More than 100 of salmon will be released into the Black River in South Haven this week by some fourth and fifth grade students. South Haven Steelheaders President Rick Chapman tells us the group has supported the salmon raising program at the elementary school for 15 to 20 years now. It helps provide the equipment to raise salmon for students in two classrooms.
“The students get to see the lifecycle of the salmon, and hopefully, they’ll become interested in fishers and the sport of fishing,” Chapman said. “It gives them some insight into what kinds of fish are in the rivers or the lakes. They get the salmon as eggs in the October and November timeframe.”
They get around 250 eggs, and then watch the fish go through their early lifecycle. Chapman says the day the kids release the salmon is always a treat as they race around trying to get as many turns as they can. The students will release their salmon Friday at SHOUT Park. From there, the salmon will wind up in Lake Michigan and then again in the Black River for the enjoyment of fishermen.
