The Department of Natural Resources will offer free tours to the public and school groups this fall at the Boardman River Weir (in downtown Traverse City), the Little Manistee River Weir (in Manistee County) and the Platte River Weir (in Benzie County). Tours are available throughout September and October.
Weirs are dam-like structures that block upstream fish passage on a river. A weir is used on the Boardman River each fall by the DNR to harvest Chinook and coho salmon that would otherwise create significant river congestion between Union and Sabin dams. One is used on the Little Manistee River at the same time to harvest Chinook salmon to support the DNR’s fish production efforts.
Tours are being offered this fall at the Boardman River, Little Manistee River and Platte River weirs by staff from the DNR’s Fisheries Division, Carl T. Johnson Hunt and Fish Center and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Students and visitors will learn all about salmon, how weirs and fish ladders work, invasive species, state fish hatcheries, and the DNR’s annual egg-collection efforts and their impact on Michigan’s fisheries. The programs tie in components of history, ecology, biology and stewardship.
Tours at the Boardman River Weir began Sept. 8 and will run through mid-October. Tours will be offered at various times on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Group tours are available by appointment. Platte River Weir tours will run during the egg-take season, slated for Oct. 15-17 and 20-22. Teachers interested in touring the Boardman River or Platte River weirs should contact Edward Shaw at 231-779-1321 or shawe@michigan.gov to schedule a school group tour. Public tours will also be offered on Saturdays and Sundays while the weir is in place. To check tour dates and times, or for more information, visit www.michigan.gov/huntfishcenter.
Tours will tentatively be offered at the Little Manistee River Weir Oct. 6-9. Those interested in participating should contact Shana Ramsey at 269-668-2876 or ramseys2@michigan.gov to schedule a school group tour. Public tours are also offered each day of the egg-take effort. To check the status of activity, call the weir hotline at 231-775-9727, ext. 6072.
Please note, all tour dates are subject to change based on fish movement.
