FISHING REGULATIONSFISHING REGULATIONS
2024
MICHIGAN
Amphibians & Reptiles .................................................... .22
Angler Harassment Information...................................33
Angler Rights On Public Streams .................................33
Aquatic Invasive Plants & Animals ....................... 68-69
Boat Registration Information .......................................70
Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations ......................... 16-17
Common Fish Species ................................................36-39
Customer Service Centers ...............................................73
Denitions & Terms ........................................................... 8-9
Description of Inland Waters ............................................7
Eat Safe Fish.........................................................................32
Exceptions to General Regulations
by County .........................................................................28-31
Fishing Seasons Chart..........................................................4
Fishing Tournament Information.................................70
General Fishing Regulations ...................... 12-14
General Netting Regulations ........................................ 23
GL Commercial Fishing & Research Nets .................19
GL Trout & Salmon ........................................................18-21
Ice Shanties .............................................................................70
Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations .......... 42-65
County Listing of Lakes and Streams ........... 48-65
Gear Restricted Streams .....................................44-46
Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations ...........42
Inland Trout & Salmon Stream Regulations ......43
Lake Sturgeon Regulations ............................................. 15
Lawful Fishing Methods ...................................................10
License Information
& Requirements........................................2 and 6
Major Regulation Changes .................................3
Marked & Tagged Fish ......................................................... 3
Master Angler & State Record Information ......34-35
Michigan-Indiana Border Lakes ....................................26
Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters .............. 24-25
Native American Fishing .................................................... 7
Parasites & Diseases of Fish .............................................71
Personal Flotation Devices ..............................................33
Railroad Rights-Of-Way.....................................................33
Seasonal Fish Mortalities ..................................................71
Special Northern Pike &
Muskellunge Regulations. ........................................ 13-14
Sylvania Wilderness Area .................................................26
Unlawful Activities ..............................................................11
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus
Statewide Regulations ......................................................27
CONTENTS
A complete listing of regulations and legal
descriptions are available at:
Michigan.gov/DNR
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides
equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan’s
natural resources. Both state and federal laws prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status
under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and
MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended,
and the Americans with Disabilities Act). If you believe that
you have been discriminated against in any program, activity,
or facility, or if you desire additional information, please
write: Human Resources, Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528 or the
Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, Suite
3-600, 3054 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 or the Division
of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401
North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
This publication is available in alternative formats upon
request.
The Michigan Department of Natural
Resources is committed to the
conservation, protection, management,
use and enjoyment of the state’s natural
and cultural resources for current and
future generations.
• • •
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission
(NRC) is a seven-member public body whose
members are appointed by the Governor
and subject to the advice and consent of the
Senate. The NRC oversees the management of
sh and wildlife in the State of Michigan. The
commission conducts monthly, public meetings
in locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are
encouraged to become actively involved in
these public forums. For more information
visit Michigan.gov/NRC.
• • •
Have a photo you think would look
great on the cover of the next
Michigan Fishing Regulations?
We're seeking photos that focus on places
to sh, instead of people or sh species.
Photos should be portrait orientation. If
you’ve got one, email it to:
The State of Michigan allows appropriate advertising in its
annual regulations to reduce costs of printing. Many states
have adopted a similar strategy. Promotional advertising
does not constitute endorsement by the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources.
1
How to use this publication:
1. Decide what species you’re shing for, on what waterbody (Great Lakes,
inland lakes, rivers/streams), and in what county.
2. For sh other than trout, check out the "General Fishing Regulations" on
page 12.
3. Inland trout & salmon regulations can be found starting on page 42. It's
also helpful to check the online maps (Michigan.gov/Fishing).
4. Make sure to check the "Exceptions to General Fishing Regulations by
County" content for special regulations (starting on page 28).
5. Make sure to read over the "Lawful Fishing Methods", "Unlawful
Activities" and "Denitions & Terms" sections.
6. Finally, be sure to check the Table of Contents for other opportunities
and important information.
And don’t forget to buy a shing license at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
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2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
MICHIGAN FISHING LICENSE
INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
Item Type Fee
DNR Sportcard $1
All Species Fishing Licenses
Resident Annual $26*
Nonresident Annual $76*
Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally
blind – see p. 6)
$11*
Daily Fish (Resident or Nonresident)
This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed
$10/day
Underwater Spearshing (Resident or Nonresident)
Required for the activity as described on p. 16. Reporting is required.
Free (A DNR Sportcard may
be needed. See p. 6.)
Voluntary Youth (Age 16 and under)
$2*
Combo Hunt/Fish Licenses (Base, Annual Fishing, 2 Deer)
Hunt/Fish Resident $76*
Hunt/Fish Senior Resident $43*
Hunt/Fish Nonresident $266*
Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or
active-duty military (see p. 6).
Who needs a Michigan shing license?
A license is required when targeting fish,
amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles in public
waters of the state. If you are 17 years of age or
older and sh in Michigan, you must purchase a
shing license. If you are under 17, you may sh
without a license, but you are required to observe
all shing rules and regulations. If turning 17 at any
point during the current season (April 1 - March
31) you'll need to buy a license.
Note: The youth shing license is voluntary and not
required for ages 16 and under (See p. 9).
Where does the shing license revenue go?
For information concerning where shing license
funds are used please see p. 72.
Any adult actively assisting a minor must have
a shing license. However, adults without a
shing license may do the following:
• Help land a sh with a net or their hands
• Help unhook a sh
• Set up the shing rod with the
appropriate gear
• Bait the hook
• Fix tangles or snags
• Cast the line for young anglers; however, it
should be stressed the young angler must
be an active participant while the adult is
only assisting
Where can you purchase a Michigan shing
license (or replace a lost one)?
Option 1: Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
Option 2: On the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
Option 3: At a License Agent (nd the list at
Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents)
Option 4: At a DNR Customer Service Center (nd
the one closest to you on p. 73)
Need help? Problems buying your license
online? Call the DNR's License Sales Help
Desk: 517-284-6057
All shing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this Fishing Guide.
A $1 surcharge is included in the resident annual, nonresident annual, and senior annual shing
licenses as well as the combo hunt and sh licenses, as noted with the asterisk (*). Revenue generated
from these funds will be used to educate the public on the benets of hunting, shing and trapping in
Michigan, and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the
state’s natural resources in accordance with statute. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNR.
License Items & Fees
Purchase your shing license (and more) online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
3
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal
notice or a complete collection of shing
regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide
issued for anglers’ convenience. Copies of
Michigan's regulations can be obtained from
Michigan.gov/DNR.
MAJOR REGULATION CHANGES
REPORT ALL
POACHING
CALL OR TEXT:
8002927800
New regulations appear in red text throughout
the regulations.
Note: Always call 888-367-7060 or check online
at Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most recent
regulation information.
Inland Stream -Rainbow Trout
(Steelhead) Changes
Several Type 3 and 4 streams have a year-
round reduced daily possession limit of one (1)
Rainbow Trout 20" or greater (see pp. 42-65).
Great Lakes and Great Lakes Connecting
Waters - Lake Trout & Splake
The daily possession limit between the two
species has been combined (see p. 21).
Lake Huron Lake Trout Management Unit
MH-1
The daily possession limit for Lake Trout and
Splake combined (total in any combination) has
been increased from 2 to 3 in MH-1 (see p. 21).
Attention Charter Boat Captains and Inland
Sportshing Guides
Beginning on March 1, 2024, inland sportshing
guides will be required to acquire a license that
is valid for 3 years. Additionally, licensed inland
sportshing guides will be required to submit
monthly catch activity reports to the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources. For more
information visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Marked and Tagged Fish
In evaluating sh stocks, the DNR and natural resource partners often mark sh with a
visible tag, an internal tag and/or n clips. If you catch a marked sh, please go online
at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. Here you will be able to report information about
your marked sh, such as: species, length, weight, sex, type of mark, tag number (if
applicable), and the date and location of catch. Some tags have an associated monetary
reward for their return. Anglers catching a reward-tagged sh should report the tag at
Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField, and additionally follow any specic instructions on
the tag (e.g., contact phone number, address, extraction of internal tag). Please do not
remove any tags from Lake Sturgeon.
Many Great Lakes trout or salmon have been marked with
a microscopic coded-wire tag implanted in the snout (part
of head from behind the eyes forward) of the sh. Fish with
these tags can be identied by the absence of the adipose n.
If you catch and keep a trout or salmon with ONLY its adipose
n missing, that sh could have such a tag. Please record
the species, length, weight, sex and the date and location of
catch; freeze only the snout and take it to your nearest
drop o location. Drop o locations can be found at
Michigan.gov/TaggedFish, along with information
about most MDNR sh marking studies.
Jaw
Tag
4
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
2024 Fishing Seasons
This table provides general hook-and-line shing seasons/dates for the species listed. There are many other shing regulations associated with these species and seasons.
Please refer to the rest of the Michigan Fishing Regulations for regulations concerning size limits, possession limits, and other restrictions.
Species Season Dates More Info.
April May June July Aug. Sep. Oct.. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters (except as
noted below)
Open for Entire Year Page 12
Possession season on all waters, including Great
Lakes (except as noted below)
May 25 - December 31 Pages 12-13
Possession season on Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit
rivers
June 15 - December 31 Page 12
Muskellunge
Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters Open for Entire Year Pages 12-14
Possession season on all Great Lakes & inland waters
& St. Marys River- (except as noted below)
June 1- March 15
Pages 12-14
Possession season on Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit
rivers
June 1 - December 31 Pages 12-14
Northern Pike & Walleye
Possession season on Lower Peninsula Great Lakes,
Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit rivers
Open for Entire Year Pages 12-14
Possession season on Lower Peninsula inland waters April 27 - March 15 Pages 12-14
Possession season on Upper Peninsula Great Lakes,
inland waters & St. Marys River
May 15 - March 15 Pages 12-14
Salmon & Trout
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, St. Marys River,
St. Clair & Detroit rivers
Open for Entire Year (See Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake information below as well) Pages 18-21
(Inland) Type 3 & 4 streams and Type B, C, E & F lakes Open for Entire Year Pages 42-65
Possession & shing season (inland) Type 1 & 2
streams
April 27 - September 30 Pages 42-65
Possession & shing season (inland) Type A & D lakes April 27- October 31 Pages 42-65
Gear Restricted streams Please see Pages 44-46 for information concerning seasons on these streams.
Channel Catsh, Flathead Catsh, Cisco, Lake Whitesh, Round Whitesh, Smelt, Sunshes, White Bass, Yellow Perch & Other Species
All waters open for shing Open for Entire Year Pages 12-14
Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake - See map and Table 4 on Pages 20-21
Lake Sturgeon - See Table 2 on Page 15
FISHING SEASONS
6
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Fishing License Requirements
and Special Provisions:
• You must purchase a license if you are 17 years
of age or older.
•
If you are under 17, you may sh without a license,
but you are required to observe all shing rules
and regulations.
• When shing, you must carry your license and
the identication used to purchase that license
and exhibit both upon request of a Michigan
Conservation Ocer, a Tribal Conservation
Ocer or any law enforcement ocer.
•
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
has an electronic license that allows an individual
to display a copy of the shing license using a
smart phone or similar device.
•
Your annual shing license is valid from March 1
of a given year through March 31 of the following
year.
To purchase a shing license you
must have:
• A valid Michigan Driver's License; or
•
A valid Michigan ID Card (issued by the Secretary
of State); or
•
A valid driver's license from your state of
residency; or
•
A DNR Sportcard (issued by license dealers).
If the information on your DNR Sportcard
from a previous year is still accurate, you may
continue to use it. NOTE: When purchasing a
DNR Sportcard you will be asked to provide two
proofs of Michigan residency.
To qualify for a resident shing
license, you must:
•
Be a person who resides in a settled or permanent
home or domicile within the boundaries of this
state with the intention of remaining in this
state, or
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or
university, and reside in Michigan, or
• Serve full-time in the U.S. Military and be either
ocially stationed in Michigan or maintain
residency in Michigan.
The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not
qualication for a resident license.
Other special provisions:
U.S. Military Personnel: Fishing license fees
are waived for full-time, federal, active-duty U.S.
military personnel who have maintained resident
status. The individual must present military ID,
leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other
evidence verifying that he/she is an active-duty
member of the military, along with a valid Michigan
driver's license or voter registration card. This
license, available at DNR Customer Service Centers
(see p. 73) and at license retail outlets statewide,
is valid for the license year. Military members
receiving a free license must present the license,
along with proof of military status, if requested
by a Conservation Ocer. NOTE: Nonresident,
active-duty military personnel ocially stationed
in Michigan qualify for Michigan resident rates.
Michigan Veterans with Disabilities: A resident
veteran with a disability is eligible to obtain a shing
license, that does not require a separate application,
free of charge if one of the following conditions is
met: the person has been determined by the U.S.
Department of Veteran Aairs to be permanently
and totally disabled as a result of military service
and entitled to veterans' benets at the 100%
rate, for a disability other than blindness, or the
person has been rated by the U.S. Department
of Veteran Aairs as individually unemployable.
Residents who are blind: A resident who is
declared legally blind is eligible to purchase the
senior shing license.
Persons with developmental disabilities or
residents of a home for the aged (licensed under
the Public Health Code): A developmentally
disabled individual or a resident of a home for the
aged licensed under the Public Health Code may
obtain a permit from the DNR to sh without a
license if the developmentally disabled individual
or the resident of the licensed home for the aged
is a member of a group accompanied by 1 or more
adults who hold a valid license to sh. Permits are
available at DNR Customer Service Centers (see p. 73).
Automatically Renew!
When you purchase your Michigan
fishing license online you can
choose to automatically renew
next year!
Visit Michigan.gov/DNR and be
sure to “turn on” auto renew when
you see the button at checkout.
