Salmon season causes problems for S.S. Badger

Chinook salmon are running up Michigan rivers to spawn. That makes river mouths prime fishing spots.

Off the coast of Ludington, several fishing boats in the harbor refused to move for the S.S. Badger, a ferry that shuttles passengers between Michigan and Wisconsin.

“Multiple situations occurred with the Badger, one in particular where they had to shut down their engines and change course to avoid striking one of these small boats,” said Chris Jones, Ludington Chief of Police.

Jones issued a temporary fishing prohibition on Ludington’s harbor in late August which was quickly rescinded once anglers agreed to move for the ferry.

“When you have a 16, 17-foot little fishing boat that's in the way, there is the opportunity for some bad things to happen when you take that up against a 410-foot steel vessel,” he said.

Jones said only one boat refused to move for the Badger over Labor Day weekend and police have increased their presence at the harbor.

“There's been an increase [in] the number of vessels on the water because of the amazing fishing,” Jones said. “The struggles are not new. They go back years. I talked to some folks that have been fishing for 50 years out in the harbor, and they say this happens … every time we have a good season.”

State fishing reports say it’s been a particularly good summer for salmon fishing in northwest lower Michigan.

That should continue as the fish run up rivers this month to spawn.

The Pere Marquette River, which empties into Lake Michigan in Ludington, has a naturally reproducing salmon population.

Those fish briefly rest in the lake before heading up the river, making the location especially popular for fishing this time of year.

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