How to Survive a Shark Encounter in Lake Michigan: A Complete Guide
- Jordan.Adrift
- Jul 12
- 1 min read
Are There Sharks in Lake Michigan?
You may have heard rumors of bull sharks in Lake Michigan or even caught blurry photos of fins cutting through the water. Whether you believe in Great Lakes sharks or not, it never hurts to be prepared for a freshwater predator encounter.
Recognizing a Shark in Freshwater
Fin above the water
Splashing in unusual patterns
Fishermen screaming, "It’s got my walleye!"
How to Stay Safe
Stay Calm: Sharks, even the rumored freshwater bull sharks, are more afraid of you than you are of them (maybe).
Don’t Splash Excessively: You’re not a dying carp. Don’t act like one.
Avoid Swimming at Dawn and Dusk: This is prime feeding time for hypothetical Great Lakes sharks.
Keep Your Eyes Open: If you see a fin, calmly exit the water.
What to Do If a Shark Approaches
Maintain Eye Contact: Sharks respect confidence.
Defend Yourself: If contact occurs, aim for the snout or gills.
Exit the Water Safely: Do not flail or scream.
Should You Be Worried?
We have no confirmed evidence of Lake Michigan shark attacks, but rumors continue to surface each summer. Preparation keeps you confident, and confident swimmers are less interesting to sharks (even the mythical kind).
Share this article with your friends before your next beach day, and check out our Great Lakes Shark Patrol gear to support our "research" efforts.
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