Lake Sturgeon by the 1000's in the St. Clair River

Every year 1000's of lake sturgeon gather under the Blue Water Bridges in the St.Clair River to spawn. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources estimated the spawning population at this site as approximately 29,200 adults. This is the largest, free range, historical population of lake sturgeon in the entire Great Lakes basin!

[@tabmartin6346]

Its hard to imagine being down there with these remarkable animals. There is such a rich history and connection with the Spirit of the lakes these creatures have. Held in high esteem by Native Tribes surrounding the Lake their presence is both appreciated and honored. This is by far the best underwater footage of these icons of the Great Lakes.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

So beautifully said! Thanks, Tab

[@robnamowicz8073]

There is some video of fellas diving in the St Clair river with sturgeon swimming around. Pretty cool stuff watching the divers and the fish fight the current.

[@lensquires6580]

Thank you for this wonderful, insightful video on this beautiful, amazing fish. ♥

[@themanformerlyknownascomme777]

I grew up in that town, I still find it hard to belive that I've seen this exact location from above the waterline so many times.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

We dove here for years and never saw the sturgeon spawning cuz we started our dive season about two weeks too late!

[@DonFassbender]

Very cool. I want to swim and film them for a video on my channel. I'm here in LS and rarely see fish. Small schools in some of the wrecks but nothing like this. Great video.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks! Have you tried scouting any grass beds (seaweed patches?) Those usually give little fish somewhere to hide which naturally draws in big fish too!

[@DonFassbender]

@@PolkaDotPerch Yes I have but I need to try other areas. Marquette's harbor doesn't seem to have the life it used to. I still find the occasional Whitefish, burbot, bass or bullhead, and they seem a lot more common on night dives. Last year I was in the harbor dozens of times and didn't spot one carp or pike. We used to see them on every dive. I do spot yellow perch skeins from time to time but rarely see the fish.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

@@DonFassbender Nice!

[@TheSkill77]

great video! good to see your still at it.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

I just happened upon your video !! It's very good documentation !! Thank You !! They are such an interesting fish . I've eaten it once , many years ago, and didn't care for it . I also don't like Salmon !! I guess I'm weird !

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks so much for watching! We're not big fish "eaters" either, LOL!

[@DonFassbender]

Yes. Yes, you are.

[@jimkinner]

Great Job!

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@ggoblue]

SIMPLY AWESOME WORK HERE

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks for the support! We'll have a new sturgeon series posting later this year.

[@mikej9619]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks, we're planning on posted more in 2021

[@mikej9619]

@@PolkaDotPerch awesome! I will stay tuned!

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks....we've been fortunate to spend a lot of time underwater with these freshwater giants!

[@adventurefishing3190]

Gregory A.D. whats the estimate on the biggest sturgeon you seen while diving?

[@jamesvw769]

I have seen them 7 feet long and strong enough to pull small boats.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

@@jamesvw769 So have we!!

[@deesbee]

Amazing clips! Thanx

[@PolkaDotPerch]

We're just happy to be able to share!

[@edwardzamorski3711]

Nice video

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks so much. Got another one coming shortly!!

[@adventurefishing3190]

Is this directly under the bridges?

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Sorry, we missed your comment! Yes, this footage comes from the upper St. Clair River. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ProFishermanJones]

this is great! good video.

[@fpolkjr]

Cool video

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Hey Frank, did you know you can use our new livestream to judge the viz in the river? You never have to wonder again if it's 'diveable' 👍

[@gatedancer17]

Is that a Lamprey Eel on one at about the 1:00 mark?

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Good eye! You're close. That's actually a silver lamprey which is native to the Great Lakes. Silvers are smaller and generally do not harm the fish. Very common to see lake sturgeon with silver lamprey.

[@AB-nd6lo]

So cool

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Sturgeon rule!!!

[@KarEEm-zy5ry]

I'm not mad at you here in Michigan you catch one and are caught trying to harvest it,fine and jail time.

[@zuelonglover8579]

I can’t help but feel you two are boys

[@zuelonglover8579]

Bots*

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Likely, it's a fulltime job keeping them at bay!

[@mycatch7257]

Just wanted to let you know that we have reposted your video on Angler's Atlas.Check it on the Ontario page. Here is the link: www.anglersatlas.com/place/387226/ontario

[@adventurefishing3190]

Ever see a 200lber?

[@PolkaDotPerch]

The largest we've documented was estimated (by DNR researchers) at 300 pounds! We called her "Big Mama" cuz she was on the spawning grounds and FULL of eggs. Thanks for commenting and watching. Subscribe today and we'll put your name in our free giveaway! You could win a DVD or a pair of earrings, your choice!!

[@wantsome480]

Won't be long and the era of the jumping carp will be upon us.

[@PolkaDotPerch]

Underwater turbines, nuclear plants, leaking pipelines are all greater threats to the Great Lakes than carp.

[@wantsome480]

Gregory A.D. Doubt it once the jumping carp get in they stave out all other species. A biologist from U of M even stated once they get in there's a high probability that the great lake will become giant carp ponds. They got into Kentucky lake and there is a school of them over a mile wide.

[@Smokey298]

wantsome480 Thats what the alligator garr is for.

[@lilsneki]

@@wantsome480 carp are naturalised in lake huron, they pose little to no threat to the environement