A nearly 6-foot lake sturgeon was found dead in the middle of a road in Muskegon County, where there is no legal lake sturgeon fishing water, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The 71-inch fish was dumped on Durham Road in Whitehall south of White River access sometime between midnight and 5:30 a.m. on Friday July 17, according to a news release from the DNR. The fish was likely taken from the White River, according to the DNR.
Damage to the fish’s left gill plate indicates it may have been snagged, according to the DNR. Snagging is “taking or attempting to take a fish in a manner or methods where the fish does not take, or have the chance to take, the hook voluntarily in its mouth,” per the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations. It can include fishing with manipulated hooks and piercing the fish in a body part other than its mouth. It is illegal to snag or possess a snagged fish in Michigan.
About lake sturgeon
Lake sturgeon are the only sturgeon species found in Michigan and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, according to the DNR. They were listed as a threatened species in Michigan in 1994, and restoration efforts are ongoing.
The fish live long lives, with some lake sturgeon documented at over 100 years old, according to the DNR. A six-foot-long fish would likely have had a long life. Sturgeon can take up to 25 years to mature and reproduce. “Protection of mature fish is critical to rehabilitate the species,” according to the DNR.
What are the regulations for fishing lake sturgeon?
Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to one fish per angler per year from April 1 through March 31, according to the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations.
Anglers are required to register catching a lake sturgeon within 24 hours and must report it to Michigan.gov/registerfish, on the DNR Hunt Fish App, by calling 888-636-7778 or in-person at a DNR customer service center during business hours with advanced notice.
Hook and line fishing for lake sturgeon is allowed in the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Otsego Lake, Menominee River, Black Lake, St. Marys River, Portage and Torch Lakes and Ontonagon River. There are strict regulations requiring fish be released immediately in some places or be under a specific size to keep. Each body of water has a different fishing season. The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations outline the specific lake sturgeon regulations on page 15.
Black Lake in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties is the only place spearing for sturgeon is allowed, but only during special winter seasons with preregistration, according to the regulations.
Violating fishing regulations can cause fines, jail time and revocation of fishing licenses in Michigan. There can be a fine of $1,500 for each sturgeon illegally taken or possessed. A first offense of snagging can lead to up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 penalty. For specific fish, there are additional fees by weight.
Anyone with information about the fish found in Whitehall can contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800. Tipsters who provide information leading to arrest and prosecution may be eligible for a cash reward, according to the DNR.
Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Near 6-foot lake sturgeon found dead in Muskegon County road, DNR says
Reporting by Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Natalie Davies, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
