Cold-plunging into a Michigan lake or river is one of 12 outdoor experiences you can consider in 2026.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Studies show spending time outdoors is associated with good health and well-being, and looking at nature has been linked to stress reduction.
Plus, outdoor activities can just be a lot of fun!
Luckily, in Michigan, we have four seasons to play around in.
Here’s a list of 12 outdoor activities you might want to make time for in the coming year.
—————
Winter
Take part in an outdoor cold plunge
Throughout the winter, a surprising number of people in Michigan swim and plunge into ice-cold lakes and rivers. It’s a practice that came over with Finnish immigrants and spiked during the coronavirus pandemic. While the science behind the benefits is inconclusive, cold plungers often say they’re hooked to the dopamine and endorphin rushes that are part of the experience. If you’re feeling ready to disrobe, find recommendations here.
—————
Attend an ice fishing championship
This year, Lakeview, a village outside Grand Rapids, was named the permanent host site of the USA Ice Fishing National Championship. In February, top anglers from across the country will duke it out there to determine who will go on to compete on an international level. Athletes will fish with tiny palm rods about the size of a spaghetti noodle to see who can pull in the most fish. If the competition is anything like the world championship hosted in Lakeview in February 2025, expect beer, wine and food trucks.
—————
Skate Michigan’s largest ice ribbon
An ice skating ribbon is like an outdoor rink but it’s in the shape of a ribbon-like pathway. Michigan has had one at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park for a while, but a brand-new and even bigger one just opened up in Holland. In addition to a 700-foot skating ribbon, the Holland Ice Park also has an outdoor rink and a curling area.
—————
Spring
Make maple syrup
In Michigan, between late February and early April, you can usually make maple syrup. The key is to do it when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and dip back down at night. If you drill into a maple tree (or birch or beech tree, for that matter) during that window, the sap will flow from the roots or branches out of the hole as temperatures warm. You can then take that sap and boil it into syrup. See a tutorial here.
Explore one of Michigan’s vernal pools
In Michigan, in the spring, an unknown number of puddles form across the landscape. Beneath the surface of those vernal pools, hundreds of creatures breed, live and feed. The Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership offers several opportunities for residents to explore the unique bodies of water and potentially find fun little animals such as fairy shrimp.
Listen to nature
Listening to nature has been shown to reduce anxiety. Well, these days, you can listen to the natural sounds of Michigan in a big way — by using a nature megaphone. You can climb inside those conical structures to tune into the amplified sounds of the outdoors. At least three of them exist in Michigan. There’s one in Afton, one in Houghton and one in Detroit.
—————
Summer
Climb to the top of Copper Peak
Once the largest artificial ski jump in the world, Copper Peak in Ironwood was decommissioned in 1994. There are plans to turn it into “the world’s largest ski jumping hill,” but, while upgrades are underway, visitors can go to the top of the structure for thrills. But get ready! Close to the top, the stairs become see-through and you can see hundreds of feet below as you take the final steps of the climb. It’s not for the faint of heart.
—————
Stay up all night cheering for the Canoe Marathon
The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon runs 120 miles from Grayling to Oscoda. The race starts at 9 p.m. and leaders finish about 14 hours later, around 11 a.m. the next day. The event is billed as the toughest spectator sport in America as fans stay up all night to cheer at various spots along the river. In summer 2025, Bridge Michigan followed along as one superfan showed us how it’s done. In 2026, the race will start on July 25.
—————
Surf the Great Lakes
In Michigan, we may not have the ocean, but Great Lakes waves make it possible to surf here. Because the state’s waves are wind-driven, some of the gnarliest surfing happens in the spring, fall, and even the winter, when ice beards are a badge of honor. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll probably want to first give it a go in the summer, when water temperatures are more pleasant.
—————
Fall
Watch salmon jump up the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula
Salmon may not be from Michigan originally, but many chinook and coho salmon can be found here these days after being introduced to the Great Lakes in the last half of the 20th century. If you head to Ocqueoc Falls in the Lower Peninsula’s Presque Isle County in autumn, when salmon are swimming upstream on a mission to spawn, you just might be lucky enough to spot them attempting to jump the mightiest (and only officially named) Michigan falls outside the Upper Peninsula.
