Michigan Studies Muskegon River for Whitefish Spawning

Researchers are investigating if lake whitefish can return to spawning in the Muskegon River to boost dwindling populations.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Fishing

Gouache-painted illustration of an underwater research receiver on a sandy riverbed with aquatic plants, symbolizing environmental monitoring for fish conservation. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is researching whether the Muskegon River can support spawning grounds to help restore dwindling lake whitefish populations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched a new study on the Muskegon River to determine if it can serve as a viable spawning site for lake whitefish. Researchers are utilizing acoustic telemetry tags to track fish movement and monitor their behavior in the river.

Why it matters

Lake whitefish populations have suffered significant declines in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron due to pollution, habitat loss, and invasive quagga mussels. Scientists hope that river environments will provide a more abundant food supply for juvenile whitefish, potentially aiding in the recovery of the species.

Acoustic telemetry tags the size of a AA battery are being attached to the dorsal fins of fish to track them. Receiver stations are currently anchored to the river bottom between the Croton Dam and the river mouth.

The players

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

This state agency is responsible for the management and conservation of Michigan's natural resources and public lands.

The Nature Conservancy

This global environmental organization works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Grand Valley State University

This public university in Michigan conducts extensive academic research and contributes to local ecological studies.

The details

The study is a collaborative effort involving The Nature Conservancy, Grand Valley State University, and several Michigan indigenous tribes. Anglers are asked to support the research by releasing any tagged fish they catch and avoiding interference with the underwater receiver stations.

The 1990s marked the peak of lake whitefish stocks before populations began to decline.
The research effort was reported on October 20, 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader shift toward restorative ecology, focusing on re-establishing historical spawning behaviors to combat environmental degradation. By moving beyond traditional lake-based management, the initiative mirrors global trends in actively repairing damaged aquatic habitats.

Anglers in the area are asked to handle tagged whitefish with care to ensure the success of the ongoing tracking study. Public cooperation in protecting the underwater acoustic receiver stations is essential to maintaining the integrity of the data.

The takeaway

Re-establishing spawning grounds in rivers could provide a critical advantage for juvenile fish by offering better nutrition than currently degraded lake environments. Anglers can contribute to these conservation efforts by reporting tagged catches and respecting marked monitoring zones.