Smaller salmon on Lake Michigan a concern for anglers

[pk]

Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan has been good in recent years, but increased numbers of smaller fish being caught are making anglers nervous.

It's the same phenomenon that preceded a collapse of the salmon fishery in Lake Huron around 2003.

Should that happen on Lake Michigan, it would be a big blow to the state's outdoor economy, said charter boat captain Denny Blue.

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.chippewa.com/articles/200.../d8pvara81.prt

[Paddlefisher]

Salmon fishing has been going strong for the last 8 years that I am aware of. I never had any problems

[rudedog]

the problem isn't as pronounced up by paddlefisher but it is here in Kenosha. The fish are basically starving out there. they eat much less so they dont get as big. the days of 25+ lb salmon are gone. I really like slamon fishing, but i see what is happening as a small blessing.
the salmon were introduced to get rid of alwifes, that has almost happened. hopefully soon the state will take the resources from the stocking program and use them to restock all the native fish we have been missing for so long.

[HotHeaded617]

I would have to disagree with the days of the 25+ pound salmon are gone.They are still there just not as many.From what i understand they are going to start cutting back on the number of salmon stocked every year.... so if we have a shortage of super-sized salmon that will be why.Not to mention the fact that there are probably more trout and salmon anglers now than ever both legal and illegal fisherman.Also i beleive a good part of the salmon are stocked in the rivers or tributaries of lake michigan and alot of those fish are being ate by other predators before they have a chance to make it out to the big lake.But what it comes down to is cross your fingers and hope it dont happen because there is nothing like a big trout or big salmon on your line!!!
Just my opinion.