—————
Hike Michigan’s tallest mountain
At 1,979 feet, Mount Arvon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the tallest mountain in the state. While the roads to the summit’s trailhead can be difficult, the actual hike to the top takes a matter of minutes. Once you make it to the peak, you won’t find a view, but you will find a sign and a mailbox with a journal full of entries from past visitors. Take a photo while you’re up top and stop into the Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau on your way out for a certificate marking your achievement.
—————
Go on an elk-viewing expedition
September and October is elk mating season in Michigan, when male elk, known as bulls, go out and about trying to attract mates. Bulls sometimes make an otherworldly call, known as a bugle. Or they might fight rivals antler to antler. You can try to spot some in the wild at one of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ designated elk-viewing fields in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Or pop into Elk View Park in Gaylord to watch the city’s own fenced-in herd.
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Studies show spending time outdoors is associated with good health and well-being, and looking at nature has been linked to stress reduction.
Plus, outdoor activities can just be a lot of fun!
Luckily, in Michigan, we have four seasons to play around in.
Here’s a list of 12 outdoor activities you might want to make time for in the coming year.
—————
Winter
Take part in an outdoor cold plunge
Throughout the winter, a surprising number of people in Michigan swim and plunge into ice-cold lakes and rivers. It’s a practice that came over with Finnish immigrants and spiked during the coronavirus pandemic. While the science behind the benefits is inconclusive, cold plungers often say they’re hooked to the dopamine and endorphin rushes that are part of the experience. If you’re feeling ready to disrobe, find recommendations here.
—————
Attend an ice fishing championship
This year, Lakeview, a village outside Grand Rapids, was named the permanent host site of the USA Ice Fishing National Championship. In February, top anglers from across the country will duke it out there to determine who will go on to compete on an international level. Athletes will fish with tiny palm rods about the size of a spaghetti noodle to see who can pull in the most fish. If the competition is anything like the world championship hosted in Lakeview in February 2025, expect beer, wine and food trucks.
—————
Skate Michigan’s largest ice ribbon
An ice skating ribbon is like an outdoor rink but it’s in the shape of a ribbon-like pathway. Michigan has had one at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park for a while, but a brand-new and even bigger one just opened up in Holland. In addition to a 700-foot skating ribbon, the Holland Ice Park also has an outdoor rink and a curling area.
—————
Spring
Make maple syrup
In Michigan, between late February and early April, you can usually make maple syrup. The key is to do it when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and dip back down at night. If you drill into a maple tree (or birch or beech tree, for that matter) during that window, the sap will flow from the roots or branches out of the hole as temperatures warm. You can then take that sap and boil it into syrup. See a tutorial here.
Explore one of Michigan’s vernal pools
In Michigan, in the spring, an unknown number of puddles form across the landscape. Beneath the surface of those vernal pools, hundreds of creatures breed, live and feed. The Michigan Vernal Pool Partnership offers several opportunities for residents to explore the unique bodies of water and potentially find fun little animals such as fairy shrimp.
Listen to nature
Listening to nature has been shown to reduce anxiety. Well, these days, you can listen to the natural sounds of Michigan in a big way — by using a nature megaphone. You can climb inside those conical structures to tune into the amplified sounds of the outdoors. At least three of them exist in Michigan. There’s one in Afton, one in Houghton and one in Detroit.
—————
Summer
Climb to the top of Copper Peak
Once the largest artificial ski jump in the world, Copper Peak in Ironwood was decommissioned in 1994. There are plans to turn it into “the world’s largest ski jumping hill,” but, while upgrades are underway, visitors can go to the top of the structure for thrills. But get ready! Close to the top, the stairs become see-through and you can see hundreds of feet below as you take the final steps of the climb. It’s not for the faint of heart.
—————
Stay up all night cheering for the Canoe Marathon
The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon runs 120 miles from Grayling to Oscoda. The race starts at 9 p.m. and leaders finish about 14 hours later, around 11 a.m. the next day. The event is billed as the toughest spectator sport in America as fans stay up all night to cheer at various spots along the river. In summer 2025, Bridge Michigan followed along as one superfan showed us how it’s done. In 2026, the race will start on July 25.
