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June 08, 2026
This month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and fish pathologists from Michigan State University will make an expedition aboard the RV Lake Char to Superior Maximus, the deepest point of Lake Superior. The reason for this research vessel's foray to the deep? To investigate the emaciated siscowet lake trout found in this Great Lake.
These fish, nicknamed “zombies” because of their thin and undernourished bodies, have increased in number in deep waters, sparking concern and interest from the public and scientists alike.
Lake trout in this zombie-like condition were discovered by a DNR fisheries research team during recent Lake Superior deepwater surveys of siscowet lake trout. During the upcoming research expedition, the crew plans to investigate — and, they hope, rule out — the possibility of a fish pathogen causing the highly emaciated appearance of these lake trout. They also plan to collect more of these fish for thorough testing.
Unlike the zombies of movies and television, “zombie” fish aren’t thought to have a contagious disease that they are spreading by biting other fish. Rather, their condition is believed to be a natural ecological phenomenon due to a lack of food in the deep waters in which they live. These extreme waters are prone to ecosystem shifts such as low food availability.
This phenomenon was observed only in the deepest parts of Lake Superior in Michigan inhabited by few species due to very low productivity and extreme conditions. The top predator out there, the siscowet lake trout, is a deepwater form of lake trout that is adapted to live in areas of the lake with very low food resources. In recent years, DNR researchers have documented an increase in the number of thin, zombie-like siscowet in offshore Michigan waters at the deepest parts of Lake Superior, from 600 feet to around 1,320 feet.
The overall incidence of “zombie” siscowet in deep water has risen from approximately 3% in 2015 to about 20% in 2024 and 2025. At Superior Maximus, 37% (11 fish) of siscowet captured in the 2024 survey were “zombies”; in 2025, 54% (15 fish) of those captured fell into this category.
After the Upper Lakes meeting of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in March, at which DNR fisheries research biologist Shawn Sitar presented these findings, members of the public have expressed concern about the presence and prevalence of “zombie” fish in Lake Superior.
“Some social media content has drifted from the facts,” said Sitar. “I’ve seen posts that said things like 50% of fish in Lake Superior are ‘zombies,’ which is absolutely not the case.”
Researchers are carefully monitoring the populations of siscowet where these “zombie” fish have been found. The expedition to Superior Maximus this summer will help answer important questions about fish health that these fish have raised.
“While this trend is cause for further investigation,” said Sitar, “it’s not cause for alarm.”
Monitoring fish populations and health in Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes is made possible by the DNR’s fleet of research vessels, which are essential for monitoring ecosystem health by surveying fish in the largest bodies of freshwater in North America. Learn more about the DNR’s Great Lakes research at Michigan.gov/FishResearch.
If you missed Sunday's remarkable expedition to Superior Maximus — complete with a remotely operated underwater vehicle equipped with high-resolution cameras — in partnership with Detroit PBS, Great Lakes Now and Inspired Planet Productions, you can still enjoy the footage! Check it out and see what's happening in this hidden underwater world.
Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
June 9 event in Detroit will recognize accomplishments and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund's 50th anniversary in 2026
As the seasonal peak of the world-class Detroit River walleye runs slow, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers share several cases of overlimit fishing to remind anglers of the legal possession limit.
Looking for outdoor fun? Ways to help your favorite places? We've got you covered!
Two Ohio vacationers were rescued from Lake Huron after their kayaks capsized approximately 1 mile offshore of southern Sanilac County and northern St. Clair County Thursday around 10:30 a.m.
A family of five from L’Anse returned safely to shore Tuesday night after their 31-foot sailboat became stuck on rocks in Keweenaw Bay.
Walleye is now the most harvested species in the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes, followed by yellow perch. These findings are part of the 2025 Statewide Angler Survey Program (also known as “creel survey”) estimates recently announced.
Put down those matches. With fire danger levels extreme across the majority of the Upper Peninsula and very high across the northern Lower Peninsula, Wednesday and Thursday are not the days to burn in Michigan.
With the school year wrapping up and warmer temperatures setting in, Michigan’s waters are calling. But before you pack your beach bags and head to a state park, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors of two vital beach safety systems that help keep everyone safe while swimming and soaking up the sun.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend, coming up Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.
