Lake Michigan has a lot of fish, but the best-known ones are Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, lake whitefish, and lake sturgeon. It also supports many other species, and some sources note that 68 fish species are found in the lake itself, with over 100 in the broader Lake Michigan system.

Common species

  • Chinook salmon.
  • Coho salmon.
  • Steelhead (rainbow trout).
  • Lake trout.
  • Brown trout.
  • Yellow perch.
  • Smallmouth bass.
  • Walleye.
  • Northern pike.
  • Lake whitefish.
  • Lake sturgeon.

What anglers often target

The “big five” salmonines commonly highlighted around Lake Michigan are Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout. Other popular sport fish include yellow perch, smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.

Extra context

Lake Michigan’s cold, clear water favors trout, salmon, and whitefish, while some open-water prey fish have declined over time. Fisheries around the lake also include native species and introduced species that have changed the food web.

Quick view

Category Examples
Top sport fish Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, lake trout, brown trout
Nearshore / bay fish Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike
Coldwater / native species Lake whitefish, lake sturgeon, cisco, lake trout
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