FISH AND CHIPS

At one time there were many streams in central Michigan that possessed good trout habitat. Yet, these same streams often lacked a viable, self- sustaining, population of trout. Hence, the annual Spring ritual of stocking trout from Michigan DNR fish hatcheries, began. What species were stocked, where they were stocked, and how many were stocked could be found on the MI.DNR fish stocking data-base. The database was also a good starting point for finding new fishing spots that were close to home. Despite some challenging habitat conditions, many of these streams grew some very respectable trout.

Starting from the Saginaw area, one could drive less than one hour West, Northwest, or due North to explore productive waters. Fish stocking usually occurred in mid April. During May, and continuing through June, the fishing could be very good. The larger holdover trout often preyed on the newly stocked trout. The Fall fishing was also productive for aggressive trout who were preparing to spawn. Fishing during mid-summer was generally disappointing. Low water, high water temps, and massive water withdrawals, all worked toward increasing habitat stress on the resident trout.

A sad scenario would annually repeat itself on these streams. While driving through the rolling hills and fields, you could observe giant sprinkler systems spraying water on the various crops. Some fields held corn, while some held beans, but most of the fields were planted in spuds. When fishing in the Fall, you would see an endless parade of farm trucks filled with small, fist sized, russet potatoes. These taters were bound for the processing plant, where they would be made into potato chips.

The sandy gravelly soils found there were great for growing potatoes. Since spuds grew best in wet sandy soil, more water meant more taters. More taters meant more profit. Abundant flowing water was nearby and conveniently located for growers. The water was withdrawn from the nearest stream through a six inch pipe, powered by a streamside large gas water pump. From there, it flowed under pressure to a giant field sprinkler. Stretches of river that held gravelly shoals and deep bend pools were bankful in the Spring. By late Summer, these same streams would be drawn down to water levels of four inches or less. Oxygen content was depleted as the water temperatures rose. Available trout cover was also reduced by falling water levels. Food sources also declined. The resident trout population became more vulnerable to predation. The riverine ecosystem became severely stressed.

Fishing early in the season could result in catching many trout in the 15” to 21” range. If you were astute and lucky, you may hook four or five large trout in less than an hour. Those larger fish were holdovers from previous years. To grow large they had to survive the stressful high temps and low waters of mid-summer in a deep hole or near a cold seeping spring. When the seasons changed, they fed heavily to fully recover. Some perished during this ordeal, while others survived quite well.

This story was told by a local fisherperson, who knew one nearby river very well. During one July, to escape the doldrums of panfishing, he ventured out on the stream at mid-day. The weather looked good.The temp was 86’ F, bright and sunny, with a few clouds. The wind was blowing out of the Southwest. He was hoping for a small trout in the 10” to12” range. He had chosen a shaded spot, bordered by a cedar swamp that seeped cool water into the stream, even during mid summer. After an hour of working the deeper holes, he got his wish. He hooked a small trout.

While leisurely playing the fish, a monstrous brown trout of 24” grabbed the struggling trout in its jaws, in a “t-bone” fashion. During the ensuing twenty minute battle, the big fish dove under the bank seeking cover, while violently shaking its massive head. It sought out every snag in the pool, but the angler carefully held the fish slightly away from each obstacle. Each time the fish was brought near the net, it would loop back to deeper water. Finally, the fish rolled up on its side, truly beaten. While being gingerly led headfirst toward the waiting net, the knot came undone right above the hook. The big fish swam slowly toward the far dark bank. The angler was left shaking, disgusted, and spouting profanity. Much later, after some deep reflection, lubricated with beer, he accepted that he probably had gotten what he wanted.

He would have to make other plans for the evening meal: fish and chips ,with panfish. First, cubed redskin spuds, splashed with oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary, would be baked in the oven. The bluegill filets, dusted in Drakes Fry Mix, would be fried crisp in a mixture of hot oil and butter. The cooked fish would be kept warm on a rack, in the oven. Next, chopped almonds would be toasted in butter, then sprinkled over the now plated fried fish, followed by a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley. Quartered lemon sections provided the garnish. Crunchy sauteed garden beans and a tossed green salad would sit off to the side. Between mouthfuls of food, he could re-tell his fish story to all who would listen. He would also lament why large Summer water withdrawals were allowed on such a beautiful river.

By law, the State of Michigan allows the withdrawal of up to 100,000 gallons of water per day from any local stream (National Sea Grant Law Center). Anything over that amount requires a special permit from EGLE. These withdrawals must be monitored to insure that they do not damage the local aquatic ecosystem. In the past, these large withdrawals frequently did damage many local riverine ecosystems. Some would argue that this damage continues today.

Some large water withdrawals are made through wells drilled deep in the aquifer. The large water bottling plant near Evart, Michigan, applied for an EGLE permit to increase their water well withdrawal from 200 gallons per minute to 400 gallons per minute. The permit was granted by EGLE, with a provision for increased oversight from EGLE. Later, the bottling company reduced this request to 288 gallons per minute to avoid the burden of added oversight.. Local opposition still maintained that this withdrawal amount had a negative impact on local water resources. They cited the decline of two local trout streams as examples (“Nestle Drops Controversial Water Withdrawal Permit in Evart”,cathie.crew@pioneergroup.com).

Regulations governing large water withdrawals still remain sorely inadequate in Michigan. We should never have allowed any large water withdrawals that impact normal seasonal water levels or damage aquatic ecosystems. Since we were blessed with more freshwater than virtually any other state, common sense water withdrawal regulation was needed then and now. We supplemented the local trout population through annual stockings, then sacrificed this aquatic resource to overzealous water withdrawal practices. We must find a more equitable, balanced, alternative. Otherwise, we might trade viable trout habitat for a bottle of water and a bag of chips.

Sources:

National Sea Grant Law Center., “Michigan Passes Water Withdrawal Legislation”. April 2006

cathie.crew@pioneergroup.com., “Nestle Drops Controversial Water Withdrawal Permit in Evart.”, October 23,2021.