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2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Description of Inland Waters
Inland waters are all waters within the jurisdiction of
the state except the Great Lakes, and the bays and
connecting waters. The connecting waters between
Lake Superior and Lake Huron include that portion
of the St. Marys River located within this state.
The connecting waters of Lake Huron and Lake
Erie include the St. Clair River (begins at the Fort
Gratiot Light), Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River
(beginning at the imaginary line extending due
south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne County,
and ending at the imaginary east-west line drawn
through the most southerly point of Celeron Island).
Inland waters include all inland lakes, streams and
tributaries to the Great Lakes.
Closed Seasons
(Spawning Closures)
Michigan prohibits shing for various species at
certain times of the year. These seasonal closures
generally coincide with spawning periods and
are often referred to as spawning closures. Many
anglers and managers tend to think of these
regulations as providing specic protection to
spawning sh, and the timing and length of closed
seasons are generally related to the timing and
duration of spawning seasons. These closures are
indicated by lake or stream in the county listing
(see pp. 12-14, 28-31 and 48-65). Lakes and streams
are closed to all shing during the period listed.
Native American Fishing on
Inland Waters
Federal treaties exist between the United States
government and tribes residing in Michigan.
Although the entire State of Michigan is covered
by treaties, only two treaty areas are currently
subject to shing by tribal governments. The
Treaty of Washington, signed in 1836, covers
the eastern Upper Peninsula and the northern
Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The Treaty of La
Pointe, signed in 1842, covers the western Upper
Peninsula and areas of northern Wisconsin.
Seasons and possession limits for tribal members
may dier somewhat from state regulations. In
addition, under a permit system, tribal members
may use spears and may place impoundment nets
on designated public waters. The use of gill nets is
prohibited in inland waters. If you encounter these
activities, do not disrupt the shers or interfere
with their nets. For more information please visit
Michigan.gov/TribalCoordination.
*NOTE: Violations under section 48702a could lead to a ne, jail or both.
Species Fine Jail Revocation of
License / Permit
Violation under
section 41105
Fish - 1st Oense
Up to $100 (1st
oense); OR
Up to 60 days
(1st oense)
Optional
Violation under
section 41105
Fish - 2nd or
Subsequent Oense
$50 - $250; OR 20-90 days Optional
Violation under
section 48702a*
Fish - 1st Oense
$500 - $1,000 (plus
costs of prosecution)
Up to 93 days Required
Violation under
section 48702a*
Fish - 2nd or
Subsequent Oense
$1,000 - $2,500 (plus
costs of prosecution)
Up to 1 year Required
DID YOU KNOW: Violators of shing rules & regulations can face nes,
jail time, loss of shing equipment and/or revocation of their shing license?
8
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
DEFINITIONS & TERMS
Articial Flies: Known as wet and dry ies, streamers,
or nymphs, is dened as a single-pointed hook, or
not more than two single-pointed hooks connected
in-line (the second hook commonly known as a
stinger hook), crafted with natural, articial and/
or synthetic materials attached to the hook with
thread. An articial y may not include a spinner,
spoon, scoop, lip or any other shing lure or bait
attached. Material of any type cannot be attached
above the eye of the hook. The y or leader may be
weighted, but no weight shall be attached to the
terminal tackle in a manner that allows the weight
to be suspended from or below the hook. Single-
pointed hooks are restricted to measuring 1/2-inch
or less from point to shank.
Articial Lure: A manmade lure manufactured to
imitate natural bait. Articial lures include spoons,
spinners, ies and plugs made of metal, plastic,
wood and other non-edible materials. They also
include plastic products made to resemble worms,
eggs, sh and other aquatic organisms. NOTE: On
the following waters from Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, terminal
shing gear is restricted to single-pointed hooks or
jigs, measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank
or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less from point to shank
ONLY when attached to a body bait, plug, spinner
or spoon. An articial lure is not a device primarily
constructed of lead: all waters of the Betsie R. (Benzie
and Manistee Cos.), all waters of Bear Cr. (Manistee
Co.), the Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream
to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T22N, R16W, S31;
Manistee Co.), Big Sable R. from mouth upstream to
Hamlin Lake Dam (Mason Co.), all waters of the Pere
Marquette R. (Lake, Mason, Newaygo and Oceana
Cos.), all waters of the Little Manistee R. (Lake,
Manistee and Mason Cos.), White R. from mouth
upstream to Hesperia Dam (Muskegon and Oceana
Cos.), all waters of N. Br. White R. (Muskegon and
Oceana Cos.) Muskegon R. upstream to Croton Dam
(Muskegon and Newayago Cos.), and all waters of
the N. Br. Pentwater R. (Mason and Oceana Cos.),
S. Br. Pentwater R. upstream to Hart Dam (Mason
and Oceana Cos.).
Cast Net: A net without walls or sides that is thrown
to take minnows, alewife, smelt and shad in the Great
Lakes and Connecting Waters. There is no restriction
on the size of cast nets allowed.
Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR): The act of
returning sh immediately to the water without
injury and without holding in a livewell or similar
device. Anglers may continue to sh CIR given they
have reached their daily possession limit for a given
species.
Chumming: Luring or attracting or attempting to
lure or attract sh by scattering organic material
into the water (see p. 11). Material commonly used as
chum includes sh eggs, corn, rice, noodles, oatmeal
and maggots (see the NOTE in the top row of the
table on p. 43).
Cisco: Also known as lake herring.
Competitive Fishing Event: Any organized
competition among anglers involving prize
distribution or the declaration of a winner that is
not dened as a shing tournament with specic
rules applying to that particular event (see p. 70).
Daily Possession Limit: The total number of sh,
amphibians or reptiles that may be caught and
retained in one calendar day and includes those that
are consumed or given away. See also Possession Limit
(see p. 9).
Dates: Whenever dates are listed they are considered
inclusive.
Designated Trout Lake: Any lake so designated by
law, that contains a signicant population of trout or
salmon. All Type A and Type D lakes are designated
trout lakes (see p. 42 and 48-65).
Designated Trout Stream: Any stream, so
designated by law, that contains a significant
population of trout or salmon. All of the following:
Type 1, Type 2, Gear Restricted Streams, and Brook
Trout Research Areas, and most Type 3 and Type 4
waters are designated trout streams (see pp. 42-65).
Dip Net: A square net constructed from a piece
of webbing of heavy twine, hung on heavy cord
or frame so as to be without sides or walls, and
suspended from the corners and attached in such
a manner that when the net is lifted no part is more
than 4 feet below the plane formed by the imaginary
lines connecting the corners from which the net is
suspended. As used in shing, it shall be lowered and
raised vertically as nearly as possible (also referred to
as a drop net or umbrella net) (see p. 23).
Dropper Line: A line in addition to the main shing
line that contains a hook. Dropper lines are usually
attached to the main line.
Drop-Shotting: Using a weight suspended below a
single-pointed hook that is tied directly to the main
shing line (see p. 10).
Drowned River Mouth Lakes (Type F): A lake-
like area of a river where it enters the Great Lakes.
Considered inland waters and are listed in Note 2
on p.18.
Eviscerated: To have internal organs removed from
the body cavity or have gills severed to ensure the
organism is dead.
Fishing License: A required item for any resident
or nonresident angler age 17 or older targeting sh,
amphibians, crustaceans or reptiles in Michigan.
Annual licenses are valid from March 1 of a given
year through March 31 of the following year (see p. 2).
Fishing Season: The period of time a body of water
is open to shing. It is unlawful to sh in any body of
water outside of the shing season.
Fishing Tournament: An organized, competitive
shing event among anglers, or teams of anglers,
9
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
with specic rules applying to that particular event.
See also Fishing Tournament Information on p. 70.
Fishing Tournament Information System: An
electronic system shing tournament directors use
to register their shing tournaments (see p. 70).
Great Lakes Connecting Waters (Connecting
Waters): Specic bodies of water in Michigan that
connect the Great Lakes. The designated connecting
waters are L. St. Clair, St. Marys R., St. Clair R. (begins
at the Fort Gratiot Light) and the Detroit R. (begins
at the imaginary east/west line extending due south
of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne Co., and ending
at the imaginary east/west line drawn through the
most southernly point of Celeron Isl.). NOTE: Portage/
Torch Lakes (Houghton Co.) are not designated as
Great Lakes Connecting Waters.
Hand Net and Landing Net: A mesh bag of webbing
or wire, suspended from a circular, oval or rectangular
frame attached to a handle. These are the most
common shing nets used in Michigan (see p. 23).
Hook & Hook Gap Measurement:
A single, double or treble
pointed hook. All hooks
- single, double or treble
pointed and attached to
a manufactured articial
lure shall be counted as
1 hook. Refer to diagram
to the right. The same
method is used for single
and multi-pointed hooks.
Inland Trout & Salmon Regulation Maps:
Maps are available online to assist anglers in
identifying which trout and salmon regulations
apply on specic stream reaches and inland lakes
categorized by Type. The maps are posted at
Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Inland Waters: All waters in Michigan EXCEPT the
Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Connecting Waters.
Minnows: Chubs, shiners, dace, stonerollers, sculpins
(muddlers), mudminnows, and suckers of a size
used for bait in hook-and-line shing. See p. 10.
Mutilated Fish: A sh that is unidentiable or cannot
be measured.
Possession Limit: In addition to 1 day’s daily
possession limit of sh, a person may possess an
additional 2 daily possession limits of sh taken
during previous fishing days provided the
additional limits of sh are processed (canned, cured
by smoking or drying, or frozen). This provision does
not apply to lake sturgeon or muskellunge. Anglers
who have not attained the age of 17 are entitled to
the possession limit even though they do not have a
shing license. A person shing waters bordered by
other states or provinces AND possessing multiple
shing licenses may possess the limit allowed for
ONLY ONE license while in transit. When shing in
Michigan waters, Michigan possession and size limits
must be followed.
Possession Season: The portion of the shing
season during which it is legal to harvest sh.
Protected Slot Limit: Prohibits the possession
or harvest of sh that fall within a protected
minimum and maximum size interval (see p. 14).
Reporting Requirements for Lake Sturgeon
& Muskellunge: Any angler who harvests a lake
sturgeon or muskellunge is required to report the
harvest within 24 hours of the time of the catch.
Anglers can report their harvest online (Michigan.
gov/RegisterFish), on the DNR Hunt Fish app, by
calling 888-636-7778, or in person at any DNR
Customer Service Center (see p. 73) during normal
state business hours with advance notice of arrival.
River vs. Stream: The same regulations apply
whether a body of water is designated as a river or
a stream. They are regulated the same in Michigan.
Round Whitesh: Also known as Menominee.
Snag or Snagging: Taking or attempting to take a
sh in a manner or methods where the sh does not
take, or have the chance to take, the hook voluntarily
in its mouth. Snagging shall include, but not be
limited to, shing by manipulating a hook or hooks
and other tackle or lures, whether baited or not, in
such a manner as to pierce or hook a sh in any part
of the body, circumventing the voluntary action of
the sh to take the bait or lure in the mouth.
Tournament Registration: Following the
appropriate process to register bass and walleye
tournaments or muskellunge competitive shing
events with the department (see p. 70).
Trapping: Catching or taking sh by use of a device,
such as a cage or net, designed to capture a sh
or animal.
Type: Refers to the regulation category that an
inland stream or inland lake is classied as. Inland
Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations are categorized
as Types A - F. Inland Trout & Salmon Stream
Regulations are categorized as Types 1 - 4, Brook
Trout Restoration Areas (BTRA) and Gear Restricted
Streams (GR). The regulations for each category can
be found on pp. 42-65.
Weir: A fence or structure set in water to block or
retain sh.
Youth Fishing License: a voluntary shing license
for young anglers under 17 years of age. All youth
shing licenses sold result in a federal match
garnering additional funding to be used for sport
shing programs in Michigan.
POINT
GAP
SHANK
10
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
LAWFUL FISHING METHODS UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES
Articial Lights: Articial lights may be used for
shing; however, articial lights may not be used
to spear frogs (see p. 22).
Bait: Baitsh may only be used in the waters where
collected. Any sh and frogs may be used as bait
when legally taken and possessed, EXCEPT lampreys,
live carp or goldsh. Wigglers (mayy nymphs) and
other aquatic nymphs and larvae also may be used
for bait, but may not be taken from any trout stream
except for personal use on the same stream. Craysh
may be taken for bait and personal use (see below).
See exceptions on the Michigan Wisconsin Boundary
Waters (see pp. 24-25). To help reduce the spread of
invasive species, anglers are reminded to properly
dispose of all bait containers including worms and
soil, craysh and minnows in a trash receptacle.
Bow Fishing: Bow and arrow and crossbow may be
used on certain waters for certain species. See Table
3 Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations on pp. 16-17.
Craysh: Native craysh may be harvested in all
waters as long as the water body is open to shing. In
designated trout waters, craysh may only be taken
during the shing season for trout. Anglers may
use traps, nets, hook-and-line or hands to harvest
craysh. All craysh traps must bear the owners
name and address. There is no minimum size limit
or possession limit. Craysh species not native to
Michigan waters, including (but not limited to) red
swamp craysh (Procambarus clarkii) may not be
used for bait, whether alive or dead, on any waters of
this state whether those waters are public or private.
However, rusty craysh may be harvested live for
personal consumption, or harvested and used as bait
if they are dead. On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary
waters, craysh may not be possessed or used for
bait, whether alive or dead.
Dip Nets: Dip nets may be used for bown, carp,
longnose gar, smelt and suckers in waters that are
not designated trout streams. A permit is required
if equipment is to be left overnight. See Table 5
General Netting Regulations, p. 23.
Drop-Shotting: The practice of having a weight
suspended below a single-pointed hook that is tied
directly to the main shing line is lawful on inland
lakes, drowned river mouths (see p. 18), Great Lakes
and Great Lakes Connecting Waters only. This gear
may not be used on rivers or streams.
