Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) are a charismatic threatened species in the Great Lakes region, and existing habitat suitability indices (HSIs) fail to fully predict the habitat selection of age-0 individuals. We assessed instream habitat on the Muskegon and Manistee Rivers to model suitable habitat for age-0 lake sturgeon. Stream substrate was mapped using recreational grade side-scan SONAR, and bathymetry data was collected using an acoustic doppler current profiler. These data will be used to create HSIs using published metrics (i.e. substrate, depth, and water velocity). To validate HSIs, spotlight surveys are coupled with radio telemetry to provide estimates of habitat selection. This coupled approach will aid in determining flaws in existing HSIs for the species at this life stage. Age-0 lake sturgeon were collected via nighttime spotlight surveys on the Muskegon River, and water depths, velocities, and substrate data were measured at each collection site and adjacent areas to determine habitat at known occupation sites. A subset of 31 fish were implanted with radio tags to assess habitat use across a broad temporal scale with relocation efforts occurring weekly throughout the fall. Preliminary results from spotlight and tracking surveys indicate that age-0 lake sturgeon in the Muskegon River were commonly found over fine substrates (i.e. sand, gravel), at shallow depths (0.5-1.5m), and over a range of bottom velocities (0.07-0.64 m/s). Similar data will be taken on age-0 lake sturgeon on the Manistee River in the Fall of 2026. Results will be used to improve existing HSIs for age-0 lake sturgeon in the region to support ongoing reintroduction efforts.