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: 11:36 PM

Current Spawning Activity

Current water temperature: 36.5°F

Current month: November

Chinook Salmon
Post-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Most die after spawning

Behavior: Rapid physical deterioration; dark coloration intensifies; extremely weak, often unable to maintain position in current; no feeding behavior; most fish die within days to weeks after spawning; carcasses provide important nutrients to stream ecosystem

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

Preferring smaller tributaries and headwaters

Behavior: Females construct redds in series, often multiple redds per female; males are territorial and aggressive, defending redd sites and competing intensely for access to spawning females; males develop pronounced hooked jaws (kype) and vibrant red coloration; complete cessation of feeding; prefer smaller tributaries with moderate flow

Males develop pronounced kype (hooked jaw) and red sides during spawning.
Coho Salmon
Post-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Most die after spawning

Behavior: Extremely dark coloration develops; rapid physical deterioration; no feeding behavior; most fish die within days after spawning; weakened fish may drift downstream; carcasses decompose and provide nutrients to stream ecosystem

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

Prefer gravel runs with consistent flow

Behavior: Primarily nocturnal spawners, most active during evening and night hours; females dig redds using tail movements while males aggressively defend territory and compete for spawning access; males become very dark with pronounced kype; territorial disputes common; feeding completely ceases during active spawning

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

Move to deeper wintering holes

Behavior: Initially lethargic and weakened; gradually resume feeding as energy recovers; seek deeper wintering holes with stable temperatures; coloration begins to fade; feeding activity increases slowly over weeks; some fish may remain in spawning areas while others disperse

Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Brook Trout
Post-spawn
Current Activity

Return to deeper pools for winter

Behavior: Reduced feeding activity as fish conserve energy for winter; return to deeper pools and wintering areas; coloration fades gradually; seek areas with stable temperatures; feeding resumes but at reduced levels compared to summer; prepare for winter dormancy

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.