All graphics courtesy of Joseph R. Tomelleri and copyrighted.
Prized game fish Atlantic salmon, known for their leaping and fighting ability, were introduced to Michigan waters.
Michigan boasts strong populations of this popular game fish, which tends to be found shallow, weedier bodies of water or reservoirs with standing timber.
Smallmouth bass are a top game fish across the country, and Michigan's Great Lakes and connecting water have excellent smallmouth populations.
One of the most fished for species by new and experienced anglers alike, the bluegill has something to offer everyone—a first catch, delicious dinner or valiant fight.
The brook trout is native to Michigan's waters and has been designated the state fish of Michigan.
Introduced brown trout have become a principal target of anglers in many rivers across the state, ranging from Michigan's best-known trophy waters to small, marginal trout streams.
Hungry scavenger bullheads are fun to catch, but be cautious when handling these sharp, spiny fish.
Found nearly statewide, channel catfish inhabit both lakes and streams, growing to an impressive size that makes them popular with anglers.
Chinook salmon have been stocked successfully in the Great Lakes since 1967, in part to control invasive alewives, and have since become the dominant species in the Great Lakes salmon fishery.
Coho salmon were successfully introduced into the Great Lakes in 1966, becoming a popular sport fish, with many anglers traveling Michigan to enjoy the great coho fishery.
Suckers and common carp are
found statewide in warm-water rivers and inland lakes and the Great Lakes.Often shallow-water cuts and canals, especially those with dark bottoms — which warm faster than the main lake — are among the first places to look for spring crappie.
These battling fish are exciting to catch, delicious to eat and because they feed actively all winter, they provide a fine year-round sport fishery.
White bass are a very mobile species, capable of traveling over 100 miles and have strong spawning site fidelity.
Lake whitefish is a mainstay of the commercial catch in the Great Lakes because of its exceptional flavor, convenient size, and habit of schooling.
Yellow perch have the distinction of being the most frequently caught game fish in Michigan perch travel in schools, generally preferring relatively shallow waters near shore.
