Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are investigating a lake sturgeon that was found on Durham Road in Whitehall (Muskegon County), just south of the White River access.
The 71-inch fish was dumped on the road between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Friday, July 17. Damage to the left gill plate of the sturgeon indicates that it may have been snagged. Special regulations exist for lake sturgeon, and fishing for lake sturgeon is prohibited except in a few locations in the state; these do not include the White River, where the fish was most likely taken. Sturgeon captured incidentally while targeting other species must be released immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800. Tipsters who provide information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any individuals may be eligible for a cash reward.
Lake sturgeon are the only sturgeon species found in Michigan and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as well as being an important cultural resource. Due to overfishing and habitat loss and degradation, lake sturgeon were listed as a threatened species in the state in 1994, and restoration efforts are ongoing.
The species is long lived, with some lake sturgeon documented at over 100 years old. A fish 6 feet long, like the sturgeon found in Whitehall, would likely have had a long life. It takes sturgeon up to 25 years to mature and reproduce, so protection of mature fish is critical to rehabilitate the species.
“Lake sturgeon are such an iconic species,” said DNR Conservation Officer Anna Cullen, who patrols Muskegon County. “We hope to give this fish justice to help protect this important species. Maybe there’s someone out there who can help us do that.”
Report illegal harvesting or targeting of lake sturgeon by calling the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline, 800-292-7800. See page 15 of the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations for detailed information on lake sturgeon fishing regulations, including locations open to fishing, season dates and size requirements.
Michigan DNR conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
