Lake sturgeon are one of Michigan's most unique and interesting fish, and you have the chance to see them up close and in person this Labor Day weekend. To learn more about what goes into rearing sturgeon, you're invited to take a free tour at the Black River hatchery Saturday, Sept. 5. Tours will run 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the facility, located northwest of Onaway.
"Visitors will see 3- to 4-month-old lake sturgeon currently in the hatchery and learn about their early life history, as well as how we can all play a role to keep this species healthy in our waters," said Tim Cwalinski, Northern Lake Huron Unit supervisor with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Researchers from the DNR and Michigan State University will be available to talk about lake sturgeon biology, life stages and current research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss restoration work to improve sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming.
About the hatchery
The hatchery is located in Cheboygan County on the Upper Black River adjacent to the Kleber Dam. From M-68, 2 miles west of Onaway, take Black River Road (F-05) north to Twin School Road, then west a little over 3 miles to the hatchery, which is on the north side of the road, just before the dam.
The free hatchery tour day is made possible by the DNR, MSU, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon for Tomorrow.
The streamside rearing facility is an important part of lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in the Cheboygan River watershed. The facility conducts research to increase our understanding of lake sturgeon, thanks to DNR, federal, Great Lakes Fishery Trust and Sturgeon for Tomorrow funds. Research results provide valuable guidance for lake sturgeon recovery efforts, while improving the effectiveness of lake sturgeon culture — such as best practices for feeding and stocking efforts and disease treatment.
Fingerlings release following tours
After hatchery tours conclude Sept. 5, the sturgeon fingerlings — young fish about the size of a finger — reared at the hatchery are scheduled to be released into the Black River and Mullett Lake.
For more information on lake sturgeon and to get involved in rehabilitation efforts, visit SturgeonforTomorrow.org or Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.