6-Foot Sturgeon Dumped on Michigan Road Like Roadkill

There are a number of animals one could find dead alongside a Michigan road and not even think twice: deer, raccoons, opossums, and squirrels. Maybe even a porcupine, but chances are a nearly 6-foot lake sturgeon isn't on anyone's roadkill BINGO card. If it is, mark off a space, because as odd as it sounds, that's exactly what happened along Durham Road in Whitehall, Michigan.

RELATED: The Largest Fish In Michigan is a Prehistoric BEAST

Protected Lake Sturgeon Found Dumped on Michigan Road

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the 71-inch fish was left just south of the White River access sometime between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026. Damage to its left gill plate suggests it may have been illegally snagged.

Michigan Lake Sturgeon Laws Are Not Suggestions

Michigan's largest fish species, the Lake Sturgeon, is seen swimming in fresh water with 6 FEET LONG and two yard sticks overlaid upon the image. — Canva

Lake sturgeon are basically living prehistoric creatures that the state protects with very strict laws. Fishing for this species is prohibited across most of Michigan, including White River, where investigators believe the fish was likely taken. Anyone who accidentally catches one while fishing for another species must release it immediately.

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Why Removing One Lake Sturgeon Matters

Lake sturgeon have been a protected species in Michigan since 1994, following decades of overfishing, habitat loss, and habitat damage. They can live more than 100 years and may take up to 25 years to mature enough to reproduce. So removing just one fish can erase decades of recovery work.

Michigan DNR Looking for Any Information on Lake Sturgeon Poaching

The remains of a lake sturgeon found on July 17, 2026 on a road in Whitehall, Michigan. — Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The DNR is asking anyone with information to call or text the Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800. Tips that lead to an arrest or prosecution may qualify for a cash reward.

RELATED: The Largest Fish Ever Caught in Michigan: 58 Record Catches

Somewhere, somebody knows how a 71-inch sturgeon ended up on a Muskegon County road. The DNR would enjoy that conversation.

Michigan's 58 Fishing Records: Species, Weight, Length, and Date

While fishing is considered a leisure sport, it can be incredibly competitive. From fishing tournaments to combo rod dock fishing, it's a sport that doesn't have age requirements to set records. All you need is a means to fish and measure your catch. According to LandBigFish.com, here's a look at the 58 fishing records set in Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Identifying Michigan 18 Snake Species

Snakes in Michigan live basically everywhere and mostly eat the stuff you don’t want around your house anyway. They avoid humans, don’t chase, and bites are rare when left alone. Here's a look at the 18 species of snakes living in the Mitten, along with some facts about them from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Source: Michigan DNR Investigates What May Be the State’s Oddest Roadkill Ever

Filed Under: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan fishing

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