Gas: Gas may be used to help land lawfully
hooked sh on all waters EXCEPT on a designated
trout stream. Never use a ga on sh that are not
legal to harvest or sh you plan to release.
Hand Nets: Hand nets of any handle length may be
used to help land lawfully hooked sh. Hand nets
may also be used to take bown, carp, longnose
gar, smelt and suckers. See Table 5 General Netting
Regulations, p. 23.
Hook-and-Line Fishing: Fish not hooked in the
mouth must be returned to the water immediately.
No more than 3 lines per person (including tip-ups)
or more than 6 hooks or lures may be used. All hooks
attached to an articial bait or “night crawler harness”
are counted as 1 hook (EXCEPTION: for crappie/
perch rigs and umbrella rigs each hook is counted
separately as part of total allowed). Hooks must be
baited or attached to an articial bait. All tip-ups
and other similar devices must be marked with the
name and address of the owner in legible English,
either directly on the object or securely fastened to it
by a plate or tag. All lines must be under immediate
control. Hook and size regulations exist on certain
streams (see Exceptions to General Regulations by
County, pp. 28-31).
Hoop Nets: May be used for burbot only on certain
waters Dec. 15 – last day of Feb. A permit is required
through a local DNR oce. See Table 5 General
Netting Regulations p. 23. Hoop nets shall be no
larger than 36" in diameter, and no longer than 7'
in length.
Minnows for Personal Use: Minnows for personal
use may only be taken with hook-and-line, seines, dip
nets, hand nets and traps with a valid shing license
and may only be used in the waters where they are
collected. In designated trout lakes and streams,
minnows may only be taken during the open season
for trout by hook-and-line or minnow traps. NOTE:
Minnows may not be taken from LEELANAU Co.:
Hatlem’s Cr. Gear restrictions are as follows: seines
must not be over 12 feet by 4 feet; hand nets not
over 8 square feet and without sides or walls; and
minnow traps not over 24" long and need to have a
funnel opening no larger than 1 1/2". Minnow traps
must bear the owner's name and address. Cast nets
may be used to take minnows, alewife, smelt and
shad in the Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, and the Detroit
R., St. Clair R., and St. Mary’s R.
Spearing: Hand, rubber or spring-propelled spears
may be used for certain species. See Table 3 Bow and
Spear Fishing Regulations pp. 16-17.
11
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES
It Is Unlawful To:
Chum with organic material in all stream Types
as indicated on p. 43.
Possess or transport any live transgenic
(genetically engineered) organism or any live
specimen of the following non-native fish,
craysh, or freshwater mollusk: bighead carp,
black carp, silver carp, grass carp (white amur),
members of the snakehead family (Channidae),
Wels catsh, bitterling, stone moroko, zander, Ide,
Japanese weathersh, rudd, tench, Eurasian rue,
tubenose goby, round goby, red swamp craysh,
yabby craysh, rusty craysh (except for personal
consumption as noted on p.10), killer shrimp, zebra
mussel, golden mussel or quagga mussel. To do so
may result in civil nes up to $10,000.
Use red swamp craysh for bait, whether alive or
dead, on any waters of this state (see p. 10).
Import, plant or transplant live sh including
viable eggs of any sh without permit.
Buy or sell sh or parts of sh, reptiles, amphibians
or craysh taken under a sport shing license.
Take sh for the sole purpose of removing the eggs.
Harvest, attempt to harvest, or possess any
threatened or endangered species except as
authorized by the DNR. For more information,
look at Michigan's Rare Plants & Animals list at
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-
resources/wildlife/wildlife-permits/threatened-
endangered-species/threatened-and-
endangered-species-list.
Harvest or attempt to harvest freshwater
mussels (clams or bivalves) whether living or dead,
including the shell or parts thereof, from any waters
of the state.
EXCEPTION: A special cultural or
collectors permit may be obtained from
the DNR for the taking of freshwater mussels.
Use multi-pointed hooks exceeding
3
⁄8" between
point and shank and/or single-pointed hooks
exceeding ½" between point and shank on all
streams (including tributaries to the Great Lakes)
from Aug. 1 - May 31.
Use lures exceeding one ounce on all streams
from Aug. 1 to May 31 except when shing in the
Detroit R., St. Clair R., and St. Marys R.
Possess or sell a multi-pointed hook with a weight
permanently attached.
Take or possess on any waters over which this
state has jurisdiction any sh that is so mutilated
that the identication or measurement of that sh
is impossible.
Possess more than the Michigan daily possession
limit when fishing in Michigan waters, even
if holding licenses from more than one state or
province.
Commercially take, possess or sell rusty craysh
in Michigan.
Commercially take amphibians or reptiles in
Michigan.
Disturb or remove reptile eggs from the wild
without a permit.
Fish for any species or possess shing devices along
a stream or lake closed to shing.
Fish with your hands, rearms, explosives, setlines,
poisons or methods other than lawful shing
methods.
Fish anywhere in a sh ladder or within 100 feet of
a lamprey control weir.
Use a net to take a sh within 100 feet of a dam
(landing nets are allowed to secure a legally hooked
sh).
Use a seine for any species other than minnows.
Use cast nets in any inland water.
Shoot reptiles or amphibians with a firearm
(including spring, air or gas propelled), bow and
arrow or crossbow.
Have a weight rigidly attached to a multi-point
hook, or suspended from a multi-point hook.
Fish on a river or stream (see NOTE 2, p. 18) using
a weight suspended below any hook, unless the
hook is on a dropper line (a leader) that is at least
3" long.
Fish on a drowned river mouth (Type F) using a
weight suspended below any multi-pointed hook
or single-pointed hooks exceeding a 1/2" between
point and shank (see NOTE 2, p. 18).
Deposit litter, sh oal or any foreign matter in any
waters of the state or any lands, private or public.
Take or attempt to take sh outside of the open
season for that species (unless there is a specied
CIR season for that species).
Commercially harvest wigglers from any state
waters from June 1 – Sep. 1.
Snag a sh, attempt to snag a sh, or possess a sh
that was snagged.
Possess a Prohibited or Restricted Species, the
possession of a sh species listed as prohibited or
restricted per MCL 324.41301 or Invasive Species
Order Amendment No. 1 of 2020 is prohibited unless
it is eviscerated or adheres to criteria described
within MCL 324.41301(2).
12
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
GENERAL FISHING REGULATIONS
Table 1: General Fishing Regulations
Species
(NOTE 1)
Minimum
Size
(inches)
Daily Possession
Limit
Possession Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
(NOTE 2)
14"
5 in any
combination
3rd. Sat. in June - Dec. 31: L. St. Clair, St.
Clair R., Detroit R. (See NOTE 2)
Sat. before Memorial Day - Dec. 31: All
other waters including Gr. Lakes (except
those listed in NOTE 2)
Walleye
(NOTE 3)
15"
5
May 15 – March 15: Upper Peninsula Gr.
Lakes and inland waters, and St. Marys R.
Last Sat. in April – March 15: Lower
Peninsula inland waters
Open All Year: Lower Peninsula Gr. Lakes, L.
St. Clair, St. Clair R. and Detroit R.
Northern Pike
(NOTE 4)
24"
2
Flathead Catsh 15"
5
Open All Year
Channel Catsh 12"
10
Muskellunge
(including Tiger
Muskellunge)
(See NOTE 4)
42"
(See NOTE
4 for
exceptions)
Only 1 per angler
per license year
(Mandatory
Registration)
1st Sat. in June – March 15: All Gr. Lakes
and inland waters and St. Marys R.
1st Sat. in June – Dec. 31: L. St. Clair, St.
Clair R. and Detroit R.
Yellow Perch
(NOTE 5)
No size
limit
25
Open All Year
Sunshes
(NOTE 6)
25 in any
combination of the
listed species
White Bass
25 on Gr. Lakes,
L. St. Clair, St.
Marys R., St. Clair
R., and Detroit R.
10 on inland waters
Cisco, Lake
Whitesh, Round
Whitesh
(NOTE 7)
10 in any
combination on Gr.
Lakes, Connecting
Waters and Type
F lakes, 5 in any
combination on
other inland waters
Lake Sturgeon Please see Table 2, p. 15 for Lake Sturgeon Regulations
Smelt
No size
limit
2 gallons
Open All Year
(See p. 23, Table 5 for Netting Regulations)
All others
(NOTE 8)
No size
limit
No possession
limit
Open All Year
This table provides general statewide regulations for the species listed. However, there are many waters in the
state that have shing regulations which dier from those in this table. For instance, it is unlawful to possess
shing gear or sh for suckers on designated trout waters during the closed shing season. Please refer to
the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters (see pp. 24-25), Sylvania Wilderness Area (see p. 26), Exceptions to General
Regulations by County (see pp. 28-31), and Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations (pp. 42-65) for exceptions. Table notes
are found on pp. 13-14. ATTENTION ANGLERS: There are regulations requiring all bass and walleye tournaments
and muskellunge contests be registered (see p. 70).
13
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
NOTES for Table 1
NOTE 1 - All Warmwater Fish:
Warmwater sh include all species listed in this
table. Regulations for trout and salmon on inland
waters are provided on pp. 42-65 and Great Lakes
trout and salmon on pp. 18-21.
NOTE 2 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass:NOTE 2 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass:
Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR) seasons:
CIR shing for bass is allowed all year on all waters,
unless otherwise closed to shing. All bass
caught must be immediately returned to the water
(see Denitions & Terms pp. 8-9).
On L. Michigan, within one-half mile of the
following islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago:
Beaver, Garden, High and Hog, (Charlevoix Co.)
the possession season is July 1 - Dec. 31 and open
to bass CIR all year.
NOTE 3 - Walleye:
L. Huron waters of MH-4 (see p. 20) including
Saginaw Bay and lower Saginaw R. including
tributaries (Bay and Saginaw Counties) from
the mouth of the river, upstream to the West
Center Street (Douglas G. Schenk) Bridge. The
daily possession limit for walleye is 8 with a 13"
minimum size limit and open all year. Any changes
will be announced online at Michigan.gov/shing
and in a prerecorded message at 888-367-7060.
L. Erie, Detroit R., L. St. Clair and St. Clair R.: The
daily possession limit is 6 walleye through April 30,
2025. The daily possession limit for walleye will be
updated by May 1 annually. The daily possession limit
will be announced on the DNR website (Michigan.
gov/Fishing) and in a prerecorded message
at 888-367-7060.
L. Michigan waters of Little Bay de Noc (Delta
Co.): No more than 1 walleye over 23" may be
possessed in daily limit north of a line drawn from
Peninsula Point Lighthouse to the mouth of the
Bark R.
L. Michigan waters of Green Bay (Menominee
Co.): from the mouth of the Menominee R.
northward to latitude/longitude (45.5505, -87.2637).
located approximately 10 miles north of the Cedar
R., from March 2 - Fri. before 1st Sat. in May the daily
possession limit is 1 walleye and from the 1st Sat. in
May - March 1 the daily possession limit is 5 walleye.
Cheboygan R. from the south end of the
outermost breakwall at Mullett L. downstream
to Cheboygan Dam, and Black R. from Alverno
Dam downstream to its conuence with the
Cheboygan R.: the possession season for walleye
shall be May 15 - March 15.
Ontonagon R. (Ontonagon Co.): No more than
1 walleye over 23" may be possessed in daily
possession limit.
Portage and Torch L. systems (Houghton Co.):
No more than 1 walleye over 23" may be possessed
in daily possession limit.
NOTE 4 - Muskellunge & Northern Pike:
Muskellunge Mandatory Reporting
Requirement: Anglers who harvest a muskellunge
can report it by going online to Michigan.gov/
RegisterFish or by calling 888-636-7778. For more
information, see p. 9.
Muskellunge harvest is limited to only 1
muskellunge per angler per year (April 1 -
March 31).
Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR) seasons:
CIR shing for muskellunge is allowed all year on
all waters, unless otherwise closed to shing. All
muskellunge caught must be immediately returned
to the water (see Denitions & Terms pp. 8-9) .
Special Muskellunge Regulations:
50" Minimum Size Limit Waters:
Antrim: L. Bellaire (including all tribs upstream to
Bellaire Dam), Clam L. (including all tribs), Torch
L. (including all tribs); Antrim & Grand Traverse:
Elk L. (above Elk Rapids Dam, including all tribs);
Antrim, Grand Traverse & Kalkaska: L. Skegemog
(including all tribs); Barry: Thornapple L. (from
McKeown Rd. to Barger Rd.); Iron: Chicagon L.
(including all tribs).
46" Minimum Size Limit Waters:
Antrim: Beals L. (including all tribs), Benway L.
(including all tribs), Ellsworth L. (including all
tribs), Hanley L. (including all tribs), Scotts L.
(including all tribs), Wilson L. (including all their
tribs), Intermediate L. (from Bellaire Dam upstream,
including all tribs); Antrim & Charlevoix: Saint
Clair L. (including all tribs), Sixmile L. (including all
tribs); Barry: Gun L. ; Cheboygan & Presque Isle:
Black L. (including all tribs); Cheboygan: Black R.
(including all tribs upstream to Kleber Dam), Mullett
L., Indian R., Burt L., Cheboygan R.; Cheboygan &
Emmet: Crooked R. (downstream from Crooked
Lake conuence); Chippewa: St. Marys R. (from
compensating gates downstream to DeTour/
Drummond Island Ferry Docks); Kent: Grand R.
(downstream from Sixth Street Dam);Murray L.;
Ottawa: L. Macatawa, Grand R. (downstream from
Sixth Street Dam); Muskegon: Mona L.
38" Minimum Size Limit Waters:
Luce: Tahquamenon R. and tribs (upstream from
Upper Falls); Van Buren: Round L.; Hillsdale: L.
