Michigan Discontinues Chinook Salmon Stocking in Lake Superior

All that have been caught recently originate from natural reproduction

Officials say that the state of Michigan will no longer stock Chinook salmon in Lake Superior, as the species is now doing well enough on its own.

The Department of Natural Resources says nearly all the Chinooks that anglers catch in Michigan waters originate from natural reproduction, which biologists determined through creel surveys.

Lake Superior basin coordinator, Phil Schneeberg says discontinuing the stocking program will leave money for other things.

Mylan Koski of the Lake Superior Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee says anglers want license dollars spent in ways that promote the greatest good for the lake.

Michigan stopped stocking coho salmon in Lake Superior after 2007 because the population had become self-sustaining. Officials say cohos have done fine since then.