—————
Surf the Great Lakes
In Michigan, we may not have the ocean, but Great Lakes waves make it possible to surf here. Because the state’s waves are wind-driven, some of the gnarliest surfing happens in the spring, fall, and even the winter, when ice beards are a badge of honor. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll probably want to first give it a go in the summer, when water temperatures are more pleasant.
—————
Fall
Watch salmon jump up the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula
Salmon may not be from Michigan originally, but many chinook and coho salmon can be found here these days after being introduced to the Great Lakes in the last half of the 20th century. If you head to Ocqueoc Falls in the Lower Peninsula’s Presque Isle County in autumn, when salmon are swimming upstream on a mission to spawn, you just might be lucky enough to spot them attempting to jump the mightiest (and only officially named) Michigan falls outside the Upper Peninsula.
—————
Hike Michigan’s tallest mountain
At 1,979 feet, Mount Arvon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the tallest mountain in the state. While the roads to the summit’s trailhead can be difficult, the actual hike to the top takes a matter of minutes. Once you make it to the peak, you won’t find a view, but you will find a sign and a mailbox with a journal full of entries from past visitors. Take a photo while you’re up top and stop into the Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau on your way out for a certificate marking your achievement.
—————
Go on an elk-viewing expedition
September and October is elk mating season in Michigan, when male elk, known as bulls, go out and about trying to attract mates. Bulls sometimes make an otherworldly call, known as a bugle. Or they might fight rivals antler to antler. You can try to spot some in the wild at one of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ designated elk-viewing fields in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Or pop into Elk View Park in Gaylord to watch the city’s own fenced-in herd.
Planning Out 2026
By Jack Payne
We found a friendly pod of bluegills sitting on a flat, not far from deep water. Deep water is relative. The deep water was 10 feet, and we were in five to six feet. Stumps were standard, but well below the surface.
The bluegill fishing was fast and furious. We were attempting to fish two rods each when a bluegill grabbed one rod, and then a second fish grabbed the bait on rod two. Rod two went over the gunwale, never to be seen again.
We were fishing Fletcher Pond near Alpena. Fletcher Pond covers nearly 9,000 acres, with much of it littered with stumps. This is not a good place to run your boat at high speeds, but a great place if bass and bluegills are up your alley.
Fletcher by far is my favorite bass lake in the state. I enjoy throwing spinnerbaits and buzz-baits, followed by a weightless plastic worm. Other anglers love flipping a jig and pig.
Bluegills are always on the bite. However, some years we can catch a limit in just over an hour and have hardly a fish over seven inches. In other years, it might take three hours to reach the limit, and all the fish are over seven inches.
We land a bunch of pike when chasing down the bass. Most of the pike are hammer-handle-size fish and more of a nuisance. Don't get me wrong, I love pike fishing, but 18-to-22-inch fish really doesn't move my excitement meter.
The best walleye lake in the state is Deer Lake, near Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula. We enjoy 50-fish days on nearly every trip out. Our best day was 108 fish for one boat with two anglers.
Now, here is the disclaimer: this is an 800-plus-acre lake that is catch-and-release only. No live bait allowed and no scented bait. But we still really don't care about catch-and-release. This applies to all species in this lake. There are plenty of good lakes within a 20-minute drive that we fish when we want to keep a few fish for dinner. If you want to learn how to jig fish, come to Deer Lake.
It's a tough call between my favorite vacation all-around fishing lake. Let's say that Lake Mitchell/ Lake Cadillac might be tops, or is it Hamlin Lake at Ludington? Both of these vacation destinations are fantastic. Both are multiple-species lakes.
The draw for me is cabbage weeds - plenty of good cabbage weeds that bass, crappie, pike, walleye, and bluegill love. In addition, I have a fantastic midday technique for walleye and catfish when we fish Hamlin Lake.
Our deep-water technique starts heating up in early July and will last into early October. The best time of day for this super-deep-water technique is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We target depths of 60-80 feet and drift-fish. And yes, we are fishing on or within two feet of the bottom. Bottom bouncers or a three-way rig with sinker weights ranging from three to five ounces are being used.
