Notice to Boaters: Possible salmon nets on northern Lakes Huron and Michigan

Now through October, boaters in northern Lake Michigan and Lake Huron should be aware of the possible presence of tribal commercial salmon fishing nets. During their recreational boating and fishing activities, boaters should exercise extreme caution during low-light or bad weather conditions when navigating this area. Posters depicting what the nets look like and contact numbers for help have been posted.

     Each net has large orange floats that are 6 inches by 14 inches spaced at intervals of 300 feet or less. The license number of the tribal fisher is on the net.
     In over 15 feet of water, net ends are marked with 5-foot staffs above the water surface, colored with at least 50 percent reflective orange coloring and a 12-inch by 12-inch orange flag on top.
     In less than 15 feet of water, no staff is required at the net ends. This is to ensure staffs don't fall over and become a safety hazard, and boaters will still see the large orange floats.

Fishers from the Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Band are all required to uniformly mark their nets in the above manner. For more information contact COTFMA Executive Director Faith McGruther at 906-632-0043.

Click HERE for the full adobe acrobat version of the poster.

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