MI SR0174

Recognizes Clay Township as the sturgeon angling capital of Michigan based on the concentration of sturgeon fishing activity in the North and Middle Channels of the St. Clair River within its boundaries.

The St. Clair River waters in Clay Township have the longest and most active lake sturgeon harvest seasons in Michigan for nonstocked waters, running from July 16 through September with catch-and-release angling continuing through November.

Clay Township waters support Michigan's only commercial charter boat fishery for lake sturgeon and host the North Channel Sturgeon Classic tournament, which caught more than 33 fish during the 2015 event.

The vast majority of sturgeon fishing permits issued in the Greater Detroit Metro Area (Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, and Oakland Counties) are used by anglers fishing exclusively in Clay Township's North Channel waters.

Senate expresses support for Clay Township's recognition as the sturgeon angling capital and directs copies of the resolution to Clay Township, St. Clair County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and related organizations.