Diane.
14
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Special Muskellunge & Northern Pike
Regulations:
Lakes with Muskellunge & Northern Pike
possession seasons from the rst Sat. in June
- Nov. 30: Barry: Thornapple L. (from McKeown
Rd. to Barger Rd.) Lenawee: L. Hudson.
Special Northern Pike Regulations:
Waters with 24” – 34” protected slot limit on
Northern Pike and daily possession limit of 2
Northern Pike: Alger: Grand Sable L. Allegan:
Pine Cr. Flooding Cass: Magician L. Kalamazoo:
Long L. (T3S, R10W, S17/18/19/30) Kent: Bass L.
(T10N, R9W, S12/13/14), and Wabasis L. Luce: Blind
Sucker Flooding and Bodi L. Montcalm: Townline
and Sand L. Van Buren: Magician L.
Waters where up to 5 Northern Pike of any
size may be taken with only one 24" or greater
allowed in the daily possession limit: Alcona:
Badger L. and McCollum L. Alger: Echo, Nawakwa,
Trout and 16 Mile Lks and Au Train Basin (Forest
Lake). Antrim: Beals, Benway, Ellsworth, Hanley,
Scotts, Six Mile, St. Clair, and Wilson Lks. Baraga:
Vermillac (Worm) L. Benzie: Long L. Charlevoix:
Deer, Fox, Geneserath, Six Mile, and St. Clair and
Susan Lks. Cheboygan: Black L. and tributaries,
Black R. from Alverno Dam upstream, Black R.
(upstream of Tower Dam includes Tower Pond and
tributaries), Paradise (Carp), Silver and Wildwood
Lks. Chippewa: Frenchman and Trout (Carp)
Lks. Clare: Eight Point L., Little Long L., Long L.
and L. Thirteen Crawford: Big Creek Imp., River
and Pickerel Lks. Delta: Carr, Chicago, Hamilton
(McDonald), Lyman and Round (T43N, R20W, S1)
Lks. and Escanaba R. (upstream from rst dam at
US-2) Dickinson: Hamilton L., L. Louise, L. Mary,
Norway, Rock, and Sawyer L. Emmet: Crooked
L., French Farm and O’Neal L. Floodings, Paradise
(Carp) L. and Pickerel L. Gladwin: L. Lancelot,
L. Lancer and Wiggins L. Gogebic: African (Big
and Little), Chaney, Cisco, Clearwater, East Bay,
Fishhawk, Indian, L. Gogebic, Lindsley, Morley,
Poor, Record, Sunday L. and Thousand Island Lks.
Grand Traverse: Boardman L. and L. Dubonnet.
Houghton: Prickett Imp. and Rice L. Ionia: Long L.,
Iosco: Chain Lks. Iron: Bass L., Bone, Brule, Buck,
Dawson, Indian, Iron, L. Mary, Paint L., Perch L.
Railroad, Runkle, Shank L., Sunset and Winslow
Lks., Paint R. Pond (downstream of Horserace Rapids
and upstream of Frog Island), Hemlock Falls and
Michigamme Reservoir, Michigamme Falls and
Peavy Reservoir, L. St. Kathryn, Deer R., Net R., and
Net R. Wide Waters. Kent: Scram L. Keweenaw:
Schlatter L. Leelanau: Florence L. (S. Manitou Is.).
Luce: East L., Kaks L. and Muskallonge L. Mackinac:
East, Millecoquins and South Manistique Lks.
Manistee: Bar and Chief Lks. Marquette: Bass
(East), Cedar, Engman, Shag (Big) and Witch Lks.,
Dead R. Storage Basin, Middle Br. Escanaba R., Big
GENERAL HOOK & LINE REGULATIONS LAKE STURGEON REGULATIONS
Table 1 NOTE 4 (continued)
West Br. Escanaba R. mainstream downstream to
Boney Falls Basin (except Greenwood, Schweitzer
and Cataract Reservoirs) Mason: Hackert (Crystal)
L. Mecosta: Canadian Lks. (in T14N, R8W, S20,29,30;
north of Pierce Rd. and south of Buchanan Rd. in
S19), Haymarsh and Horsehead Lks. Menominee:
Bass L., L. Ann, Shakey Lakes Chain (Baker, Beecher,
East, Long, Resort and Spring Lks.), Westman Imp.
Missaukee: Missaukee L. Montcalm: Crystal L.
and Indian L. Montmorency: Robarge L., East and
West Town Corner and Pug Lks., North and South
Tomahawk Lks., Black R. and tributaries. Muskegon:
Big Blue L. Newaygo: Bills L., Diamond, Emerald,
Kimball, Nichols, Pickerel, Ryerson (Long) and Sylvan
Lks. Oceana: Round (Wykof) L. Ogemaw: East Twin
Lake, L. Ogemaw and Sage L. Osceola: McCoy
L., L. Miramichi, Diamond, Rose and Wells Lks.
Oscoda: McCollum L. and Pickerel L. Ontonagon:
L. Gogebic. Otsego: Black R. and tributaries.
Presque Isle: Black L., Francis and Orchard Lks.,
Ocqueoc R. and tributaries, Ocqueoc Watershed
Lakes (Ann, Bullhead, Ella, Emma, Ferdelman,
Gorman, Horseshoe, Lost, Louise, Lower and Upper
Barnhart, May, McIntosh, Moore, Mud and Nettie,
and Ocqueoc Lks.), Black R. and tributaries and
Tomahawk Flooding. Roscommon: L. St. Helen, Cut
R. (from the river mouth at Houghton L. upstream
to CO 100 just downstream of Higgins L.), L. James,
Houghton L., Backus Cr. from the stream mouth
upstream, including all tributaries, Little Mud
L. Flooding, Backus Cr. Flooding, and Backus L.
Flooding. Schoolcraft: Boot, Colwell L., Crooked,
Gulliver L., Kennedy, MacDonald L., Stanley and
Thunder Lks., Worchester (Wolf) L. Seney National
Wildlife Refuge Pools: contact Refuge oce (906-
586 -9851). Wexford: Pleasant L. and Stone Ledge L.
Waters where up to 5 Northern Pike 24" or
greater allowed in the daily possession limit:
Lake St. Clair, St. Clair R., and Detroit R.
NOTE 5 - Yellow Perch:
L. Erie: The daily possession limit for yellow
perch is 50.
L. Gogebic (Gogebic and Ontonagon Cos.):
The daily possession limit for yellow perch is 25
with no more than 5 yellow perch 12" or greater.
NOTE 6 - Sunshes:
Includes: black and white crappies, bluegill, green
and hybrid sunsh, longear, pumpkinseed, redear,
rock bass and warmouth.
NOTE 7 - Round Whitesh:
In Lake Superior the daily possession limit shall
include up to an additional ten (10) round whitesh.
NOTE 8 - Other Species:
Those species not listed above and not considered
trout or salmon or threatened and endangered
species which are protected from harvest.
15
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
LAKE STURGEON REGULATIONS
Table 2: Lake Sturgeon
Hook & Line Fishing Only (except as indicated above)
Waters Seasons
Regulations and Size
Restrictions
Detroit River
Fishing Season:
July 16 - March 15
All lake sturgeon must be
released immediately.
Lake St. Clair and St. Clair R.
Fishing Season:
July 16 – March 15
Possession Season:
July 16 – Sep. 30
Between 42" - 50". Lake
sturgeon less than 42" and
greater than 50" must be
released immediately.
Otsego Lake (Otsego Co.)
Fishing and Possession
Season:
July 16 – March 15
50" minimum size limit. Lake
sturgeon less than 50" must be
released immediately.
All MI-WI Boundary Waters
(see pp. 24-25 for more details)
Fishing and Possession
Season:
1st Sat. in Sep. – Sep. 30
60" minimum size limit. Lake
sturgeon less than 60" must be
released immediately.
Black Lake (Cheboygan &
Presque Isle Cos.)
Fishing and Possession
Season:
1st Sat. in Feb. through the
following Wed. or until the
quota is reached
(whichever comes rst)
No size limit. All harvested lake
sturgeon must be reported
immediately to DNR on site.
Contact DNR Gaylord oce
(989) 732-3541 for details.
St. Marys River (Chippewa Co.)
From the Soo Locks/Compensating Works
downstream to the DeTour Village and
Drummond Island ferry terminals to the
south, and from Hay Point to Cherry Island
then north to the international boundary for
the northeast.
Fishing Season:
July 16 - March 15
All lake sturgeon must be
released immediately.
Portage and Torch Lakes
(Houghton Co.)
This includes Portage River, Portage Canal
and north and south entry.
Fishing Season:
July 16 - March 15
All lake sturgeon must be
released immediately.
Ontonagon River (Ontonagon
Co.) from Lake Superior up to the
Victoria Dam Road
Fishing Season:
July 16 - March 15
All lake sturgeon must be
released immediately.
All Other Waters NO FISHING SEASON
It is unlawful to sh for lake
sturgeon, except in the waters
listed above.
Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to only 1 lake sturgeon per angler per year (April 1 - March 31).
Harvest of lake sturgeon is limited to the waters of the state listed in the table below. Spearing for lake
sturgeon is prohibited, except in Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.), during a special winter
season; pre-registration is required. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.
Mandatory Reporting Information for Harvesting a Lake Sturgeon
An angler who harvests a lake sturgeon is required to report the harvest within 24 hours. Anglers can
report their harvest online (Michigan.gov/RegisterFish), by calling 888-636-7778, or in person at
any DNR Customer Service Center (p. 73) during normal state business hours with advanced notice of
arrival. EXCEPTION: Lake sturgeon harvested from Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.) must
be immediately registered on-site with DNR personnel.
16
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
BOW & SPEAR FISHING REGULATIONS
The seasons, gear, waters and species where a spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used as indicated
in the table below and lists that follow (except as otherwise prohibited). Spearing gear shall be limited
to: hand-propelled spear, rubber-propelled spear, and spring-propelled spear. In addition, bow and arrow,
and crossbow may be used. Articial lights may be used. It shall be unlawful to use a rubber-propelled
spear or a spring-propelled spear without being submerged and the spear must be attached to a line not
exceeding twenty feet in length. It is unlawful to spear any sh in a waterbody closed to shing, except
as noted in the spearing exceptions list (p. 17). Unless noted otherwise, all general regulations apply for
the species listed (see pp. 12-14). Anglers should contact local enforcement oces for information
concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or crossbow in some
locations. Fishing in any manner other than hook-and-line is prohibited in National Parks.
Table 3: Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations (for species as indicated below)
Season Gear Waters- (NOTE 1) Species- (NOTE 2)
Open All Year
Spear or bow and
arrow or crossbow
(as listed above)
ALL WATERS except:
Designated Trout Lakes
and Streams and Michigan-
Wisconsin boundary waters.
Also see Spearing Exceptions
List below.
Bown, Bullheads,
Burbot, Carp, Catsh,
Cisco, Drum, Gizzard
Shad, Goldsh, Grass
Carp, Longnose
Gar, Smelt, Suckers,
Whitesh
In addition to year-round opportunities listed above, the following spearshing provisions allow
for the possession of additional species listed below:
Dec. 1 - March 15
(through the ice)
Hand-propelled spear
(only)
ALL WATERS except:
Designated Trout Lakes
and Streams and Michigan-
Wisconsin boundary waters.
Also see Spearing Exceptions
List below.
Northern Pike and
Muskellunge
(see pp. 13-14 NOTE 4)
Species and
location specic
(see NOTE 3) for
Northern Pike
season exception)
Underwater spear
(see NOTE 4)
Lake Michigan: waters south
of the southernmost pier at
Grand Haven
Lake Huron: waters south of
the southernmost pier of the
Thunder Bay River, extending
south to the mouth of the St.
Clair River (Fort Gratiot Light)
Lake Trout, Northern
Pike, Walleye
NOTE 1- All Type A and D lakes are Designated Trout Waters. All Type 1 and 2 streams, Gear Restricted
Streams, Brook Trout Restoration Areas, and nearly all Type 3 and 4 streams are Designated Trout Waters
(see pp. 42-65).
NOTE 2- The term suckers refers to: suckers (longnose, white, northern hog, spotted), redhorse (silver,
golden, black, greater, shorthead), bualo (bigmouth, black), lake chubsucker and quillback carpsucker.
NOTE 3- When using an underwater spear the possession season for Northern Pike shall be July 1 -
March 15.
NOTE 4- For underwater spearshing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Walleye the following regulations
apply:
• All recreational anglers who intend to engage in underwater spearshing shall request and be issued
a free annual underwater spearshing license (See p. 2 for more information).
• All underwater spearshing anglers shall provide monthly eort and harvest reports to the
Department using an online reporting tool provided by the Department.
• To use an underwater spear in compliance with the table within this order, the angler/diver shall be
fully submerged beneath the waters surface when attempting to harvest sh.
• The species and location specic size limits for Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Walleye shall apply.
17
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Spearing Exceptions List
Waters Closed to Northern Pike and
Muskellunge Spearing
It shall be unlawful to sh by any means other than
hook-and-line for northern pike or muskellunge in
the following waters:
•
Alger: Kingston L.; Alpena/Montmorency:
Fletcher Floodwaters; Barry: Lower Crooked
L., Thornapple L. (from McKeown Rd. to Barger
Rd.); Clare: Budd L.; Clinton: L. Ovid; Delta: Dana
L.; Dickinson: East, Island, South, and West Lks
(all within Groveland Mines); Iron: Brule and
Chicagon Lks., L. Emily, Paint L., Paint (Brule Isle
Imp.) Pond, Stanley and Swan Lks.; Kent: Campau
and Murray Lks.; Keweenaw: L. Gratiot; Lenawee:
L. Hudson; Schoolcraft: Grassy and McKeever
Lks.; St. Joseph: Long L. (Fabius Twp. T6S, R12W,
S7); Van Buren: Bankson and Round Lks. (Keeler
Twp. T4S, R16W, S31).