Sometimes we use a crawler harness; other times, a large floating jig head with a jumbo leech. This is a deadly technique.
I am super-confident that we will catch a mixed bag whenever we fish a lake with a good cabbage patch. The fish will be in the weeds, along the deep edge of the weeds, or suspended within casting distance of the weeds.
Anglers have a choice of techniques. Slip bobbers will land any species. A worm or a cricket will land plenty of bluegill. Very few crappies will turn down a minnow, and a leech will land plenty of bass or walleye.
Casting small jigs for the panfish is my favorite. As a matter of fact, any jig, fly, spider, or petite spinner is right up my alley.
Other favorite spots include Houghton Lake. Houghton Lake has it all. Good weeds, shallow, and plenty of variety of fish. Jig fishermen, don't forget the Detroit River and the St. Clair River. Two of the best walleye rivers in the country.
Last, stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for all of your sporting products.
We found a friendly pod of bluegills sitting on a flat, not far from deep water. Deep water is relative. The deep water was 10 feet, and we were in five to six feet. Stumps were standard, but well below the surface.
The bluegill fishing was fast and furious. We were attempting to fish two rods each when a bluegill grabbed one rod, and then a second fish grabbed the bait on rod two. Rod two went over the gunwale, never to be seen again.
We were fishing Fletcher Pond near Alpena. Fletcher Pond covers nearly 9,000 acres, with much of it littered with stumps. This is not a good place to run your boat at high speeds, but a great place if bass and bluegills are up your alley.
Fletcher by far is my favorite bass lake in the state. I enjoy throwing spinnerbaits and buzz-baits, followed by a weightless plastic worm. Other anglers love flipping a jig and pig.
Bluegills are always on the bite. However, some years we can catch a limit in just over an hour and have hardly a fish over seven inches. In other years, it might take three hours to reach the limit, and all the fish are over seven inches.
We land a bunch of pike when chasing down the bass. Most of the pike are hammer-handle-size fish and more of a nuisance. Don't get me wrong, I love pike fishing, but 18-to-22-inch fish really doesn't move my excitement meter.
The best walleye lake in the state is Deer Lake, near Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula. We enjoy 50-fish days on nearly every trip out. Our best day was 108 fish for one boat with two anglers.
Now, here is the disclaimer: this is an 800-plus-acre lake that is catch-and-release only. No live bait allowed and no scented bait. But we still really don't care about catch-and-release. This applies to all species in this lake. There are plenty of good lakes within a 20-minute drive that we fish when we want to keep a few fish for dinner. If you want to learn how to jig fish, come to Deer Lake.
It's a tough call between my favorite vacation all-around fishing lake. Let's say that Lake Mitchell/ Lake Cadillac might be tops, or is it Hamlin Lake at Ludington? Both of these vacation destinations are fantastic. Both are multiple-species lakes.
The draw for me is cabbage weeds - plenty of good cabbage weeds that bass, crappie, pike, walleye, and bluegill love. In addition, I have a fantastic midday technique for walleye and catfish when we fish Hamlin Lake.
Our deep-water technique starts heating up in early July and will last into early October. The best time of day for this super-deep-water technique is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We target depths of 60-80 feet and drift-fish. And yes, we are fishing on or within two feet of the bottom. Bottom bouncers or a three-way rig with sinker weights ranging from three to five ounces are being used.
Sometimes we use a crawler harness; other times, a large floating jig head with a jumbo leech. This is a deadly technique.
I am super-confident that we will catch a mixed bag whenever we fish a lake with a good cabbage patch. The fish will be in the weeds, along the deep edge of the weeds, or suspended within casting distance of the weeds.
Anglers have a choice of techniques. Slip bobbers will land any species. A worm or a cricket will land plenty of bluegill. Very few crappies will turn down a minnow, and a leech will land plenty of bass or walleye.
Casting small jigs for the panfish is my favorite. As a matter of fact, any jig, fly, spider, or petite spinner is right up my alley.
