By Abby Bell
Fudge and pasties may reign supreme as Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) comfort foods, but one could make the case that the ultimate delicacy is freshly caught Great Lakes fish. A single taste of buttery salmon or creamy whitefish dip can sway even the staunchest skeptic. Beyond the fresh flavors and protein-packed filets, the story of the local fishers anchored in tradition adds richness to every bite.
Mackinac Straits Fish Company in St. Ignace is a family-owned processing facility with a retail shop; the company was purchased by longtime employee Tom Coveyou and his wife, Allyson, in January 2023. Coveyou's journey with the company began at 16, working part-time after school, eventually assuming ownership after years of dedicated service. Today, Coveyou’s 10-year-old daughter Caley joins her father at the company to help prepare fish for retail sales. Coveyou notes the pride of keeping a local family business running overcomes the challenge of daily operations.
One of the greatest challenges is ensuring a sufficient fish supply. While there may seem to be an abundance of fish in the Great Lakes, Coveyou states that’s not the case.
“Zebra mussels have affected reproduction,” Coveyou explains.
The invasive Zebra mussel feeds on large amounts of plankton, reducing the food available for fish. This especially harms young fish, who need the plankton to survive. Environmental factors, including water temperatures and shifting winds, also affect fish supply in the Great Lakes region.
Supply challenges shifted the way Mackinac Straits Fish Company conducts business. Under previous ownership, the company shipped fish nationwide, with a large portion of its business based in New York City. Coveyou now focuses on keeping business local to the EUP and Northern Michigan. Supplied by fishers from the Manistique, Moran and St. Ignace areas, Mackinac Straits Fish Company also collaborates with fellow processors like St. Ignace-based Massey Fish Company. Coveyou emphasizes the tight-knit nature of the local fishing community.
The company's commitment to locality extends to its distribution channels. It supplies restaurants in St. Ignace, Cedarville, and Petoskey and partners with businesses like Tom's in Petoskey and Nevilles and Harmony Health Foods in Sault Ste. Marie.
“Everything we do is local,” Coveyou explains.
Mackinac Straits Fish Company has five full-time employees, two part-time employees and additional part-time help as needed during the busy summer season. While preparing, packaging, storing and delivering fish is a large part of the operation, the company also smokes fish on-site. With both a traditional smokehouse and a modern smoker, fish are complimented with a full-bodied, earthy flavor. The company’s signature smoked whitefish dip, prepared in-house, is a standout favorite among customers.
Looking ahead, Coveyou envisions a future where Mackinac Straits Fish Company continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community, weathering challenges to remain a trusted source of quality fish for future generations.
“I'm not doing it just for myself. It’s for the community and people,” Coveyou states. We have tons of repeat business. People have been coming here for years as they head North to their cabins. They’re thankful we’re still here.”
For those who now have a craving for fresh-caught fish, Coveyou states his favorite tip for cooking fish is plenty of Drake’s seasoning, a good batter and either pan or deep frying.
Visit Mackinac Straits Fish Company at 109 W Elliott Street in St. Ignace, usual operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit the company’s Facebook page or call 906-643-7535.