The 10 Most Populous Fish in the Great Lakes: A Comprehensive Guide

The Great Lakes is the most massive collection of freshwater lakes in North America, and they are teeming with a diverse array of fish species. These lakes, which include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, offer ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most populous fish species found in the Great Lakes, providing information on their preferred locations, adult size, and the best bait and techniques for catching them.

Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)

Lake whitefish are a cool-water species found throughout the Great Lakes. They have a relatively short gestation period of 4-6 weeks and reach adulthood in about 2-4 years. These fish are most active in the spring and fall when they gather in schools for spawning and feeding. Fishermen often target lake whitefish for both food and sport, as their delicate, white flesh is prized for its flavor, and they can provide an exciting catch.

Prevalent in: All five Great Lakes, especially in deeper waters.
Adult Length & Weight: 20-25 inches, 3-4 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Use small jigs or spoons tipped with a piece of worm or minnow. Fish near the lake bottom in cold water using a slow jigging motion.

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)

Yellow perch are a popular target among anglers, known for their delicious, flaky meat. Their gestation period lasts for approximately 10-20 days, and they become adults within 1-2 years. Fishing for yellow perch is a year-round activity, but they are most active during spring and summer. Fishermen commonly pursue yellow perch for food, as they make excellent table fare.

Prevalent in: Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and western Lake Ontario.
Adult Length & Weight: 6-12 inches, 0.25-0.5 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Live bait such as minnows or worms on a hook with a bobber or by bottom fishing with jigs and soft plastics.

Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Lake trout are slow-growing, with a gestation period of 6-7 weeks and an extended time to reach adulthood, typically around 10-20 years. They are most active in the colder months, making ice fishing for lake trout a popular pastime. Anglers often target lake trout for both sport and trophy fishing, as they can reach impressive sizes, making for memorable catches.

Prevalent in: Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and parts of Lake Michigan.
Adult Length & Weight: 24-36 inches, 3-12 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Troll deep with downriggers using spoons, or fish close to the bottom with cut bait or large jigs.

Walleye (Sander vitreus)

Walleye have a quick gestation period of 10-14 days, and reach maturity within 2-4 years. They are highly sought after by anglers, especially during dawn and dusk when they are most active. Walleye fishing is a combination of food and sport, as they are known for their delectable flesh, but catching a trophy-sized walleye can be a thrilling experience.

Prevalent in: Lakes Erie and Huron, especially around reefs and rocky areas.
Adult Length & Weight: 15-30 inches, 1-15 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Use live minnows or leeches with a jig or spinner rig. Fish during dawn and dusk for best results.

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Smallmouth bass are prized by sport fishermen for their spirited fights. Their gestation period is approximately 7-10 days, and they reach adulthood in 3-6 years. Smallmouth bass are most active during the warmer months, making them a popular target for those seeking both a challenge and the thrill of sport fishing.

Prevalent in: Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and parts of Lake Huron.
Adult Length & Weight: 12-24 inches, 2-6 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Fish near rocky structures and shorelines using artificial lures like crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics.

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Chinook salmon, or “kings,” have a gestation period of 4-7 weeks and reach adulthood within 3-5 years. They are predominantly fished during the spring and fall salmon runs when they return to their spawning grounds. Anglers often pursue Chinook salmon for both sport and the chance to land trophy-sized individuals.

Prevalent in: Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.
Adult Length & Weight: 24-36 inches, 10-30 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Troll with downriggers, using spoons and flashers, during the spring and fall salmon runs.

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout, or steelhead when they migrate to spawn, have a gestation period of 5-7 weeks and reach adulthood within 2-4 years. They are active year-round, but fishing peaks during their runs. Anglers target rainbow trout for sport, as they offer a strong fight and are a coveted catch among fly fishermen.

Prevalent in: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan.
Adult Length & Weight: 12-24 inches, 2-6 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Troll with spoons or use live bait like minnows or spawn sacs near the surface.

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Coho salmon, also known as “silvers,” have a gestation period of 4-6 weeks and reach adulthood in 2-3 years. They are actively sought during the spring and fall runs. Anglers target Coho salmon for both sport and as a source of delicious, flaky meat.

Prevalent in: Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron.
Adult Length & Weight: 20-26 inches, 6-12 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Troll with spoons and dodgers during the spring and fall runs.

Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Carp are prolific breeders with a gestation period of 3-7 days and a relatively short time to reach adulthood, around 3-4 years. They are active throughout the year and often considered a nuisance species. Some anglers fish for carp as a sport, while others may view them as a food source, especially in select cultural cuisines.

Prevalent in: All five Great Lakes, especially in shallow, weedy areas.
Adult Length & Weight: 24-40 inches, 5-30 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Use dough baits or corn on the bottom, or fly-fish for them near the surface.

Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

Northern pike have a short gestation period of 12-14 days and reach adulthood in about 4-7 years. They are most active during the spring and summer, making them a popular choice for sport fishing. Anglers often target northern pike for the thrill of the catch and the potential to land trophy-sized individuals.

Prevalent in: Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie, particularly near weed beds and shallow areas.
Adult Length & Weight: 24-40 inches, 4-30 pounds.
Bait & Technique: Fish with large spoons, crankbaits, or live bait like minnows under a bobber or on a tip-up.

Before heading out to the Great Lakes for a fishing adventure, be sure to check local fishing regulations and licenses. Always practice responsible fishing, including catch and release when necessary, to help preserve these valuable ecosystems. Happy fishing!