Fishermen: Stop Leaving Fish Heads In Grand Rapids Parks

Lately, there has been a problem with fishermen leaving fish heads behind in Grand Rapids parks, and now officials are asking those responsible to stop.

Some parks and boat ramps have fish cleaning stations, but even at these locations, trash bins are provided for the proper disposal of fish heads and other waste. Leaving random fish heads in parks gives a bad name to all fisherman, even the ones who take their catches home to clean.

Fish Cleaning Stations

There’s really only one park in Grand Rapids with a fish cleaning station, Fish Ladder Park. That doesn't mean fishermen are allowed to leave fish parts all over the place. There are designated garbage cans for your fish parts.

Most fishermen take their catch home to clean and dispose of the remains. Some people catch carp or other unwanted fish and throw them onto land near the water to prevent them from eating the eggs of game fish.. Although those fishermen mean well, the fish will stink, and may attract flies and animals, preventing the next person from enjoying the spot.

Read More: USA Ice Fishing Championship Moves to Lakeview, MI

Some salmon or steelhead fishermen like to remove the heads of their catches to drain the blood. That is fine as long as you don't leave the fish heads behind.

Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Asks Fishermen Not to Leave Behind Fish Heads

Recently, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation posted on Instagram, asking fishermen not to leave behind fish heads.

Seems like a common courtesy to ask fishermen to follow the rules. Plus, it's things like this that sometimes cause fishermen not to be allowed to fish in a spot if people are trashing it.

👇BELOW: Michigan's 58 Fishing Records: Species, Weight, Length, and Date👇