STRONACH — Get ready for one of Michigan’s most thrilling fishery events! The annual steelhead egg collection at the Little Manistee River weir in Manistee County is tentatively set to kick off Tuesday, April 15 — and you’re invited to see it all up close.
This is more than just a hatchery operation — it’s a front-row seat to the pulse of Michigan’s world-class steelhead fishery. Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or nature lover, it’s a must-see spring spectacle!
Steelhead are a prized catch for anglers across the Great Lakes region, drawing thousands to both open waters and winding tributary streams. Thanks to this egg collection, millions of yearling steelhead will be raised and released, keeping Michigan and its neighbors stocked with incredible sport fishing opportunities.
Since 1968, the Little Manistee River weir has been the exclusive source of winter-run steelhead eggs for Michigan hatcheries — and the primary supplier for Ohio and Indiana. This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to collect a whopping 4.5 million eggs. Of those, 3.7 million will go to Michigan hatcheries in Thompson and Wolf Lake, while Ohio and Indiana will each receive 400,000.
The magic begins in mid-March, when the DNR drops the weir grates to guide steelhead into holding ponds. As the fish ripen through April, egg-take operations commence — continuing daily until the quota is reached.
Visitors are welcome to witness the action live during collection days: April 15-17, and April 22-23 (weather and fish conditions permitting). Operations run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there’s nothing quite like watching these powerful fish as they help fuel future generations.
Steelhead not ready to spawn are either held in maturation ponds or released upstream to keep the wild run strong. Even the fish that donate eggs are released to continue their journey — many of them destined to return to Lake Michigan and beyond.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the wild heart of Michigan’s fishery system — right from the riverbank!