Waters Closed To Muskellunge Spearing
It shall be unlawful to sh for muskellunge by any
means other than hook and line in the following
waters: L. Erie, L. St. Clair, Detroit R., and St. Clair R.
Waters with Spearing and Ga Hook
Restrictions
It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take any
species of sh with spearing gear or ga hook
from April 1 – June 15 from the following waters
of Cheboygan Co.: Black R., Cheboygan R., and
Indian R.
L. St. Clair Yellow Perch Spearing
Macomb, St. Clair & Wayne: A hand-propelled
spear or bow and arrow or crossbow may be used
to harvest yellow perch from Dec. 1 - March 15.
Designated Trout Streams Open To Spring
Spearing
The following designated trout streams listed
by county are open to the use of spearing gear
from April 1 - May 31, for taking bown, bullheads,
burbot, carp, catsh, cisco, drum, longnose gar,
gizzard shad, goldsh, grass carp, smelt, **suckers
(as listed on p. 16) and lake whitesh:
•
Alcona: Bryant Cr. from Vaughn L. downstream
to Little L.; Bu Cr.; Sucker Cr. from conuence
of Vincent Cr. (T27N, R8E, S9) downstream to
Hubbard L. (T28N, R7E, S36); Calhoun: Nottawa
Cr. from Calhoun Co. line (T4S, R8W, S31) upstream
to T3S, R5W, S35; Rice Cr. South Branch Rice Cr.
from conuence of Rice Cr. and Kalamazoo
R. (T2S, R6W, S25) upstream to Concord Rd.
(Jackson Co.); Chippewa: Trout Cr. downstream
of Big Trout L. (T42N, R3E, S31); Prentiss Cr. (T42N,
R2E,); Delta: Squaw Cr. downstream of Co. Rd
513; Mackinac: Doe Cr. (T43N, R10W); Foley Cr.
downstream of I-75; Hoban Cr. downstream of
State St.; Hudson Cr. (T41N, R11W, S8); Martineau
Cr. downstream of I-75; McClouds Cr.; Milakokia R.
from Milakokia L. downstream to Heinz L.; Norton
Cr. from M-135 downstream to South Manistique
L.; Nunn’s Cr. downstream of Highway M -134;
Pearson’s Cr. T42N, R1W and R1E; Rabbits Back
Cr. downstream of Mackinac Trail; Scrams Cr.
(T42N, R11W, S11); Taylor Cr. (T43N, R12W, S2, 11,
12 and 13); Mason: Sable R. from Freesoil Rd.
downstream to Custer Rd. (T20N, R16W, S22); Van
Buren: Dowagiac R. and tributaries upstream of
50th Street (T4S, R15W, S35); Lake of the Woods
Outlet to conuence with Dowagiac R. (T45N,
R15W, S34).
Table 3: Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations (for species as indicated below)
Season Gear Waters- (NOTE 1) Species- (NOTE 2)
Open All Year
Spear or bow and
arrow or crossbow
(as listed above)
ALL WATERS except:
Designated Trout Lakes
and Streams and Michigan-
Wisconsin boundary waters.
Also see Spearing Exceptions
List below.
Bown, Bullheads,
Burbot, Carp, Catsh,
Cisco, Drum, Gizzard
Shad, Goldsh, Grass
Carp, Longnose
Gar, Smelt, Suckers,
Whitesh
In addition to year-round opportunities listed above, the following spearshing provisions allow
for the possession of additional species listed below:
Dec. 1 - March 15
(through the ice)
Hand-propelled spear
(only)
ALL WATERS except:
Designated Trout Lakes
and Streams and Michigan-
Wisconsin boundary waters.
Also see Spearing Exceptions
List below.
Northern Pike and
Muskellunge
(see pp. 13-14 NOTE 4)
Species and
location specic
(see NOTE 3) for
Northern Pike
season exception)
Underwater spear
(see NOTE 4)
Lake Michigan: waters south
of the southernmost pier at
Grand Haven
Lake Huron: waters south of
the southernmost pier of the
Thunder Bay River, extending
south to the mouth of the St.
Clair River (Fort Gratiot Light)
Lake Trout, Northern
Pike, Walleye
• Underwater spearshing shall be prohibited daily from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes
before sunrise.
• This activity shall be prohibited within 150 feet of designated swimming areas, boat docks, boat
access or egress sites and power intake tubes.
• This activity shall be prohibited where placement of a diver-down ag would restrict boater
navigation or access to a boating access site.
• All spearguns shall have the bands unloaded from the spear and the safety on when divers are
moving between shing areas and when entering and exiting the water.
• Use of articial breathing devices such as scuba, re-breather or similar devices shall be
prohibited while underwater spearshing.
18
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Regulations
Seasons by Water Type Minimum Size
Daily Possession Limit
(NOTES 1, 2, 3)
Open All Year: (NOTE 3)
L. Superior, L. Michigan, L. Erie,
L. Huron, L. St. Clair, St. Marys R.,
St. Clair R. and Detroit R.
10"
(NOTES 1, 3)
(also see Table 4
and p. 21)
Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Marys R., St.
Clair R., and Detroit R.:
5 total in any combination; no more than 3
of any one species, except up to 5 coho,
Chinook or pink salmon allowed.
On the St. Marys R.:
5 additional pink salmon allowed from last
Sat. in April - Sep. 30.
GREAT LAKES TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
The regulations in this table apply to shing on the Great Lakes for the following species: Atlantic
salmon, brook trout (NOTE 1), brown trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, lake trout (NOTE 3), pink
salmon, rainbow trout (steelhead) and splake (NOTE 3). For regulations that pertain to shing for trout
and salmon on inland waters, see pp. 42-65
NOTE 1
Brook Trout: For L. Superior, the minimum size limit
for brook trout is 20" and possession limit is 1 sh.
Within 4.5 miles of Isle Royale (Isle Royale National
Park waters), catch-and-immediate-release; no
possession.
NOTE 2
Drowned River Mouth Lakes: On the following
inland waters trout and salmon regulations are as
follows: 5 total trout and salmon in any combination;
no more than 3 of any one species, except up to
5 coho or Chinook salmon; minimum size limit
is 10"; shing season and possession season are
open all year. For all other species of trout and
salmon, the possession season is open all year.
Allegan: Kalamazoo and Silver Lks. Benzie: Betsie
L. Charlevoix: L. Charlevoix (including Round L.)
Manistee: Arcadia, Manistee, and Portage Lks.
Mason: Pere Marquette L. Muskegon: Duck, Mona,
Muskegon, and White Lks. Oceana: Pentwater,
Silver, and Stony Lks. Ottawa: Macatawa and
Pigeon Lks.
NOTE 3
Lake Trout and Splake Regulations: Lake trout
and splake regulations for the Great Lakes are
listed by Lake Trout Management Unit (see Table
4, p. 21). The daily possession limit for Lake Trout
and Splake is now combined, in any combination.
To help identify Management Unit boundaries,
a few major ports are listed for each. The map
on p. 20 provides a graphic to further dene the
boundaries. For a complete description of Lake
Trout Management Unit boundaries, contact any
DNR Customer Service Center (see p. 73) or check
online at Michigan.gov/DNR.
A "creel" is a basket used to collect sh. The
Michigan creel survey program is used to
collect sh data! When returning from your
shing trip, you may nd a creel clerk waiting
to interview you and take samples from your
sh. Creel clerks collect information about the
length of your shing trip and what sh you
caught and released. Biologists use this data to
study sh populations, evaluate stocking, and
measure the impact of shing regulations. Creel
clerks also want to listen to your concerns and
answer questions.
The next time you see a friendly face in a
DNR shirt approaching you with a clipboard,
introduce yourself! We appreciate your
participation in the survey and thank you for
your time.
Michigan's Creel Survey Program
19
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
BE AWARE
u Commercial shing, or harvesting wild-
caught sh, is active in Michigan waters!
Commercial shing feeds Michiganders
with fresh, local, healthy, and sustainable
sh from Michigan waters.
WATCH FOR FLAGS
u Orange ags indicate commercial nets
below surface: single ag marks shallower
end of net closer to shore, double ag
marks deeper end farther from shore.
u
DO NOT pass between ags. Give a wide
berth. Nets can cover 1+ acres on lake
bottom and can be dangerous if snagged.
u Flags and buoys can be hard to see
through waves, glare, or fog.
IF YOU GET TANGLED
u Put boat in NEUTRAL or TURN OFF
engine if prop is tangled.
u
CUT yourself free using wire cutters.
Label shing gear to be returned to you.
u
MARK location on GPS. Attach buoy
or jug to mark net for ocials. Leave net
in water.
u
REPORT GPS coordinates to regulators:
u Michigan Department of Natural
Resources (MDNR) hotline:
(800) 292-7800
u Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife
Commission (GLIFWC):
(715) 685-2113
u Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority
(CORA): (906) 632-0043
STAY SAFE AROUND FISHING NETS
Not to scale
Land
Open water
Stay 500 feet away from ag
michiganseagrant.org
Michigan Sea Grant is a collaborative eort of the
University of Michigan and Michigan State University
and part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of
34 university-based programs.
Net could be
marked by
buoy or ag
20
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
GREAT LAKES LAKE TROUT & SPLAKE REGULATIONS
Lake Trout Management Units & Refuges
For a complete description of refuge and management unit
boundaries, check online or contact any
DNR Customer Service Center.
Great Lakes Boundary Data provided by ESRI
21
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
For lake trout and splake, the size limit information and the season information is noted in the table
below. The daily possession limit for lake trout and splake (see note) is 3 total combined, with no more
than 3 of any one species in any combination, EXCEPT in L. Superior where up to 5 lake trout and splake
combined may be possessed, as noted in Table 4 below.
Any changes will be posted on the DNR website (Michigan.gov/Fishing)
and in a pre-recorded message at 888-367-7060.
Lake Trout Management
Unit, Major Ports
Possession
Season
Size Restrictions (inches)
Lake Trout
and Splake
Combined
Possession
Limit
LAKE SUPERIOR: map color coded by unit regulations
MI 1-3: Windigo,
Ontonagon, Copper
Harbor
Open All Year
The minimum size limit
for lake trout and splake
shall be 15"; the daily
possession limit shall not
include more than 1 lake
trout 34" or greater.
3
MI 4-8: Big Bay,
Marquette, Au Train,
Munising, Grand Marais,
Pendills Bay, Brimley
State Park
5
LAKE HURON: map color coded by unit regulations
MH 1: DeTour, Cedarville,
St. Ignace, Mackinaw
City, Cheboygan, Rogers
City
Jan. 1 - Sep. 30
(lake trout and
splake)
The minimum size limit for
lake trout and splake shall
be 15".
3
MH-2: Presque Isle,
Rockport, Alpena, Black
R.
Jan. 1 - Sep. 30
(lake trout and
splake)
The minimum size limit for
lake trout and splake shall
be 15".
3
MH 3-6: Harrisville,
Tawas, Grindstone,
Harbor Beach, Lexington
Open All Year
(lake trout and
splake)
The minimum size limit for
lake trout and splake shall
be 15".
3
LAKE MICHIGAN: map color coded by unit regulations
MM 1-5: Menominee,
Escanaba, Manistique,
Harbor Springs,
Charlevoix, Elk Rapids,
Traverse City, Northport,
Leland, Frankfort, Platte
Bay
Jan. 1 - Sep. 30
(lake trout and
splake)
The minimum size limit for
lake trout and splake shall
be 15".
2
MM 6-8: Arcadia,
Manistee, Ludington,
Grand Haven, Holland,
New Bualo
Open All Year
(lake trout and
splake)
The minimum size limit for
lake trout and splake shall
be 15".
3
Table 4: Lake Trout & Splake Regulations
Note: The lake trout and splake daily possession limit has been combined between the two species.
22
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES
Species Season
Minimum Size
(inches)
Daily Possession
Limit
Total
Possession
Limit
Frogs, toads,
salamanders
Last Sat. in
May - Nov. 15
none
10 in any
combination
10 in any
combination
Snapping turtles
(NOTE 1)
July 15 - Sep. 15
13" minimum
carapace length
2 in combination
(no more than 1
of either species)
4 total in
combination
(no more than 2
of either species)
Softshell turtles none
All other turtles
(painted, musk,
map, red-eared
slider); snakes and
lizards
Open All Year none
3 in combination
(However, no
more than
2 turtles and no
more than 1
of any one turtle
species)
6 total in
combination
(However, no
more than 4
turtles and no
more than
2 of any one
turtle species)
NOTE 1: Carapace length: use a exible tape to measure from the shell behind
the turtle’s head to the posterior end of the shell.
Regulations for Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, Turtles,
Lizards & Snakes
Amphibians and reptiles MAY NOT be shot with
rearms (including spring, air, or gas propelled),
bow and arrow, or crossbow.
The following shall not be taken or possessed
except as authorized by the Director of the
Department of Natural Resources: Blanding’s,
spotted, wood, and eastern box turtles; black
rat snake, Butler's garter snake, eastern fox
snake, copper-bellied water snake, Kirtland’s
snake, queen snake, smooth green snake, and
eastern massasauga rattlesnake; boreal chorus
frog, Blanchard’s cricket frog, pickerel frog,
and Fowler's toad; mudpuppy; small-mouthed
salamander, marbled salamander, six-lined
racerunner, western lesser siren, northern two-
lined salamander, northern dusky salamander,
and mink frog; all reptile eggs; and amphibians
and reptiles protected under Part 365 (Endangered
Species) of 1994 P.A. 451. For further information
check online at Michigan.gov/Fishing or contact
any Customer Service Center, see p. 73.
