Black Lake Sturgeon Harvest Lasts Just 48 Minutes in 2026

Michigan's annual sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake was over in less than an hour despite a longer timeframe.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Michigan's 2026 Black Lake sturgeon fishing season lasted only 48 minutes this year, despite being open for a longer period of three days. The six sturgeon harvested ranged from 40 to 79 pounds and were at least four feet long, with the largest caught by Jordan Guelig measuring 67.2 inches and 79.4 pounds.

Why it matters

The quick duration of the Black Lake sturgeon season highlights the success of conservation efforts to rehabilitate the sturgeon population in the lake over the past two decades. However, the brevity of the season also raises questions about sustainable management of this unique fishery.

The details

The 2026 Black Lake sturgeon fishing season began at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 7 and ended just 48 minutes later at 8:48 a.m. This was over half an hour longer than the 17-minute season in 2025. A total of six sturgeon were harvested, with the largest caught by Jordan Guelig measuring 67.2 inches and 79.4 pounds.

  • The 2026 Black Lake sturgeon season began at 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 7.
  • The season ended at 8:48 a.m. on February 7, lasting just 48 minutes.
  • Last year's 2025 season lasted only 17 minutes.
  • The 2024 Black Lake sturgeon season was canceled due to warm weather and poor ice conditions.

The players

Jordan Guelig

The angler who caught the largest sturgeon in the 2026 season, measuring 67.2 inches and 79.4 pounds.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency that manages the Black Lake sturgeon population and rehabilitation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The Michigan DNR said in their preview of the season that lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in Black Lake over the last two decades have been a successful collaboration among agencies. This population has increased in the past 20 years due to lake sturgeon rearing and stocking efforts, research and protection of spawning adults, and this trend is expected to continue.”

— Michigan Department of Natural Resources (bigrapidsnews.com)

What’s next

The Michigan DNR will continue to monitor the Black Lake sturgeon population and work with stakeholders on sustainable management strategies for this unique fishery.

The takeaway

The rapid pace of the 2026 Black Lake sturgeon harvest, despite a longer open season, underscores the success of conservation efforts to rebuild the sturgeon population in the lake. However, it also raises questions about how to balance sustainable fishing opportunities with protecting this iconic species.