Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) are a unique fish species found in Michigan. These fish primarily inhabit large river and lake systems in the Mississippi River, Hudson Bay and Great Lakes basins. An important biological component of the Great Lakes fish community, lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in Michigan and as either threatened or endangered by 19 of the 20 states within their original range in the U.S.
Lake sturgeon, the only sturgeon species common to the Great Lakes basin, are the largest freshwater fish native to that system. Lake sturgeon can be considered a near-shore, warm-water species preferring water temperatures in the range of mid-50 to low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and depths 15 to 30 feet (although sturgeon in the Great Lakes are often found at greater depths). Lake sturgeon are benthivores, which means they feed on small invertebrates such as insect larvae, crayfish, snails, clams and leeches they find along the bottom of lakes and rivers.
Habitat selection varies widely throughout the range and environment lake sturgeon inhabit. Some adults have been found to remain in a small territory during the summer months, while others have been observed long distances from their original capture site one year later. Adult sturgeon are known to intermix in the Great Lakes during non-spawning periods, but habitually return to spawn in the streams where they were born, often migrating long distances up rivers in the spring. After hatching, most young lake sturgeon remain in their natal rivers for the first summer of their lives.
How You Can Help:
Lake sturgeon can serve as an indicator of ecosystem health and biodiversity. Overfishing, pollution of rivers and river damming have all contributed to the decline in lake sturgeon populations. Commercial fishing of lake sturgeon is currently prohibited in Michigan, and sport fishing is closely regulated. Partnerships have been developed throughout Michigan to help protect and restore the lake sturgeon.
Help us share more about this unique fish species and protect its habitat by making a donation to the Nongame Wildlife Fund. Donations, like the proceeds from this patch, support conservation of Michigan’s wildlife resources and their habitats.
Lake sturgeon, the only sturgeon species common to the Great Lakes basin, are the largest freshwater fish native to that system. Lake sturgeon can be considered a near-shore, warm-water species preferring water temperatures in the range of mid-50 to low-70 degrees Fahrenheit and depths 15 to 30 feet (although sturgeon in the Great Lakes are often found at greater depths). Lake sturgeon are benthivores, which means they feed on small invertebrates such as insect larvae, crayfish, snails, clams and leeches they find along the bottom of lakes and rivers.
