Fish need a safe habitat all year; however, different areas are used to complete different phases of their life cycle. From egg to adult, fish may travel through a variety of habitats. These are;

...spawning...
...nursery...
...rearing...
...cover...
and
...feeding habitats...


Spawning / Reproduction

Reproduction is a vital part of a fish's life cycle, and ensures that a new generation of fish will be born and develop.



Spawning habitat can range from a rocky shoal along a lake shoreline to a grassy-weedy marsh area. Different species prefer different types of habitat, but all of these habitats are important. Each habitat may be used during different times of the year, depending on the species.



For example, walleye spawn in the spring and prefer areas with cobble and gravel bottoms. These are usually found in lakes, rivers and streams. In comparison, northern pike prefer areas with lots of vegetation which are commonly found in marshy and slow moving areas.


Nursery / Rearing

Nursery and rearing habitats are where larval and juvenile fish grow. These areas have the necessary food to allow them to grow, while providing protection from being eaten themselves. In some cases, the nursery and rearing habitats used by these fish dry up later in the summer or fall, and the fish must find another habitat, such as a larger river or stream to live in.



Good nursery/rearing habitat can come in a variety of different forms. These can be riffle and pools, marshes, ponds or weeds located around the lake shore.

For example, many walleye spawn in tributary streams along lakes. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae slowly move downstream, spending time in the slower-moving pools. In these pools, they find the food they need to grow.




Cover / Protection

As fish grow, they must constantly be on guard to avoid being eaten by other fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.



To avoid being eaten, many fish look for protective areas to hide. These may be fallen trees, large boulders, undercut banks, fast flowing stretches of water or weeds. Fish try to blend into their surroundings to avoid being detected.

Feeding

Throughout their life cycle, the different habitats they live in provide them with food. If not, fish would perish. Feeding habitats usually contain a range of food, including:

insects, vegetation, snails and other fish.







Depending on the species and the life cycle stage fish are in, some or all of these foods may be consumed.