Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Fish

The waters of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are relatively sterile and unproductive in terms of sustaining large biomasses of fish and associated communities. They do support populations of cool water game fish and trout, and can supply a limited amount of fish for angler consumption. Major cool water game species include smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieui ), northern pike ( Esox lucius ), walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum ), yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ), and non-native smelt ( Osmerus mordax ). Typical trout species found in the lakeshore are brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ), lake trout ( Salvelinus namycush ), and non-native rainbow trout or "steelhead" ( Salmo gairdneri ).

Other species found in lakeshore waters include white sucker ( Catostomus commersoni ), a variety of minnows, darters, sculpin and dace, and sun fish. A total of 26 species are present in lakeshore waters.

Grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ) were re-introduced in Section 34 Creek and Spray Creek in the 1980"s. Follow-up monitoring did not find any survivors.

In 1997 coaster brook trout, a variety of brook trout that spends much of its life cycle in Lake Superior, was experimentally re-introduced in the Mosquito and Hurricane Rivers. It is intended that this experimental release will result in complete restoration in suitable national lakeshore streams, in concert with a Lake Superior- wide restoration program.

Prior to the establishment of the national lakeshore, many species were stocked into (including non-natives) and removed from waters of the area by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The NPS is now seeking to manage for a more natural fishery. By 1998 only Beaver Lake (walleye) and Grand Sable Lake (lake trout) are still being stocked. The management goal is to stock only to establish naturally reproducing populations.