Other favorite spots include Houghton Lake. Houghton Lake has it all. Good weeds, shallow, and plenty of variety of fish. Jig fishermen, don't forget the Detroit River and the St. Clair River. Two of the best walleye rivers in the country.
Last, stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for all of your sporting products.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary to Host Online ‘Birds and Coffee’ Chats
Share your latest bird sightings and learn more about various avian topics during monthly Birds and Coffee chats, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. All events begin at 10 a.m. on Zoom.
The first chat of 2026 is set for Wednesday, Jan. 14, and will focus on our “backyard birds,” those commonly seen at feeders or that frequent backyard habitats.
The February chat, set for Wednesday, Feb. 11, will delve into the world of owls, focusing on species found in Michigan.
The March chat will take place Wednesday, March 11. Guest speaker Marissa Jardine from the Bird Center of Michigan will talk about how we can help protect local songbirds.
Birds and Coffee chats are free and open to the public, but registration is required to access information on how to join the events.
Questions? Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@ kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
The first chat of 2026 is set for Wednesday, Jan. 14, and will focus on our “backyard birds,” those commonly seen at feeders or that frequent backyard habitats.
The February chat, set for Wednesday, Feb. 11, will delve into the world of owls, focusing on species found in Michigan.
The March chat will take place Wednesday, March 11. Guest speaker Marissa Jardine from the Bird Center of Michigan will talk about how we can help protect local songbirds.
Birds and Coffee chats are free and open to the public, but registration is required to access information on how to join the events.
Questions? Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@ kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
Outdoor Truths: Different Reactions
By Gary Miller
I can’t remember when I was so happy at the end of a deer season. Not that I was happy it was over, but I was happy it ended in such a memorable way.
Let me tell you about it. I spent four days in the Midwest, as I do every year. During this time of the year, the deer are coming to food – including the big bucks. They’re trying to put back on all the weight they lost during the rut.
If you are where the food is, you will see deer. Sometimes you’ll see a nominal amount and other times an above-average amount. This was the year for an above-average amount. But what was so intriguing to me was to be able to watch how the deer acted under different weather conditions, wind directions, and even a bit of human intervention.
Let me say first, I didn’t harvest a buck. I shot one on the second day and watched a skiff of snow cover all the signs. The next morning, we were still not able to find any sign or any deer. So, that kept the trip from being perfect. But it did not keep it from being a time I will never forget.
The most unforgettable day was when we decided to drive the side-by-side all the way up to the blind because of some gear we needed to unload. We parked it about 20 yards behind the blind, but in full sight of most deer.
About two hours before dark, the deer began to wander into the 25-acre corn field. The does noticed the side-by-side, were a little squeamish, but decided it was just the farmer running around the farm. Most stayed in the field throughout the evening.
The bucks’ reactions were altogether different. Some stayed at the edge of the field, some refused to come in, and others hurried to a distance in the field far enough away from any perceived danger.
It really was amazing to me to watch all the different ways these bucks responded to this strange but stationary piece of equipment. I’m sure their different reactions came about according to their age, maturity, past experiences, and genetics. Each one responded in a way they thought was right. And in a way they thought was best for everyone. Even though many of the other deer did not agree.
I wish humans could learn this lesson.
Have you ever wondered why some people react differently from you? Have you ever wondered why someone can see the see the exact same scene, and tell the story from a different perspective? Have you ever wondered how someone can see a problem and decide the best way to solve it is totally different than how you would solve it?
Maybe they’re not wrong. Maybe they are just coming from another place. And instead of assuming the worst, maybe the better response from all of us is grace.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
I can’t remember when I was so happy at the end of a deer season. Not that I was happy it was over, but I was happy it ended in such a memorable way.
Let me tell you about it. I spent four days in the Midwest, as I do every year. During this time of the year, the deer are coming to food – including the big bucks. They’re trying to put back on all the weight they lost during the rut.
If you are where the food is, you will see deer. Sometimes you’ll see a nominal amount and other times an above-average amount. This was the year for an above-average amount. But what was so intriguing to me was to be able to watch how the deer acted under different weather conditions, wind directions, and even a bit of human intervention.
