Regional spawn calendar
Great Lakes Basin spawn calendar.
7 species with documented spawn timing in Great Lakes Basin. Spawn timing is driven by water temperature — these calendar windows reflect the typical years when water reaches each species' threshold.
All species
Great Lakes Basin spawn windows.
- Smallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieuTypical window: Mid-May – Late JuneTypical window: Mid-May – Late June
Great Lakes smallmouth spawn at varied depths in 5–15 ft on rocky structure.
- WalleyeSander vitreusTypical window: Late March – Mid-MayTypical window: Late March – Mid-May
Lake Erie western basin walleye run peaks April; Saginaw Bay and Bay of Quinte similar.
- Northern PikeEsox luciusTypical window: Mid-March – Late AprilTypical window: Mid-March – Late April
Great Lakes connecting waters and tributaries peak April.
- MuskellungeEsox masquinongyTypical window: Mid-April – Late MayTypical window: Mid-April – Late May
Lake St. Clair and northern Great Lakes muskie peak in May.
- Yellow PerchPerca flavescensTypical window: Late March – Late AprilTypical window: Late March – Late April
Great Lakes shoreline spawning bays peak in April.
- Brown TroutSalmo truttaTypical window: Mid-October – Mid-DecemberTypical window: Mid-October – Mid-December
Great Lakes tributary brown run peaks late October–November.
- Lake TroutSalvelinus namaycushTypical window: Mid-October – Late NovemberTypical window: Mid-October – Late November
Great Lakes lake trout spawn on shoals November; Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron.
Great Lakes Basin spawn alerts.
Bield: Fish ties USGS gauges in your area to species spawn thresholds — get notified the day water temperature hits pre-spawn for your target.
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