Spawning Guide

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

Active Spawning Alert: Steelhead (Rainbow Trout), Rainbow Trout (Resident) are currently spawning. Please be cautious when wading to avoid disturbing redds.
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: 01:21 PM

Current Spawning Activity

Current water temperature: 50.9°F

Current month: April

Steelhead (Rainbow Trout)
Spawning
Current Activity

Building redds in gravel runs with moderate current

Behavior: Females focus intensely on redd construction using powerful tail movements to excavate gravel; males are highly territorial and aggressive, defending spawning sites from competitors and establishing dominance hierarchies; both sexes cease feeding entirely during active spawning

Spring-run steelhead are particularly vulnerable during spawning. Avoid wading in gravel runs during March-May.
Smallmouth Bass
Pre-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Moving to spawning flats from wintering areas

Behavior: Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning; move from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning flats; males begin scouting and preparing nest sites; become increasingly territorial; prefer areas with gravel or sand substrate near structure; feeding intensity peaks before spawning

Males aggressively defend nests. Avoid fishing directly over visible bass beds.
Largemouth Bass
Pre-spawn Outside temp range
Current Activity

Moving into shallow bays and backwaters

Behavior: Feeding heavily before spawning to build energy reserves; move into shallow, protected bays and backwaters; males begin scouting nest sites in sandy or muddy areas; become increasingly territorial; prefer areas with vegetation and cover nearby; feeding activity peaks before spawning begins

Spawn later than smallmouth bass. Beds often visible in clearer backwaters.
Rainbow Trout (Resident)
Spawning
Current Activity

Building redds in smaller gravel in tributary streams

Behavior: Females construct smaller redds than steelhead (typically 1-2 feet diameter) using tail movements; males are territorial and aggressive, defending spawning sites in smaller tributaries; compete for access to females; complete cessation of feeding during active spawning; prefer fine gravel in moderate flow

While similar to steelhead, resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds.
Rainbow Trout (Resident)
Post-spawn
Current Activity

Moving back to main river segments

Behavior: Gradually resume normal feeding patterns as energy recovers; move back to main river segments from tributaries; feeding activity increases steadily; seek optimal feeding lies; coloration returns to normal; resume typical territorial behavior in feeding areas

While similar to steelhead, resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds.

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.