As salmon begin making their way up the state's rivers from the Great Lakes, the Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that the use of uncertified salmon eggs for bait is restricted in some waters as part of a strategy to slow the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).

"Generally speaking, if you don't take any spawn out of the watershed it came from and you fish below the first upstream barrier from the lake, you are fine," said DNR Fisheries Biologist Gary Whelan. "But remember, you can't use that roe upstream from the first dam."

Anglers who purchase spawn for bait should look for certified VHS-disinfected spawn as this bait can be used anywhere in the state. Certified VHS-free spawn is widely available.

VHS, a disease that causes fish to die from internal bleeding, has caused mortalities among a number of species of fish in Michigan. The disease has been found in the Michigan waters of Lake Erie and Lake Huron. VHS has been found in Lake Michigan, but not in the Michigan waters. It has not been found in Lake Superior.

"There is no known treatment for VHS," Whelan said. "Our best defense against it is trying to prevent its spread."