WHITEFISH

The history of the Straits has always been connected with the fishing resources of the Great Lakes. The abundant stocks of fish were a food staple for Native Americans and early European traders and settlers. Commercial fishing during the last half of the 1800s and early part of the 1900s dominated life in St. Ignace. The fishing industry still provides many jobs for residents of St. Ignace and the Straits.

Great Lakes whitefish is what we’re famous for. These are a cool, fresh water fish with slender, elongated body averaging about 15 inches in length and weighing up to 20 pounds. The largest whitefish on fishing record was caught off Isle Royale in 1918 weighing 42 pounds.

Whitefish are known for their exceptionally fine flavor and are considered one of the most valuable commercial freshwater fish. Whitefish are caught commercially in gillnets or trapnets.

Several varieties of fresh fish, including whitefish, perch, trout, and walleye are available on the menu at local restaurants and from local fisheries’ retail locations. Located in downtown St. Ignace, or a short drive away, are the following fisheries:

King’s Fish Market
4035 N M-123, Moran
www.kingsfishmarket.com
Hours: Open Daily Year Round, Hours Vary

Manley’s Fish Market
810 N State Street, St. Ignace
facebook.com/pg/Manleysfishmarket
Hours: May - Early November
Sunday - Saturday, 8am to 6pm/8pm

Mackinac Straits Fish Company
109 W. Elliot Street, St. Ignace
Hours: April - November
Monday - Saturday, 8:30am – 6pm;
Sunday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
December - March
Wednesday - Sunday, 9am – 4pm
 

Massey Fish Company
1442 West Road, St. Ignace, Just off I-75 at Exit 348
www.masseyfish.com
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 8am to 5pm
Sunday, 8am to 3pm