Sturgeon King Lands 79-Pound Catch in Quick Black Lake Season

Jared Guelig speared the largest sturgeon of the day during the 48-minute fishing window.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jared Guelig was crowned the 2026 Sturgeon King after catching a massive 79.4-pound sturgeon during the 48-minute Black Lake sturgeon season in Cheboygan, Michigan. Guelig's catch was the largest of the day, measuring 67.2 inches long. The annual sturgeon season is known for being one of the shortest in Michigan due to a conservation-driven catch limit of just six fish.

Why it matters

Lake sturgeon are prehistoric fish that have existed for over 100 million years. Conservation efforts over the past two decades have helped increase the sturgeon population in Black Lake, making the annual fishing season an important event for the local community. Guelig's record-breaking catch highlights the success of these rehabilitation efforts.

The details

During the 48-minute season, a total of six sturgeon were caught. The first fish was a 50-pound, 61.5-inch male caught by Chris Courtries. Brett Trepanier caught the second fish, a 78.4-pound, 64.1-inch female. Doug Blaskowski caught the third fish, a 46.6-pound, 52.9-inch male. Guelig's 79.4-pound, 67.2-inch female was the largest catch of the day. Isaac McDonald caught the fifth fish, a 40.4-pound, 58.1-inch sturgeon. The season ended with a catch by Aaron Maltby, a 58.4-pound, 62.5-inch female.

  • The Black Lake sturgeon season lasted just 48 minutes in 2026.
  • In 2025, the season lasted only 17 minutes.
  • In 2023 (the season was canceled in 2024 due to unsafe ice), the season ended after 65 minutes.

The players

Jared Guelig

The 2026 Sturgeon King who caught the largest fish of the day, a 79.4-pound, 67.2-inch sturgeon.

Chris Courtries

The angler who caught the first fish of the day, a 50-pound, 61.5-inch male sturgeon.

Brett Trepanier

The angler who caught the second fish of the day, a 78.4-pound, 64.1-inch female sturgeon.

Doug Blaskowski

The angler who caught the third fish of the day, a 46.6-pound, 52.9-inch male sturgeon.

Isaac McDonald

The angler who caught the fifth fish of the day, a 40.4-pound, 58.1-inch sturgeon.

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The takeaway

The annual Black Lake sturgeon season is an important event for the local community, as conservation efforts over the past two decades have helped increase the sturgeon population in the lake. Jared Guelig's record-breaking 79.4-pound catch highlights the success of these rehabilitation efforts and the significance of this unique fishing tradition.