Most Chinook salmon caught in lakes Michigan and Huron are from wild reproduction, not hatcheries. Wild Chinook salmon production has varied from year to year, occurs mostly in Michigan tributaries, and is trending upward.
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Salmon are not a native fish species to the Great Lakes. There is another non-native fish species that was introduced to these bodies of water that is also an invasive species–sea lamprey. These fish were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes between 1936-1946.
Once adult pacific salmon re-enter fresh water on their way to spawning grounds, they stop eating. This is why it is so important to gather nutrients while in the saltwater. If they are unable to store the energy required to make migration they will not survive long enough to reproduce.
Choices like salmon, mackerel, shrimp, flounder and tuna all provide essential nutrients and can be safe options to eat on a regular basis. Picano does caution that if you're concerned about mercury, opt for canned light tuna—rather than albacore, which may harbor slightly higher levels.
Starting in early May, anglers are concentrating their fishing on Kings and Steelhead. With surface temperatures usually 45-48 degrees, the fish can be found in the top 20 feet of the water column, between the shoreline and 150 feet of water.