DISCOVERING | Lake Superior Smelt Decline & 1800's Log Dam Trout Habitat

Episode 34 - Tonight we talk to experts about the decline of the rainbow smelt population in Lake Superior, the consumption advisory on them and why.
Then we get a history lesson on the Menominee River Watershed and how the pine lumbering era of the late 1800's, early 1900's has created some good spots for trout fishing.

[@riverraisin1]

This episode was way more interesting than I anticipated. I would love to go on a river/logging history tour with Bill Ziegler.

[@discovertheup]

He's so knowledgeable about it all!

[@user-jn9gv9ve6e]

there is something serious going on with nature in michigan. i'm 70 and can remember smelt drinking when i was a kid. i wasn't doing the drinking. this was taking place in lake huron, tawas, omer, oscoda. you could always get some for at least a few dinners, sometimes much more. another thing i notice is the lack of frogs. there are a lot less frogs than there use to be. turtle seem to be vacant where you use to see them.

[@andrewnichols1240]

Could that pefas chemical level have some effect on smelt health n declining pop

[@discovertheup]

I have not seen any studies that would suggest that. The declining population is mostly due to the recovery of Lake Trout and other fish that eat them.

[@billanzell5962]

You cant get to some of those places ,upper holmes n lower holmes are mostly private to.

[@discovertheup]

You are correct!

[@billanzell5962]

@@discovertheup unless have a ATV or want to walk 2 or 3 miles on land or river.. wish would of explained that. Way dnr has most set up now ,if good fishing spots.

[@andrewnichols1240]

Says lake Superior but northern Michigan is a long way from Ashland

[@discovertheup]

Yeah I had to take a drive for this interview since the research vessel that covers Lake Superior is docked in Ashland, and where the USGS field office is.