Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network

06/08/2026

A new survey announcement from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources identifies the walleye as the new centerpiece of Michigan's Great Lakes fishery. The survey results indicate Lake Huron now accounts for more than half of all the fishing effort in the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes. This is largely driven by the recovery of the walleye population in Saginaw Bay, which is now estimated to number more than 14 million fish age 2 and older. "Within Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay now accounts for nearly 80% of the fishing effort – 42% of all of Michigan’s Great Lakes recreational fishery,” said Dr. Jeff Jolley of the MDNR. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service estimates an average expenditure of $155 per Great Lakes fishing trip. If we apply that estimate to fishing trips on Saginaw Bay, that means the fishery on the bay generated over $60 million in economic activity in 2025.” Learn more here:

Showcasing the DNR: Lake Huron walleye Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/04/2026 02:02 PM EDT Share or view as webpage | Update preferences Showcasing the DNR Lake Huron walleye: The new centerpiece of Michigan's Great Lakes fishery By DAVID FIELDERFisheries research....

05/28/2026

We're excited to announce that early-bird registration is open for the State of the Bay Conference to be held on October 7, 2026 in Bay City. Check this site for the regsitration link and sponsorship information!

Every two years, the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) and its partners provide a focus on Saginaw Bay and its Watershed through the State of the Bay conference. The purpose of the conference is to highlight educational initiatives, restoration, community development and conservation ac...

05/21/2026

A terrific new article at mlive detailing the sturgeon restoration efforts across the Great Lakes, with a special focus on Saginaw Bay!

Fishery biologists say sturgeon recovery efforts are paying off after decades.

05/04/2026

We're excited to share our 2025 Annual Report! Take a look at our projects and investments from the past year and get an idea of where we're headed in 2026 (link to report in the comments!)

05/01/2026

It's always a beautiful day along the Cass River, but especially terrific today as St. Lorenz School released their classroom sturgeon. "Dr. Sturgeous" was under the care of Mrs. Liddle's class since last fall, and her classroom scientists did another great job nurturing this fish along the way. This one is special, as it has been fitted with a transponder that will let researchers know where it goes on its journey along the Cass, and eventually to Saginaw Bay. MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club Michigan Sea Grant Michigan Department of Natural Resources The Conservation Fund Sturgeon For Tomorrow - Black Lake Chapter

04/07/2026

Interested in learning more about the Saginaw Bay fishery and its current status? Join our friends from Michigan Sea Grant and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their annual fisheries workshop in Bay City on April 21 (and online option is also available!) Register here. https://www.michiganseagrant.org/educational-programs/fisheries-workshops/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRB-_FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqWDVoMDhrcm1pU3JYNm5Nc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlIqRJsawSmZd6R1uFBEqVG2lYDjXQ62s4szl4jctzkT5DwHaWdS_Tgzh3Bi_aem_JSGNbMdoijtdmtuwXbmDiw

Fisheries Workshops Spring fishery workshops offer current research and information related to the status of the Great Lakes fishery. Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, USGS Great Lakes Science Cente...

03/20/2026

Terrific article from Flintside and cartographer Alex B. Hill who share information about Flint’s watersheds and the impressive work underway, including support from Saginaw Bay WIN.

Mapping Flint: Flint River Watersheds – Flintside Read more in the comments.

03/18/2026

We're excited to be supporting a new trailhead/parking area at the Hubscher Preserve in Isabella County. This investment continues our partnership with the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and will provide new a access point to the Chippewa River and the rest of the preserve site.

03/02/2026

Do you like to bowl? Are you interested in supporting a good cause? The Keepers of the Shiawassee are holding a fundraiser to complete the funding needed to establish a new access site on the Shiawassee River at Logan Road. Funding would join other gifts, including a grant from Saginaw Bay WIN, to make the project happen!

02/26/2026

Interested in supporting the sturgeon restoration effort in the Saginaw Bay system? See our friends at the Saginaw Bay Sturgeon Restoration program to adopt a sturgeon and get some cool gear for spring and summer. All proceeds support work at the hatcheries, education, and the long-term support of the effort to bring back this "dinosaur fish" to the Saginaw Bay.

Your purchase of sturgeon gear or adopting a sturgeon through our Sturgeon Shop helps support the restoration program. Your contributions help maintain hatchery facilities, support Sturgeon in the Classroom activities, provide outreach opportunities, and more.  Thank you!