Personal Use: A shing license is required to take
amphibians and reptiles for personal use. Reptiles
and amphibians may not be bought, sold or oered
for sale.
Hand, trap, nets, seines (up to 12 x 4 feet overall
dimensions), and hook-and-line may be used. Set
lines may not be used to take turtles.
Frogs may be speared but NOT with the aid of an
articial light.
Traps must have a plate or tag attached bearing
the name and address of the user in legible English.
For taking turtles, no more than 3 traps may be
used, mesh traps must be no less than 1" mesh,
and traps must be set to allow turtles to surface
and breathe.
It is illegal to possess or transport in the eld,
dressed or processed reptiles or amphibians that
cannot be measured or identied.
Snapping turtle carapace length: to obtain the
carapace (top of shell) length, use a exible tape
to measure from the nuchal scute (the scute
directly behind the turtle’s head) to the base of the
notch where the two most posterior scutes meet
(see image below).
Image courtesy of PA
Fish & Boat Commission.
23
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Netting Exceptions
LIST A – Additional Inland Waters Open to
Hand Netting
The following inland waters are open to use of hand
nets from March 1– May 31 for bown, carp, goldsh,
gizzard shad, longnose gar, smelt and suckers:
Alger: Towes Cr.; W. Br. Whitesh R. from Sea
Lamprey Barrier (T44N, R21W, S29) downstream
500’ to posted signs; Charlevoix: L. Charlevoix and
tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream; Chippewa: Trout Cr.
down from Big Trout L. (T42N, R3E, S31); Prentiss Cr.
(T42N, R2E); Delta: Days R. from sea lamprey barrier
downstream for 500’; Rapid R. from Rapid River Falls
(T42N, R21W, S19) down to Co. Rd S15; Escanaba R.
from mouth to 1st dam upstream of US-2; Ford R.
down from Jaeger Rd.; Houghton: Portage L. and
tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream; N. and S. Portage
Canal and tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream; Torch L.
and tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream; Luce: Little Two
Hearted R. from mouth upstream to bridge on Co.
Rd. 412 (T50N, R9W, S25); Mackinac: Doe Cr. (T43N,
R10W, S9); Foley Cr. down from I-75; Hoban Cr. down
from State St.; Hudson Cr. (T41N, R11W, S8); Martineau
Cr. down from I-75; McClouds Cr.; Milakokia R.,
Milakokia L. down to Heinz L.; Norton Cr. from
M-135 down to S. Manistique L.; Nunn’s Cr. from
M-134 to mouth; Pearson’s Cr. (T42N, R1W and R1E);
Rabbits Back Cr. down from Mackinac Trail; Scrams
Cr. (T42N, R11W, S11); Taylor Cr. (T43N, R12W, S2, 11,
12, 13); Manistee: Little Bear Cr. down from Bear L.
to trunkline US-31; Menominee: Big Cedar R. down
from mouth of Elwood Cr. (T35N, R25W, S11).
LIST B – Inland Streams Closed to Dip Netting
It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take any
species of sh with dip nets on the following streams:
Arenac: Au Gres R. from Saginaw Bay upstream
to M-65 (T22N, R5E, S26); Rie R. from Steve’s Rd.
(T19N, R5E, S9) upstream; Benzie: Cold Cr. from
Crystal L. (T26N, R15W, S26) upstream; Grand
Traverse: Unnamed Cr. from Green L. (T26N, R12W,
S20) upstream to Bridges L.; Iosco: Au Gres R. from
Saginaw Bay upstream to M-65 (T22N, R5E, S26);
Leelanau: Houdek Cr. from North Lake Leelanau
(T31N, R12W, S35) upstream; Monroe: Huron R. from L.
Erie upstream to Belleville Dam; Stony Cr. from L. Erie
upstream to Finzel Rd. (T5S, R8E, S23); Wayne: Huron
R. from L. Erie upstream to Belleville Dam.
GENERAL NETTING REGULATIONS
The following restrictions apply for the species, seasons and waters listed below:
• Nets and seines may not be shed within 100’
of any dam.
•
Hand nets may be of any circumference and
handle length, except for taking minnows (see
p. 10).
•
Dip nets may not exceed 9' x 9' square and permit
is required if equipment is to be left overnight.
Permits are available from local DNR Customer
Service Center (see p. 73).
• There is a two-gallon daily possession limit on
smelt.
•
Seines may not exceed 12’ x 4’ and may only
be used for minnows except under a scientic
collector’s permit issued by the DNR.
•
Hoop nets shall be no larger than 36" in diameter
and no longer than 7' in length.
•
NOTE: Check Denitions and Terms (pp. 8-9)
for more information.
Table 5: General Netting Regulations
Season Gear *Species Waters
March 1
– May 31
Hand Net
Bown, Carp, Goldsh,
Gizzard Shad, Longnose
Gar, Smelt, Suckers
All Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit R., and
St. Marys R. including all tributaries to those waters
from the mouth to ½ mile upstream (except that
Thompson Cr. ([Schoolcraft Co.], is closed). See List A
for additional inland streams open to hand netting.
March 20
– May 31
Dip Net
Bown, Carp, Goldsh,
Gizzard Shad, Longnose
Gar, Smelt, Suckers
All Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula streams,
except Designated Trout Streams. See List B for
additional streams closed to dip netting.
Dec. 15 –
end of Feb.
Hoop Net
Burbot
(permit required from
local DNR oce)
Peshekee R. (Marquette Co.); Au Train R. (Alger Co.)
from Au Train L. to mouth; Sturgeon R. (Baraga Co.)
from M-38 bridge to mouth; Sturgeon R. (Houghton
Co.).
Open all
year
Seine, Hand
Net, Dip Net
Minnows
All waters, except Designated Trout Lakes & Streams
and those waters closed to minnow harvest (see p.
10).
Open all
year
Cast Net
Alewife, Minnows,
Smelt, Gizzard Shad
Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit R., and St.
Marys R.
*The term “suckers” refers to: suckers (longnose, white, northern hog, spotted), redhorse (silver, golden, black, greater,
shorthead), bualo (bigmouth, black), lake chubsucker, and quillback carpsucker. The term “minnows” refers to small baitsh
used as bait: chubs, shiners, dace, stonerollers, sculpins (muddlers), mudminnows, and suckers. Review the netting exceptions
list below and p. 24 for regulations that dier from those listed in the table above.
24
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
MICHIGANWISCONSIN BOUNDARY WATER REGULATIONS
Michigan and Wisconsin share several boundary waters and while the states strive to have consistent
regulations across the border there are some discrepancies. Anglers are strongly encouraged to familiarize
themselves on shing regulations for both states. Anglers with a valid Michigan or Wisconsin shing
license can sh either state’s boundary waters, however, anglers are required to adhere to the state-
specic regulations based on their location while shing these shared boundary waters. For example,
anglers shing in Michingan waters must follow Michigan's shing regulations and anglers shing within
Wisconsin's portion of the boundary waters must follow Wisconsin's shing regulations.
The interstate boundary waters in which shing is to be governed by the special regulations are: The
L. Michigan waters between the breakwalls at the mouth of the Menominee R. beginning at an
imaginary line drawn between the most lakeward point of each breakwall. Menominee R., its
sloughs and impoundments (Menominee, Dickinson, Iron Cos., Michigan; Florence, Marinette Cos.,
Wisconsin); Brule R. (Iron Co., Michigan; Florence and Forest Cos., Wisconsin); Brule Island Impoundment,
upstream to a line running east-west through the rst island upstream from the junction of the Brule and
Paint Rivers (Iron Co., Michigan; Florence Co., Wisconsin); Smoky L. (Iron Co., Michigan; Vilas Co., Wisconsin);
Norwood L., Lac Vieux Desert, Crystal L., Mill L., Big Bateau L., Mamie L. (Cisco Chain), West Bay L.
(Cisco Chain), Big L. (Cisco Chain), Crampton L., Plum L., Tenderfoot L., Roach L., Little Presque Isle
L., Cyrus L., Basin L., Stateline L. (Gogebic Co., Michigan; Vilas Co., Wisconsin); East Fork Montreal R.
up to the mouth of Layman Cr. (Gogebic Co., Michigan; Iron Co., Wisconsin); Montreal R. (Gogebic Co.,
Michigan; Iron Co., Wisconsin).
NOTE: Cowboy Lake (Dickinson Co.), west of Iron Mountain, is NOT part of the MI-WI Boundary Waters.
Legal shing methods
•
All residents of Michigan and Wisconsin holding
a resident sport shing license from their
respective state, or residents of states other than
Michigan and Wisconsin holding a sport shing
license issued by either Michigan or Wisconsin
may sh in the boundary waters.
• Up to 3 lines per person with a total of 3 hooks
or baits may be used.
• Lines must be attended at all times.
• Craysh may not be possessed or used for bait
on Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters.
•
Dip nets not exceeding 9 feet square or in
diameter, without walls may be used in the
Menominee R. from April 1- May 14 for taking
of suckers, redhorse, carp, smelt, and burbot
(except from Hattie Street Bridge in Marinette-
Menominee to Menominee Dam upstream and
within 200 feet of all other dams).
• Fish shanties used in ice shing must be legibly
marked with the name and address of owner, and
persons placing a shanty on these waters shall
remove the shanty by midnight of March 15. In
Wisconsin boundary waters, sh shanty doors
cannot be locked from inside during occupancy.
Weekly Fishing Report
Each week discover the latest shing hot spots and tips used to catch specic species
throughout Michigan—all courtesy of the DNR’s Weekly Fishing Report! Here’s how
you can access the report online at Michigan.gov/FishingReport or to your email
inbox by signing up at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.
Go Fishing with Your Family!
Find great places to sh that are easy to access,
have a high likelihood of catching sh, and are all
around family-friendly!
Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing and head to the "WHERE
TO FISH" section to access the Family Friendly Fishing
Waters web application. There's at least one waterbody
listed for every Michigan county!
Michigan.gov/Fishing
25
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Table 6: Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Water Regulations
(Hook & Line Only -- Use of spear, bow & arrow and crossbow prohibited)
Species Waters Seasons
Minimum Size
(inches)
Daily
Possession
Limit
Trout, Salmon
see (NOTE 1)
Smoky L., Montreal
R., and Menominee
R. mouths to 1st
dam.
Open All Year 10"
5
Menominee R. and
Montreal R. above
1st dam. Brule R.
mouth to US-2
Last Sat. in
April - Sep. 30
7"
Brule R. above US-2
bridge
Brook Trout 8"
Brown Trout 12"
Smallmouth &
Largemouth Bass
All boundary waters
Open All Year Catch-and-Immediate-Release
3rd Sat. in June -
Dec. 31
14"
5 in any
combination
Walleye, Sauger
All boundary waters
except rivers and
impoundments
1st Sat. in May -
March 1
15"
5 in any
combination
All rivers and
impoundments
March 2 - Fri. before 1st
Sat. in May
1
1st Sat. in May -
March 1
5 in any
combination (See
NOTE 2)
Northern Pike All boundary waters
1st Sat. in May -
March 1
none 5
Bluegill, Crappie,
Sunsh,
Yellow Perch
All boundary waters Open All Year none
25 in any
combination
Muskellunge
(including Tiger
Muskellunge)
All boundary waters
Open All Year Catch-and-Immediate-Release
1st Sat. in June -
Dec. 31
50" (Mandatory
Registration)
(See NOTE 3)
Lake Sturgeon All boundary waters 1st Sat. in Sep. - Sep. 30
60" (Mandatory
Registration)
(See NOTES 3 & 4)
Channel Catsh All boundary waters Open All Year none 10
Cisco,
Lake Whitesh,
Round Whitesh
All boundary waters Open All Year none
10 in any
combination
All others All boundary waters Open All Year none none
NOTE 1: Fishing for trout is not allowed during the closed season in the Brule R. upstream from
U.S. Hwy 2 Bridge (T41N, R32W, S9) Iron Co., MI and the Montreal R. above Superior Falls owage.
NOTE 2: On Lac Vieux Desert, the daily limit for walleye is 3 with a minimum size limit of 18". NOTE
3: Muskellunge and lake sturgeon harvest are both limited to 1 per angler per year (April 1 - March
31). Anglers who harvest a muskellunge or a lake sturgeon must report by calling 888-636-7778 or
by going online at Michigan.gov/RegisterFish. For more information see p. 9. NOTE 4: For the
Menominee River, from Grand Rapids Dam downstream to the end of the breakwalls in Green Bay,
the daily possession limit for lake sturgeon is 0, catch-and-immediate-release sturgeon shing only.
26
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
MICHIGANINDIANA BORDER LAKES
Residents of Indiana or Michigan may sh the whole lake, but must abide by the regulations in the waters
they are shing. Nonresident license holders (for either state) may only sh in the waters under which
the jurisdiction applies for that nonresident license. Nonresidents would need Indiana and Michigan
nonresident licenses to sh both sides.
South Clear Lake - Indiana, St. Joseph Co./Michigan, Berrien Co., Indiana Lake - Indiana, Elkhart Co./
Michigan, Cass Co., Fish Lake - Indiana, La Grange Co./Michigan, St. Joseph Co., Lake George - Indiana,
Steuben Co./Michigan, Branch Co., Long Lake -Indiana, Steuben Co./Michigan, Hillsdale Co.
SYLVANIA WILDERNESS AREA REGULATIONS
The following lakes in Gogebic Co. are subject to special regulations: Banks, East Bear, West Bear,
Clark, Corey, Cub, Deer Island, Dorothy, Elsie, Fisher, Florence, Germain, Glimmerglass, Golden Silence,
Hay, Helen, High, Honey, Jay, Johnston Springs, Katherine, Kerr, Liluis, Lois, Loon, Louise, Marsh, Moss,
Mountain, Snap Jack, Trapper and Whitesh. NOTE: Crooked Lake is covered under general statewide
shing regulations (see p. 12).
