce. After years maturing in the Great Lakes, adult salmon return to the freshwater streams where they originated. Once in their natal streams, female salmon prepare for spawning by creating shallow depressions in the riverbed, known as redds. Here, they deposit their eggs, which are then fertilized by male salmon.
For Pacific salmon species (Chinook, Coho, and Pink), spawning marks the end of their life cycle; they die shortly after reproducing. Their bodies then contribute nutrients back to the river ecosystem. In contrast, Atlantic salmon and steelhead can survive the spawning process and return to the Great Lakes, potentially undertaking multiple spawning journeys.