Meet “Mary Catherine”, A 62-Year-Old Surprise from Lake Superior

Illustration of several lake trout under water

Fisheries biologists have uncovered a remarkable fish story in Lake Superior: Mary Catherine, a lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), is now believed to be the oldest lake trout ever recorded in the Great Lakes. Hatch year: 1961. Caught during a routine survey in September 2023 on Klondike Reef, a remote reef in Lake Superior, Mary Catherine was found to be 62 years old, twice the age expected for a lake trout under ordinary conditions. In September 2023, fisheries crews working Klondike Reef in Lake Superior aged a lake trout, affectionately nicknamed “Mary Catherine”, at 62 years old, making her the oldest … Read more

Walleye Fish in Lake Superior

Walleye fish

The walleye (Sander vitreus), also known as the yellow pike or walleyed pike, is a prized freshwater gamefish found in various bodies of water across North America, including Lake Superior. The walleye fish is known for its delicious flavor, firm texture, and challenging behavior. The walleye holds a special place in the hearts of anglers and plays a significant role in the ecosystem of Lake Superior.