Seasons: Statewide seasons apply for all sh species, except that no shing shall be allowed
before the last Sat. in April or after Oct. 31 of each year.
Size Limits
• Lake trout: minimum 30"
• Walleye: minimum 20"
• Northern pike: minimum 30"
• All other species: no size limit
Possession Limits
•
Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be
returned immediately to the water without
injury and may not be possessed on the special
regulation lakes of the Sylvania Wilderness Area.
•
Northern pike, walleye and lake trout: not more
than 1 sh of any of these species.
•
All other species: 10 singly or in any combination
of species.
Method of Take
•
Hook-and-line shing only, not to exceed 3 lines
to which may be attached a total of 6 hooks on
all lines. All hooks attached to a manufactured
articial lure shall be counted as 1 hook.
•
Only articial lures with barbless hooks may
be used. “Articial lure” means any lure that is
man-made, in imitation of or as a substitute for
natural bait, used to attract sh for the purpose
of taking them, and shall include articial ies.
Barbless hooks are dened as a hook from which
all barbs have been deleted when manufactured,
led o, or pinched down.
• Live bait, dead or preserved bait or organic or
processed food may not be used or possessed
at any time on special regulation Sylvania
Wilderness Area lakes.
27
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
VHS Clinical Signs
Photos from Dr. Mohamed Faisal, MSU
Hemorrhagic areas
on skin
Gizzard shad,
Lake St. Clair
Hemorrhagic areas
near eye
Yellow perch,
Lake St. Clair
Typical hemorrhagic
areas in swim bladder
Yellow perch,
Lake St. Clair
Hemorrhagic areas
in muscle tissue
Yellow perch,
Lake St. Clair
General Statewide Provisions
1. A person shall not stock baitsh, live sh or roe in
public waters of the state prior to receiving a Fish
Stocking Permit from the DNR and the permit
must be in possession when transporting and
stocking the sh.
2. It is unlawful to import any uncertied live, dead,
preserved, frozen and cut baitsh species found
on the list of VHS Fish Species (top right) that are
not labeled with their scientic and common name,
location of capture, and testing status including the
testing certication number. View Fishing Order
245 at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
3.
Fish caught in a waterbody should only be released
into the waterbody where originally caught and
not transferred into another location where the
sh could not have freely moved to.
4.
All baitsh or sh collected for personal use as bait
or cut bait shall only be used for shing purposes
in the original waters of collection and must be
used on a hook.
5. A person who trailers a boat over land shall drain
all water from the live well(s) and the bilge of their
boat upon leaving any body of water.
6. It shall be unlawful to purchase and use baitsh,
craysh, or other live organisms from any location
not licensed under Part 487 of 1994 PA 451
including, but not limited to, pet shops and live
sh markets.
A sh disease called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
(VHS) has been found in our state. You can help
slow the spread of this and other sh diseases
by following the regulations on this page. The
regulations in eect focus on the use of sh
species which are known to be susceptible to VHS.
Visit Michigan.gov/VHS for more information.
Baitsh Exclusion Zones
The following locations are vital to hatchery
operations and require greater protection.
Therefore, baitsh shall not be used or possessed
on the following waters:
Benzie Co.: Brundage Cr. and tribs., Kinney Cr. and
Stanley Cr., from its conuence with the Platte R.
(T26N, R13W, S7), to their headwaters, including
Brundage Spring Pond.
Chippewa Co.: Pendills L. (T47N, R4W, S25, 26)
including tributary Pendills Cr. downstream to
its conuence with L. Superior (T47N, R4W, S28).
Sullivan Cr. from its headwaters (T46N, R4W, S32)
downstream to its conuence with the N. Br. of
the Pine R. (T45N, R4W, S23). Viddian Cr. from its
headwaters (T47N, R4W, S32) downstream to its
conuence with Pendills Cr. (T47N, R4W, S28).
Marquette Co.: Cherry Cr. from the location of
the Cherry Creek Rd. (T47N, R24W, S18) to the
headwaters at County Rd 480 (T47N, R25W, S22).
Wexford Co.: Slagle Cr. from M-37 upstream.
VHS Fish Species (susceptible to VHS)
Anchovies
Atlantic herring
Atlantic menhaden
Atlantic salmon
Black bullhead
Black crappie
Bluegill
Bluntnose minnow
Brook trout
Brown bullhead
Channel catsh
Cisco (lake herring)
Common shiner
Creek chub
Emerald shiner
Eulachon
Flathead minnow
Flathead catsh
Gizzard shad
Golden shiner
Green sunsh
Hybrid sunsh
Lake trout
Lake whitesh
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Northern pike
N. redbelly dace
Pacic herring
Pumpkinseed
Rainbow smelt
Rainbow trout
Redear sunsh
Rock bass
Sand shiner
Smallmouth bass
Spotn shiner
Spottail shiner
Walleye
Warmouth
White bass
White crappie
White sucker
Yellow bullhead
Yellow perch
VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA VIRUS REGULATIONS
Help Michigan's waters stay world-class,
put unused bait in the trash!
28
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY
Exceptions to General Regulations by County
Many water bodies have special regulations that dier from the general Hook & Line Fishing (Table 1,
p. 12), General Netting (Table 5, p. 23), and Bow and Spear Fishing regulations (Table 3, pp. 16-17). The
following is a list of waters, organized by county, with special regulations that are NOT included in the
following sections of the Michigan Fishing Regulations: General Regulations tables cited above; Special
Northern Pike and Muskellunge Regulations (see pp. 13-14); Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Regulations
(see pp. 24-25); and Sylvania Wilderness Area Regulations (see p. 26).
Alger:
Rock R. closed to shing from dam to lower foot
bridge downstream from M-28 April 1 - June 30.
Duck and Echo Lks. (Grand Island), catch-and
release on smallmouth bass. Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore (contact park for regulation
specics 906-387–3700).
Allegan:
Swan Cr. from mouth upstream to the dam on
118th Ave. restricted to only one single-pointed,
unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point
to shank.
Antrim:
Intermediate R. closed to all shing from Bellaire
Dam to M-88 Bridge April 1 - May 14. Torch R.
from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge downstream to
L. Skegemog including Rapid R. up to Aarwood
Rd Bridge - From May 1 - July 1, it shall be unlawful
to use other than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank.
Arenac:
Saganing Cr. (upstream from State Rd.) and Pine R.
(upstream from State Rd.) closed to shing March
16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April.
Baraga:
Lakes of Craig Lake State Park (Clair, Craig,
Crooked, Keewaydin, Nelligan, Teddy, and
Thomas Lks.) articial lures only; northern pike,
muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth
bass must be released, minimum size on walleye
is 15", no size limit on other species; possession
limit on walleye is 2; otherwise, all general rules
apply. Motorboats of all types prohibited on all
except Thomas and Keewaydin Lks.; Sturgeon
R. from Prickett Dam downstream to mouth of
Clear Cr. (T50N, R35W, S12) closed to all shing
April 1 - June 30.
Barry:
Williams L. open season is last Sat. in April - Dec.
15, catch-and-immediate-release only.
Bay:
Kawkawlin R. and all tributaries upstream of
Euclid Ave., and Saganing Cr. (upstream from
State Rd.) and Pine R. (upstream from State Rd.)
closed to shing March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat.
in April. On the Kawkawlin R. downstream from
Euclid Ave. and the Saginaw R. from upstream of
the West Center Street (Douglas G. Schenk) Bridge
and all tributaries, the following regulations apply
from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April:
Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-
pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights
or articial lures with unweighted single-pointed
hooks.
Benzie:
Platte R. restricted to only one single-pointed,
unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point
to shank; closed to shing within 300 ft. of upper
(hatchery) weir and lower weir whenever either
weir is in place; closed to shing from US-31 bridge
at Veteran’s Park downstream to Platte L. Jan.
1 – March 31. Betsie R. Homestead Dam closed to
shing Nov. 16 - July 31 within 100 feet of lamprey
barrier and sh passage facility (T25N, R15W, S2).
Betsie River Homestead Dam closed to shing
from August 1 – November 15 within 300 feet of
the lamprey barrier and sh passage facility (T25N,
R15W, S2). On all waters of the Betsie R. special
articial lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Berrien:
Townsend Cr. (T6S, R17W, S19), and the mouth
area of Lake Chapin, to a point 100 yards below the
Townsend Cr. mouth into Lake Chapin), it is unlawful
to use other than one single-pointed, unweighted
hook measuring 1/2" or less from point to shank.
Calhoun:
Harts L. catch-and-release only for all species.
Cass:
Corey, Little Crooked and Stone Lks. bass
minimum size limit is 10". Indiana L. no possession
of cisco (lake herring).
Charlevoix:
Medusa Cr. and area of L. Michigan for a radius of
100’ of mouth closed to shing when weir is in place.
Boyne R. from mouth upstream to dam (T32N, R5W,
S5) restricted to one single-pointed, unweighted
hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank. On
L. Michigan, within one-half mile of the following
islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago: Beaver,
Garden, High and Hog the possession season for
largemouth and smallmouth bass is July 1 - Dec.
31 and open to bass catch-and-immediate-release
all year.
29
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Cheboygan:
Cheboygan R. from the south end of the
outermost breakwall at Mullett L. downstream
to Cheboygan Dam, and Black R. from Alverno
Dam downstream to its conuence with the
Cheboygan R. the possession season for walleye
shall be May 15 - March 15. Cheboygan R., Indian
R., or Black R. unlawful to sh during April 1 -
June 15 with spear, bow and arrow, crossbow, dip
net or ga. Black R. between Kleber Dam and
Red Bridge (T35N, R1E, S5) unlawful to sh in any
manner during April 1 - June 15. Lower Black R.
from Alverno Dam down to Mograin Bridge, no
shing April 1 - May 14. Black L. and tributaries
no commercial minnow take; sturgeon shing
prohibited except under special season (see p. 15).
Chippewa:
Potagannissing R. from Potagannissing Dam
downstream to Maxton Rd. (T42N, R6E, S15) closed
to shing March 16 - May 14.
Crawford:
Wakeley L. open season last Saturday in April
– September 30, catch-and-release shing with
articial lures only. It shall be unlawful to use or
possess live bait, dead bait or organic or processed
food at any time on the shore or water. Jones L.
open season last Saturday in April – September 30,
catch-and-release shing with articial lures only.
It shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead
bait or organic or processed food at any time on
the shore or water.
Delta:
Little Bay de Noc north of a line drawn from
Peninsula Point Lighthouse to the mouth of the Bark
R.; no more than 1 walleye 23" or greater in daily
possession limit. Rapid R. Borrow Pit (Stockyard
Pond, T40N, R21W, S5) closed to shing all year.
Dickinson:
See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters
Regulations (see pp. 24-25). Fumee L. county
ordinance currently prohibits access for the purpose
of shing.
Emmet:
Bear R. from foot bridge north of Lake Street
upstream to Lake Street Dam (T34N, R5W, S6)
restricted to one single-pointed, unweighted hook
no larger than 1/2" from point to shank.
Genesee:
Flint R. downstream from Holloway Dam and all
tributaries, the following regulations apply from
March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are
limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks,
natural bait, and sinkers or weights or articial lures
with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Gogebic:
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for yellow
perch is 25 with no more than 5 yellow perch 12"
or greater. See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary
Waters Regulations (see pp. 24-25). Sylvania
Wilderness Area regulations (see p. 26).
Grand Traverse:
Boardman R. closed to shing whenever weir is
in place from the downstream side of the Front
Street Bridge to the upstream side of the pedestrian
bridge in the vicinity of the Boardman River weir
in Traverse City. Arbutus and Spider Lks. bass
minimum size limit is 10".
Ionia:
Woodard L. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Iosco:
Au Gres R. from 50’ upstream of Allen Rd. bridge
to 500’ downstream closed to all shing March
16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April. E. Br. Au Gres R.
between DNR lamprey barrier and Legget Rd.
closed to shing Dec. 1 - Fri. before last Sat. in April.
Au Sable R. from Foote Dam downstream to the
downstream edge of the apron of the dam closed
to shing all year.
Iron:
See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters
Regulations (see pp. 24-25). L. Ottawa no possession
of bass. Fire and Indian Lks. bass possession limit
is 1 sh and minimum size limit is 18".
Kalkaska:
Cub L. (T27N, R5W, S19) bass minimum size limit
is 10". Torch R. from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge
downstream to L. Skegemog including Rapid R.
up to Aarwood Rd Bridge - From May 1 - July 1 - it
shall be unlawful to use other than one single-
pointed unweighted hook measuring 1/2-inch or
less from point to shank.
Kent:
Pratt L. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Keweenaw:
Isle Royale National Park: Michigan shing laws
apply and state license required on L. Superior
waters of park. On L. Superior, within 4.5 miles of
Isle Royale, no possession of brook trout. (Contact
park for specic regulations 906-482-0984 or www.
nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/shing.htm.)
Lake:
Little Manistee R. 300’ above and below the DNR
weir is closed to shing all year; from 300’ above
DNR weir to Spencers Bridge closed to shing Jan. 1
- March 31; also from 300’ below DNR weir to mouth
closed to shing Sep. 1 - Nov. 14 and Jan. 1 - March
31. On all waters of the Pere Marquette R. and
30
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
EXCEPTIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS BY COUNTY
Little Manistee R. an articial lure is dened as a
body bait, plug, spinner or spoon (as described on
p. 8). Big Bass L. (T20N, R14W, S34) bass minimum
size limit is 10".
