So Long, Sea Lamprey (We Hope)

Aug. 2, 2025

Here’s hoping that another sea lamprey barrier project will help keep these destructive and invasive fish out of northern Michigan waters. At the end of July, construction began on a barrier and trap at the Little Manistee River Weir. The site—which is “Michigan’s primary egg collection site for Chinook salmon and only site for steelhead (rainbow trout) egg take,” per the Michigan Department of Natural Resources—will also have changes for paddlers, who will need to portage around the facility to the south side of the river. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is working with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michigan DNR, expects the project to be completed by spring 2026. The weir will remain open to the public this summer. See more at Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.