Michigan Hikers Help Save 27 Threatened Lake Sturgeon

Imagine hiking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and finding three prehistoric-looking fish having a very bad day.

RELATED: Michigan’s Lake Sturgeon May Be 300 Years Old

On August 23, 2026, North Country Trail hikers spotted three lake sturgeon stranded in isolated pools of the West Branch Ontonagon River below Victoria Dam. They called the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Report All Poaching hotline. Good call. Literally.

Michigan's Lake Sturgeon Rescue Kept Growing

27 lake sturgeon were rescued thanks to the DNR and hikers who spotted the stranded giants in a section of the Ontonagon River. — Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

DNR technicians Kyle Urban and Jack Cole found only two fish and carried them nearly a mile over rough ground to flowing water. Returning with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Upper Peninsula Power Company, crews discovered more sturgeon in a cloudy pool. 10 more got a ride to safety.

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With fish still stuck, the power company released water from the dam to improve conditions while crews planned another trip. More hands and equipment helped rescuers move 15 more sturgeon until none remained in the low-water channel.

Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

That's 27 lake sturgeon rescued, including one measuring an impressive 55 inches. DNR photos show the fish being carried in hiking bags while rescuers kept their gills submerged in fresh water. I doubt anyone packed for that kind of day hike.

Why Saving 27 Lake Sturgeon Matters in Michigan

Lake sturgeon have been listed as threatened in Michigan since 1994, and the Ontonagon River has been stocked with them since 1998. Victoria Dam diverts water for power generation before it rejoins the river downstream, leaving this section low or dry at times. The DNR is now reviewing conditions to prevent another stranding.

RELATED: 6-Foot Sturgeon Dumped on Michigan Road Like Roadkill

The hikers went out for a walk. As a result, 27 fish got another shot at life. That's a pretty decent return on a phone call.

Michigan's 58 Fishing Records: Species, Weight, Length, and Date

While fishing is considered a leisure sport, it can be incredibly competitive. From fishing tournaments to combo rod dock fishing, it's a sport that doesn't have age requirements to set records. All you need is a means to fish and measure your catch. According to LandBigFish.com, here's a look at the 58 fishing records set in Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Out of State Fishing License Revenue By State

Captain Experiences researched U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2024 data to rank fishing destinations by non-resident license sales in 2022, factoring revenue in for ties. For complete methodology, see the link in the #1 entry. Now let's countdown to the State that generates the most dollars from out-of-state fishing licenses.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Source: 27 Lake Sturgeon Rescued From Michigan’s Ontonagon River

Filed Under: Upper Peninsula, michigan department of natural resources