Black River

Black Lake is the eighth largest lake in Michigan and is regarded as one of the state’s best inland lakes for walleye and sturgeon. The upper reaches of the Black River are closed to all fishing during the sturgeon spawning season. Navigation is possible up the Black River outlet to Alverno Dam.

Crayfish are an important food source for largemouth and smallmouth bass in spring and summer. Suring winter, lake sturgeon also feed heavily on crayfish. Perch and lake sturgeon feed on mayfly larvae in summer and winter. Cisco have declined in recent years, but they are still utilized by muskie, walleye and northern pike. Spottail shiner, common shiner and perch are also present.

During spring there is a significant movement of lake sturgeon and redhorse (locally called mullet) up the Black River inlet. After ice-out, muskie move down the Black River outlet to spawn in the lake.