Let me say first, I didn’t harvest a buck. I shot one on the second day and watched a skiff of snow cover all the signs. The next morning, we were still not able to find any sign or any deer. So, that kept the trip from being perfect. But it did not keep it from being a time I will never forget.
The most unforgettable day was when we decided to drive the side-by-side all the way up to the blind because of some gear we needed to unload. We parked it about 20 yards behind the blind, but in full sight of most deer.
About two hours before dark, the deer began to wander into the 25-acre corn field. The does noticed the side-by-side, were a little squeamish, but decided it was just the farmer running around the farm. Most stayed in the field throughout the evening.
The bucks’ reactions were altogether different. Some stayed at the edge of the field, some refused to come in, and others hurried to a distance in the field far enough away from any perceived danger.
It really was amazing to me to watch all the different ways these bucks responded to this strange but stationary piece of equipment. I’m sure their different reactions came about according to their age, maturity, past experiences, and genetics. Each one responded in a way they thought was right. And in a way they thought was best for everyone. Even though many of the other deer did not agree.
I wish humans could learn this lesson.
Have you ever wondered why some people react differently from you? Have you ever wondered why someone can see the see the exact same scene, and tell the story from a different perspective? Have you ever wondered how someone can see a problem and decide the best way to solve it is totally different than how you would solve it?
Maybe they’re not wrong. Maybe they are just coming from another place. And instead of assuming the worst, maybe the better response from all of us is grace.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
DNR Stocks More Than 648,000 Fish Across State
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocked seven species this fall: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye and muskellunge.
Photo courtesy Michigan DNR
This past fall, the Department of Natural Resources worked hard to stock fish in waters across Michigan — fish that will provide angling opportunities in seasons to come.
The fall 2025 effort saw DNR crews stock seven different species at 76 locations throughout the state: 648,557 fish, weighing in at a total of 8.6 tons.
“This was another exceptional fall fish stocking season, enhancing fishing opportunities throughout Michigan,” DNR fish production manager Aaron Switzer said. “Combined with successful spring and summer stocking efforts, the 2025 total reached nearly 19.5 million fish stocked in Michigan’s waters.”
The number and type of fish stocked vary by hatchery, as each facility’s ability to rear fish differs due to water supply and temperature. In Michigan, there are six state and three cooperative fish hatcheries that work together to produce the species, strains and sizes of fish needed by fisheries managers. These fish must then be delivered at specific times and locations for stocking to ensure that they thrive.
In general, fish are reared in Michigan’s state fish hatcheries anywhere from one month to 1.5 years before they are stocked. Most fish in Michigan are stocked in the spring, but some fish are stocked in the fall because they require less time and fewer resources to rear in hatcheries. Fall-stocked fish also may adjust better to new environments as they are younger and more adaptable to change.
Seven species were stocked this fall: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout (Eagle Lake and steelhead strains), walleye and muskellunge.
• Marquette State Fish Hatchery (near Marquette) stocked 27,915 fall fingerling and 250 adult brook trout that weighed a combined 3,022 pounds. These fish were stocked at a total of 27 locations in the Upper Peninsula.
• Oden State Fish Hatchery (near Petoskey) stocked 140,366 fall fingerling rainbow trout that combined weighed 7,508 pounds and were stocked at four locations in the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
• Thompson State Fish Hatchery (near Manistique) stocked 3,008 Great Lakes strain muskellunge that weighed 304 pounds in Lake Hudson and Thornapple Lake. Thompson also stocked 329,085 fall fingerling steelhead weighing 2,413 total pounds in six locations.
• Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery (west of Kalamazoo) stocked 64,532 fall fingerling steelhead weighing a combined 917 pounds in Crystal Lake.
• Harrietta State Fish Hatchery (near Cadillac) stocked 17,548 fall fingerling brown trout and 24,520 fall fingerling rainbow trout. These fish were stocked in four locations with a combined weight of 1,573 pounds.
DNR fisheries management units also stocked fall fingerling walleye this year.
• Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked 33,580 Muskegon strain fall fingerlings weighing 1,373 total pounds in 20 locations.
• Central Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked 2,507 Muskegon strain fall fingerlings weighing 160 pounds total in three locations.
• Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked Little Bay de Noc with 5,211 fall fingerlings (Little Bay de Noc strain) weighing a combined 88 pounds in five locations; 2,815 of these walleye fingerlings were raised in a co-op partner pond tended by the Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sportfishermen.
The DNR welcomes visitors to its state fish hatcheries and interpretive centers to see the fish rearing process and to learn about Michigan’s waters. For more information or to plan your trip, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.
To find out if any fish were stocked in your favorite fishing spots, visit the DNR’s fish stocking database at michigandnr.com/fishstock/.
The fall 2025 effort saw DNR crews stock seven different species at 76 locations throughout the state: 648,557 fish, weighing in at a total of 8.6 tons.
“This was another exceptional fall fish stocking season, enhancing fishing opportunities throughout Michigan,” DNR fish production manager Aaron Switzer said. “Combined with successful spring and summer stocking efforts, the 2025 total reached nearly 19.5 million fish stocked in Michigan’s waters.”
The number and type of fish stocked vary by hatchery, as each facility’s ability to rear fish differs due to water supply and temperature. In Michigan, there are six state and three cooperative fish hatcheries that work together to produce the species, strains and sizes of fish needed by fisheries managers. These fish must then be delivered at specific times and locations for stocking to ensure that they thrive.
In general, fish are reared in Michigan’s state fish hatcheries anywhere from one month to 1.5 years before they are stocked. Most fish in Michigan are stocked in the spring, but some fish are stocked in the fall because they require less time and fewer resources to rear in hatcheries. Fall-stocked fish also may adjust better to new environments as they are younger and more adaptable to change.
Seven species were stocked this fall: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout (Eagle Lake and steelhead strains), walleye and muskellunge.
• Marquette State Fish Hatchery (near Marquette) stocked 27,915 fall fingerling and 250 adult brook trout that weighed a combined 3,022 pounds. These fish were stocked at a total of 27 locations in the Upper Peninsula.
• Oden State Fish Hatchery (near Petoskey) stocked 140,366 fall fingerling rainbow trout that combined weighed 7,508 pounds and were stocked at four locations in the Upper and Lower peninsulas.
• Thompson State Fish Hatchery (near Manistique) stocked 3,008 Great Lakes strain muskellunge that weighed 304 pounds in Lake Hudson and Thornapple Lake. Thompson also stocked 329,085 fall fingerling steelhead weighing 2,413 total pounds in six locations.
• Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery (west of Kalamazoo) stocked 64,532 fall fingerling steelhead weighing a combined 917 pounds in Crystal Lake.
• Harrietta State Fish Hatchery (near Cadillac) stocked 17,548 fall fingerling brown trout and 24,520 fall fingerling rainbow trout. These fish were stocked in four locations with a combined weight of 1,573 pounds.
DNR fisheries management units also stocked fall fingerling walleye this year.
• Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked 33,580 Muskegon strain fall fingerlings weighing 1,373 total pounds in 20 locations.
• Central Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked 2,507 Muskegon strain fall fingerlings weighing 160 pounds total in three locations.
• Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit stocked Little Bay de Noc with 5,211 fall fingerlings (Little Bay de Noc strain) weighing a combined 88 pounds in five locations; 2,815 of these walleye fingerlings were raised in a co-op partner pond tended by the Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sportfishermen.
The DNR welcomes visitors to its state fish hatcheries and interpretive centers to see the fish rearing process and to learn about Michigan’s waters. For more information or to plan your trip, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.
To find out if any fish were stocked in your favorite fishing spots, visit the DNR’s fish stocking database at michigandnr.com/fishstock/.
Winning Perennials for Your Gardens
By Melinda Myers
When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year (PPOY). Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, and provide multiple seasons of interest.
The 2026 PPOY is Blackhawks big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’), a cultivar of one of the dominant grasses of the North American tallgrass prairies. Its smaller stature makes it easier for most gardeners to include in home landscapes. It grows five feet tall and two feet wide as opposed to the species that can grow up to eight feet tall and readily self-seed, dominating a garden.
