The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Eating Fish from Michigan's Lakes & Rivers
Getting Started...
Michigan has over 11,000 lakes, streams, and rivers. Unfortunately, some of those water bodies have been polluted with chemicals including PCBs, dioxins, and mercury. Check out the links below to learn more about eating safe fish.
- Eat Safe Fish packet download
A quick way to save all the information listed below, including the Eat Safe Fish brochure and links to the ESF Guides! - Eat Safe Fish in Michigan brochure
A basic overview...Find out if you're at risk! - Eat Safe Fish Guides
The regional Eat Safe Fish Guides list the fish that have been tested and how much is safe to eat. - Statewide Safe Fish Guidelines
Use the Statewide Guidelines if you can't find a lake or river in the Eat Safe Fish Guides. - 3Cs
Learn easy ways to choose safer fish. - How do chemicals end up in fish?
Learn how chemicals build up in the food chain. - How might these chemicals affect me?
See page 2 of the Frequently Asked Questions page to find out more about the chemicals found in some Michigan fish. - How does MDHHS create the Eat Safe Fish Guide?
Learn how MDHHS tests fish and uses the results to create the Eat Safe Fish Guide. - Learn to Fish!
Learn how to fish from the Michigan DNR.
If you eat fish regularly, use the Eat Safe Fish Guides to find the guidelines for your fish, lake, or river.
Find Your Area
Other Quick Links
- Buy Safe Fish
- Hooked on Fish Cookbook
- FAQs
- Filet a Fish in Four Easy Steps
- Michigan Fish and How to Catch Them
- Eating Fish with VHS (Viral hemorrhagic septicemia)
Looking for more information?
Click here to print or download any of our fish materials.
Or call 1-800-648-6942 to request Eat Safe Fish materials.