The effort to reintroduce Arctic grayling to Michigan waters will enter its next phase with a ceremony Monday, May 12, at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Alanson, Michigan.
At this event, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will deliver approximately 400,000 Arctic grayling eggs to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. These partners will reintroduce the eggs into the North Branch of the Manistee River, the Maple River, and the Boardman-Ottaway River.
What are Arctic grayling?
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) are freshwater fish in the salmon family, known for their distinctive, sail-like dorsal fins and iridescent markings. Native to coldwater streams in the northern U.S. and Canada, grayling were once common in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula but were extirpated by 1936 due to habitat destruction, overharvesting, and competition from non-native species.
Why are Arctic grayling being reintroduced?
The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative (MAGI), launched in 2016 by the DNR in partnership with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, aims to reintroduce grayling to Michigan’s historical range. This effort involves over 50 partners working to establish self-sustaining populations. Recent advances in technology and methods, such as streamside incubators to help fry imprint on local waters, increase the chances of success.
While the initial stocking of surplus grayling in Michigan lakes in November 2023 was a key step, the true goal is to establish a wild, self-sustaining population. This egg distribution marks the beginning of the reintroduction phase, with ongoing monitoring of fry development and movement through the river systems.
For more details, visit the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative at migrayling.org or plan your visit to the Oden State Fish Hatchery at Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.
References
Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (2025, January 24). Arctic grayling reintroduction begins with May 12 ceremony. Michigan.gov. Retrieved from https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/releases/2025/01/24/arctic-grayling-reintroduction-begins-with-may-12-ceremony.