Record Lake Trout Caught in Lake Michigan

News Summary

An angler in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, made headlines by catching a remarkable record lake trout measuring 35 inches and weighing 16 pounds. What sets this fish apart is its age of 39 years, marking a significant achievement in fisheries management in Lake Michigan. This catch highlights the success of the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in preserving fish populations.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin – Record Lake Trout Caught in Lake Michigan

In May 2023, an angler in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, made headlines by reeling in a record lake trout measuring 35 inches and weighing 16 pounds. What distinguishes this catch, however, is the fish’s remarkable age of 39 years, marking a significant milestone in fisheries management within Lake Michigan.

The lake trout was tagged as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, initiated in 2010 to enhance fisheries management in the region. This effort allows authorities to monitor the movements and origins of hatchery-raised fish, aiding in the conservation and restoration efforts for various species in the Great Lakes.

Upon examination, a coded wire tag confirmed that the lake trout was born in 1984 at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery. It was subsequently stocked on Sheboygan Reef within the Lake Michigan Southern Refuge on July 12, 1985. This specific lake trout has now become the oldest coded wire tagged lake trout recorded through the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program.

Biologists from USFWS noted that while lake trout are known for their longevity, the majority of tagged fish observed in the program are typically 20 years old or younger. Since the inception of the program, only 39 lake trout aged 30 years or more have been documented. This exceptional fish highlights the success of ongoing fisheries management efforts.

The Iron River National Fish Hatchery, established in Wisconsin in 1979, plays a crucial role in producing fish eggs for the National Broodstock Program and contributes significantly to restoration initiatives in the Great Lakes. The hatchery’s work supports the sustainability of lake trout populations and is part of a broader plan to revive and maintain fish species in the region.

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program is funded by a U.S. Congressional Act, which collaborates with various state and tribal governments to ensure effective management of fish populations. Over the last decade, anglers have reported catching hundreds of thousands of tagged fish in the Great Lakes, underlining the program’s impact on recreational fishing.

Lake trout are known to possess impressive lifespans, with some individuals in Canadian lakes living up to 70 years. The oldest recorded lake trout, for comparison, was 62 years old and was found in Alaska. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recognizes the all-tackle record for lake trout at 72 pounds, caught in Canada’s Northwest Territories in 1995.

The fisheries in the Great Lakes have substantial economic implications, contributing an estimated annual impact of $7 billion to regional economies. Additionally, salmon and trout fishing in the area supports approximately 75,000 jobs, making it a vital component of the local workforce.

To further support sport fishing in the Great Lakes, the ongoing stocking initiatives for the current year include targets of 1.3 million chinook salmon, among other species. These efforts aim to bolster fish populations and enhance the recreational fishing experience for both local and visiting anglers.

As fishing enthusiasts and environmentalists celebrate the incredible age of this lake trout, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices and effective fisheries management in preserving the natural resources of Lake Michigan for future generations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Google Scholar: Great Lakes fisheries management
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• Google News: Great Lakes fishing