Combine Blackhawks big bluestem grass with other early and late season perennials in natural and cottage-style gardens. Watch as the foliage emerges dark green in the spring then develops red tips in summer and ends the season with deep purple leaves and stems. Its three-parted flower tops the plant in late summer, providing additional texture and motion in the garden.
Grow Blackhawks in full sun with well-drained soil. It is hardy in zones three to nine and drought tolerant once established. Just cut it back in late winter or early spring and watch as new growth emerges.
This grass combines nicely with past winning perennials. The Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii), a 2011 winner, is still popular thanks to its fine foliage that turns amber in the fall. This, along with its light blue, star-shaped flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, provide season long beauty. It is hardy in zones four to nine, drought tolerant once established and the deer tend to leave it be.
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) was selected as the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year. This North American native grass adds beauty, texture and motion to the landscape. Grow the species or one of the cultivars like Jazz, The Blues, Standing Ovation or Blue Heaven that is best suited to your growing region.
Calamint (Calamintha nepeta nepeta), the 2021 winner, is a long-blooming, drought-tolerant perennial. Its small white flowers cover the plant summer through fall, attracting bees and other pollinators while deer tend to leave it alone. It works well with ornamental and native grasses and other perennials in meadow, natural or more formal gardens.
For those shadier spots in your landscape consider Aralia ‘Sun King’. It grows best in full to part shade where the bold foliage combines nicely with other shade-loving perennials. A bit of sun increases the yellow in the leaves while they are more chartreuse colored in shadier spots.
Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’) is another shade-tolerant PPOY. The upright arching stems, subtle leaf variegation and yellow fall color make it a welcome addition to any shade garden. Its fragrant white flowers appear in late spring and dangle from the stems and are followed by bluish-black berries in fall.
Consider one or more of the Perennial Plants of the Year as you create your 2026 plant list. Then watch for future winners suited to your garden design.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year (PPOY). Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, and provide multiple seasons of interest.
The 2026 PPOY is Blackhawks big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’), a cultivar of one of the dominant grasses of the North American tallgrass prairies. Its smaller stature makes it easier for most gardeners to include in home landscapes. It grows five feet tall and two feet wide as opposed to the species that can grow up to eight feet tall and readily self-seed, dominating a garden.
Combine Blackhawks big bluestem grass with other early and late season perennials in natural and cottage-style gardens. Watch as the foliage emerges dark green in the spring then develops red tips in summer and ends the season with deep purple leaves and stems. Its three-parted flower tops the plant in late summer, providing additional texture and motion in the garden.
Grow Blackhawks in full sun with well-drained soil. It is hardy in zones three to nine and drought tolerant once established. Just cut it back in late winter or early spring and watch as new growth emerges.
This grass combines nicely with past winning perennials. The Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii), a 2011 winner, is still popular thanks to its fine foliage that turns amber in the fall. This, along with its light blue, star-shaped flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, provide season long beauty. It is hardy in zones four to nine, drought tolerant once established and the deer tend to leave it be.
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) was selected as the 2022 Perennial Plant of the Year. This North American native grass adds beauty, texture and motion to the landscape. Grow the species or one of the cultivars like Jazz, The Blues, Standing Ovation or Blue Heaven that is best suited to your growing region.
Calamint (Calamintha nepeta nepeta), the 2021 winner, is a long-blooming, drought-tolerant perennial. Its small white flowers cover the plant summer through fall, attracting bees and other pollinators while deer tend to leave it alone. It works well with ornamental and native grasses and other perennials in meadow, natural or more formal gardens.
For those shadier spots in your landscape consider Aralia ‘Sun King’. It grows best in full to part shade where the bold foliage combines nicely with other shade-loving perennials. A bit of sun increases the yellow in the leaves while they are more chartreuse colored in shadier spots.
Variegated Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum ‘Variegatum’) is another shade-tolerant PPOY. The upright arching stems, subtle leaf variegation and yellow fall color make it a welcome addition to any shade garden. Its fragrant white flowers appear in late spring and dangle from the stems and are followed by bluish-black berries in fall.
Consider one or more of the Perennial Plants of the Year as you create your 2026 plant list. Then watch for future winners suited to your garden design.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
