Spawning Guide

Track spawning activities and protect fish reproduction in the Pere Marquette River.

Active Spawning Alert: No species are currently spawning. Be aware of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish in the river.
Understanding Spawning Activity

You may notice the same species appearing multiple times with different colored borders. This reflects the complex nature of fish spawning behavior:

Blue Border: Pre-spawn activity - Fish preparing to spawn, often more aggressive feeders
Red Border: Active spawning - Fish building or defending redds, exercise extreme caution
Green Border: Post-spawn activity - Fish recovering after spawning, often vulnerable
Why duplicates? Different populations of the same species may be in different spawning stages simultaneously. Some fish may be actively spawning in warmer sections of the river while others are still in pre-spawn condition in cooler areas.

Temperature Range: Entries marked "Outside temp range" indicate fish that would typically be in that spawning stage this month, but current water temperatures aren't ideal for that activity.
Refresh Data Data Source: SERVER Updated: 04:44 AM

Current Spawning Activity

Current water temperature: 59.0°F

Current month: September

Chinook Salmon
Pre-spawn
Current Activity

Staging in river mouth and lower stretches

Behavior: Feeding decreases dramatically as fish enter freshwater; increasingly aggressive and territorial as spawning approaches; form large aggregations in river mouths; begin physiological changes including color darkening and jaw development; actively migrate upstream seeking spawning grounds

Kings/Chinooks are the largest salmon in the system; their redds are easy to spot due to size.
Chinook Salmon
Spawning Outside temp range
Current Activity

Building redds in medium to large gravel in main flow

Behavior: Females dig large redds with powerful tail movements, creating depressions 3-5 feet across; males are extremely territorial, aggressively defending spawning sites and chasing intruders; intense competition among males for access to females; complete cessation of feeding; females may construct multiple redds

Kings/Chinooks are the largest salmon in the system; their redds are easy to spot due to size.
Coho Salmon
Pre-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Moving upriver in pods, often after rain events

Behavior: Move upstream in groups or pods, often triggered by rain events that increase flow; may strike lures and flies aggressively even when not actively feeding, likely territorial or defensive responses; coloration begins changing with males developing red sides and pronounced kype; feeding decreases as migration progresses

Males develop pronounced kype (hooked jaw) and red sides during spawning.
Brown Trout
Pre-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Moving into headwaters and tributaries

Behavior: Become increasingly territorial and aggressive; establish dominance in preferred spawning areas; feeding may increase initially but decreases as spawning approaches; males begin developing darker coloration and pronounced kype; seek out gravel runs with consistent flow; may move significant distances upstream

Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Brook Trout
Pre-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Moving into headwater springs and seeps

Behavior: Coloration brightens significantly with males developing vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins; become more territorial; seek out spring-fed headwaters and seeps with clean gravel; feeding may increase as they prepare; prefer areas with groundwater influence for stable temperatures

Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning.
Brook Trout
Spawning Outside temp range
Current Activity

Prefer spring-fed headwaters with clean gravel

Behavior: Females construct redds in shallow areas, often in series; males are territorial and display vibrant spawning colors while aggressively defending redd sites; males develop striking red bellies and white-edged fins; prefer spring-fed areas with stable, cold water; complete cessation of feeding during spawning

Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning.

Annual Spawning Calendar

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) PRE PRE SPA SPA POS
Chinook Salmon PRE PRE SPA POS
Coho Salmon PRE PRE SPA POS
Brown Trout PRE PRE SPA POS
Brook Trout PRE PRE SPA POS
Smallmouth Bass PRE PRE SPA POS
Largemouth Bass PRE PRE SPA SPA POS
Rainbow Trout (Resident) PRE PRE SPA POS
Pre-spawn
Spawning
Post-spawn
Calendar Guide

This calendar shows typical spawning patterns throughout the year. Actual spawning activity may vary based on:

  • Water Temperature - Warmer or cooler than normal temperatures can shift spawning timing
  • Water Flow - High or low water conditions can delay or accelerate spawning
  • Weather Patterns - Unusual weather can affect fish behavior and spawning timing

The current month is based on real-time data, while the calendar shows historical patterns.

Redd Protection

How to Identify a Redd

Redds appear as clean, bright patches in the gravel, often oval-shaped and lighter than surrounding substrate.

Wading Guidelines
  • Avoid walking through areas with visible redds
  • Cross rivers in deeper sections during spawning season
  • Stay on established trails and entry points
  • Fish from the bank when possible during peak spawning
  • Look ahead when wading to spot redds before getting too close

Conservation Impact

Why It Matters

Protecting spawning fish and their redds ensures healthy future populations and preserves the quality of the fishery for years to come.

Your Role

As an angler, your careful wading practices can make a significant difference in spawning success rates. Damaged redds result in lower hatching rates and fewer fish in subsequent years.

Report Violations

If you observe someone intentionally disturbing redds or targeting spawning fish in a harmful manner, contact the Michigan DNR at 1-800-292-7800.