Leelanau:
North Manitou L. bass minimum size limit is 18",
the possession limit is 1; shing restricted to articial
lures only; live bait, dead or prepared bait or organic
or processed food may not be possessed on the
water or the shore. Florence L. (S. Manitou Is.)
shing restricted to articial lures only; live bait,
dead or prepared bait or organic or processed food
may not be possessed on the water or the shore.
Hatlem's Cr., it is unlawful to take or attempt to
take minnows for personal use.
Livingston:
Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area)
March 15 - March 31 no shing; April 1 - Fri. before
the last Sat. in April, catch-and-immediate-release
of trout with articial lures only; last Sat. in April -
March 14 statewide regulations apply.
Luce:
Unlawful to launch or retrieve motorized vessel
(greater than 5 horsepower) from state land on the
E. Br. Fox R. from M-28 to the mouth of Cold Cr.
Macomb:
Clinton R. cut-o channel (T2N, R13E): from spillway
weir to the Harper Rd. Bridge: the following regulations
apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April:
Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-
pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or
articial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Manistee:
Little Manistee R. 300’ above and below the DNR
weir is closed to shing all year; from 300’ above
DNR weir to Spencers Bridge closed to shing Jan. 1
- March 31; also from 300’ below DNR weir to mouth
closed to shing Sep. 1 - Nov. 14 and Jan. 1 - March 31.
On all waters of the Betsie R., all waters of Bear Cr.
(Manistee Co.), all waters of the Little Manistee R.,
and the Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream
to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6),
special articial lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Marquette:
Deer L. Basin, Carp R./Carp Cr. downstream from
M-28 (T47N, R27W, S4), and all other tributaries
to Deer L. Basin shing restricted to articial
lures, catch-and-release only; live bait, dead or
prepared bait or organic or processed food may
not be possessed on the water or the shore. Fish
L. bass minimum size 18" and possession limit is 1
bass only. Salmon-Trout R., from Lower Falls to
mouth closed to shing Aug. 15 - Fri. before last
Sat. in April.
Mason:
On the Sable R. from mouth upstream to Hamlin
Lake Dam, all waters of the Little Manistee R.,
all waters of the N. Br. Pentwater R., and on all
waters of the Pere Marquette R. special articial
lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Menominee:
Lake Michigan waters of Green Bay: see note 3
p. 13. See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters
Regulations (see pp. 24-25).
.
Midland:
Tittabawassee R. between Sanford Dam site
and mouth of the Salt R. and between Dow
Dam and Gordonville Bridge, closed to shing
from March 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April.
Tittabawassee R. downstream from Sanford Dam
site, Chippewa, Pine, Salt and all their tributaries
the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri.
before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited
to using unweighted single-pointed hooks,
natural bait, and sinkers or weights or articial
lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Monroe:
Crystal Waters State Game Area for all waters - the
shing season is open all year and no possession
allowed, catch-and-immediate-release shing only.
Montmorency:
East Fish, West Fish, and Middle Fish Lks., Hunt
Cr. (above Section Z bulkhead T29N, R2E, S25), and
Fuller Cr. (in the Hunt Cr. Trout Research Station
Area), no shing. North and South Blue and Walled
Lks., open season is the last Sat. in April - Sep. 30,
catch-and-immediate-release only, articial lures
only.
Muskegon:
On all waters of the White R. (from mouth upstream
to Hesperia Dam) and all waters of the N. Br. White
R. and Muskegon R. (upstream to Croton Dam)
special articial lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Newaygo:
Baptist L., no possession of walleye, channel
catsh, athead catsh or bullheads; Brush and
Sand Lks. no possession of channel catsh, athead
catsh or bullheads. Crystal L., no possession of
walleye. On all waters of the Pere Marquette
R. and Muskegon R. (upstream to Croton Dam)
special articial lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Oakland:
Upper Bushman L. catch-and-immediate-release
only for all species.
31
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Oceana:
On all waters of the Pere Marquette R., White R.
(from mouth upstream to Hesperia Dam) and all
waters of the N. Br. White R. and all waters of the N.
Br. Pentwater R. and S. Br. Pentwater R. (upstream
to Hart Dam) special articial lure regulations apply
(see p. 8).
Ontonagon:
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for yellow
perch is 25 with no more than 5 yellow perch 12" or
greater. W. Br. Ontonagon R. from its conuence
with the Victoria Hydro station tailrace (T50N,
R39W, SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of S29) upstream to
Victoria Dam, including the trailrace canal closed to
shing April 1 - Jun. 10. Lake of the Clouds shing
restricted to articial lures only. It shall be unlawful
to use or possess live bait, dead bait or organic or
processed food at any time on the shore or water.
No spearing, no possession of smallmouth bass.
Ontonagon R. no more than 1 walleye over 23"
may be possessed in the daily possession limit.
Otsego:
Otsego L. Pike Marsh closed to shing March 16
- June 15. Otsego L. for lake sturgeon regulations
(see p. 15).
Presque Isle:
Clinton Cr. closed to shing April 1 - May 14.
Grand L. Pike Marsh unlawful for any person
other than state employee to use or operate a
motorized vehicle on the access road leading
from US-23 to the Grand L. Pike Marsh during
March - May, closed to shing whenever marsh is
operating. Rainy R. from conuence with Black
L. upstream to N. Allis Rd. Bridge (T35N, R2E,
S15) closed to shing April 1 - May 14. Shuberts
Cr. (Monaghan Cr.) from Long L. upstream to
Clinton Cr. Rd. (T33N, R7E, S14), closed to shing
April 1 - May 14. Swan R. from 300’ above weir to
mouth closed to shing whenever weir is in place.
Roscommon:
Denton Cr. from the Lake James Dam downstream
to Houghton L. closed to shing March 23 - April 23.
Cut R. from conuence with Backus Cr. upstream to
outlet at Marl L. closed to shing March 23 - April 23.
St. Joseph:
Big Pleasant and Corey Lks. minimum size limit
for bass is 10".
Saginaw:
Bad R., Cass R., Flint R., Saginaw R. from upstream
of the West Center Street (Douglas G. Schenk)
Bridge, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee Rivers
and all their tributaries the following regulations
apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in
April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted
single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or
weights or articial lures with unweighted single-
pointed hooks.
Schoolcraft:
Thompson Cr. closed to use of hand nets. Seney
National Wildlife Refuge waters have limited
shing, contact Refuge oce (906-586-9851) or
visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Seney. On the Big
Island Lakes Complex (Big Island, Bluegill,
Byers, Center, Coattail, Cucumber, Farm
[Blush], Jarr, Klondike, McInnes, Mid, Neville,
Onega, Pear, Townline, Upper and Vance) no
wheeled or motorized vehicles (including electric
or outboard motors) are allowed; articial lures
only; no spearing, no netting, and use of live
bait prohibited; muskellunge (including tiger
muskellunge) shing season is May 15 - Nov. 30,
possession season is 1st Sat. in June - Nov. 30,
minimum size limit 42", possession limit is 1 sh
per angler per season, anglers must register all
harvested muskellunge (see p. 9); northern pike
open season May 15 - Nov. 30, minimum size limit
24", and possession limit is 2 northern pike; bass
shing is open from Sat. before Memorial Day - Nov.
30, minimum size limit 18", and possession limit is
1; perch, bluegill and pumpkinseed open season is
from last Sat. in April – Nov. 30, possession limit is 5
sh in combination; all other sh no open season.
Unlawful to launch or retrieve motorized vessel
(greater than 5 horsepower) from state land on the
E. Branch Fox R. from M-28 to the mouth of Cold Cr.
Van Buren:
Crooked and Little Crooked Lks. bass minimum
size limit is 10". S. Br. Black R. and all tributaries
upstream of Breedsville (Mill Str.) restricted to only
one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger
than 1/2" from point to shank.
Washtenaw:
Huron R. from Mast Rd. Bridge in Dexter (T1S, R5E,
S32) downstream to Delhi Rd. Bridge (T2S, R5E,
S2) catch-and-immediate-release only on bass.
Horseshoe L. bass possession limit is 1, minimum
size is 14"; northern pike possession limit is 1, sunsh
(NOTE6, p. 14) possession limit is 10.
32
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
EAT SAFE FISH – Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guide
There are many health benets to eating sh. However, to get the most
benets, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
recommends eating sh that are low in chemical contaminants. You can
use the Eat Safe Fish Guide (ESF Guide) to nd sh that have been tested for
chemicals and are safe for everyone to eat.
• MDHHS tests only the parts of the sh that you eat for chemicals. That’s the
information used to make the guidelines in the ESF Guide.
• The guidelines in the ESF Guide are safe for everyone to use - including
pregnant women, children, and those with illnesses, like cancer or diabetes.
• You can’t see or taste the chemicals that can cause health problems. The
only way to know if they’re in your sh is to use the MDHHS ESF Guide. Get
yours today!
Chemicals can be found in sh from anywhere in the world. The Eat Safe
Fish Guide can help you nd safer options when eating sh from Michigan.
To get a free copy of the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish Guide and
other helpful information about choosing and eating safe sh,
visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish or call MDHHS at 1-800-648-6942.
Be aware of PFAS
The Michigan Department of Health
& Human Services releases Eat Safe
Fish Guides annually in the spring and
emergency advisories as needed. Fish
across the state are tested for PFAS
(per- and polyuoroalkyl substances).
Additionally, they are tested for other
chemicals such as mercury as all sh
have some amount of mercury. As new
guidelines are set as a result of elevated
levels of PFAS, Michigan is releasing
those advisories outside of the annual
Eat Safe Fish Guides update. To be
sure you have the most up-to-date
information about PFAS sh results, visit
Michigan.gov/PFASResponse.
33
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
ANGLER RIGHTS ON PUBLIC STREAMS
Angler Rights On Public
Streams
On fenced or posted property or farm property,
an angler wading or oating a navigable public
stream (for more information call the DNR's Law
Enforcement Division at 517-284-6000) may,
without written or oral consent, enter upon
property within the clearly dened banks of the
stream, or without damaging farm products, walk
a route as closely proximate to the clearly dened
bank as possible when necessary to avoid a natural
or articial hazard or obstruction, including, but
not limited to a dam, deep hole or fence or other
exercise of ownership by the riparian owner.
However, per the Michigan Penal Code Section
552c, a person is prohibited from intentionally and
without authority or permission from entering
in or upon premises or structures belonging to
another person that is a "key facility" if that key
facility is completely enclosed by a physical
barrier of any kind. A key facility includes: a
chemical manufacturing facility; a renery; an
electric utility facility; a water intake structure
or water treatment facility; a natural gas facility;
gasoline, propane, liquid natural gas, or other
fuel terminal or storage facility; a transportation
facility; a pulp or paper manufacturing facility; a
pharmaceutical manufacturing facility; a hazardous
waste storage, treatment or disposal facility; and a
telecommunication facility.
Railroad Rights-Of-Way
Railroad rights-of-way are private property.
Trespassing on railroad property, including the
trestles and bridges, is a misdemeanor. Written
permission must be obtained from the railroad
company to be exempt from railway trespass.
Angler Harassment
Information
Anglers in Michigan have the right to enjoy their
sport free from unreasonable and deliberate
interference. Michigan law prohibits individuals
from obstructing or interfering with the lawful
taking of aquatic species. The DNR supports shing
as a legitimate form of recreation and as a useful
tool in the management of aquatic resources.
Michigan Conservation Ocers are committed
to protecting anglers from the intentional
disruption of the shing experience. Individuals
whose shing is being obstructed should promptly
report the violation by calling or texting toll free to
800-292-7800 (Report All Poaching hotline).
Personal Flotation Devices
(PFD)
When selecting a PFD, be sure to read the label to
verify that it is appropriate for the person's size,
weight and intended activity. Try your PFD on to
make sure it ts properly and check to make sure
it is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Craft under 16 feet long:
For Great Lakes and connecting waterways, the U.S.
Coast Guard requires all vessels less than 16 feet
to carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved
life jacket for each person on board. For inland
waters not connected to the Great Lakes, each
person on board must have either a wearable or
throwable PFD.
Craft 16 feet or longer:
If your boat is 16 feet or longer, you must have at
least one U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD
for each person on board:
• Oshore Life Jacket (Type I)
• Near-shore Bouyant Vest (Type II)
• Flotation Aid (Type III)
PLUS you must have one throwable PFD (Type
IV) on board:
Michigan law requires:
•
Everyone operating, riding on or being
towed by a personal watercraft must wear a
non-inatable Type I, II or III PFD.
•
Persons less than 6 years old must wear a
Type I or Type II PFD when riding on the open
deck area of a boat.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Public access to shing is
supported by the Natural
Resources Trust Fund
Visit Michigan.gov/DNR and click
on "Apply for Grants" for
more information.
34
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
MASTER ANGLER INFORMATION
• The Master Angler patch is awarded to anglers
who meet the species-specic minimum length
and other program requirements. Anglers
catching a State Record sh also receive a patch.
•
Measuring the length of your sh: Measure
your sh from the tip of the nose (or lower jaw) to
tip of the tail in a straight line. Do NOT measure in
a curve or over the body. Measure to the closest
1/8". Use a standard ruler or measuring tape
and take a picture while measuring the sh as
required for the program.
•
Applications are only accepted via the online
form found at Michigan.gov/MasterAngler. The
deadline for submitting an entry for sh caught
in 2024 is January 10, 2025. Color photos of
the sh, including at least one of the entire sh
being measured with a device that clearly shows
and veries the length must be submitted along
with the application. Applications and photos
may ONLY be submitted via the online form.
Need help submitting? Call 517-284-5830.
•
State Record Fish are recognized by weight only.
To qualify, your sh must exceed the current listed
State Record weight and identication must be
veried by a DNR sheries biologist. See the list
of Customer Service Centers on p. 73 and plan on
calling ahead for sheries biologist availability.
The Master Angler Patch is awarded to all entries meeting the established minimum length criteria
and that adhere to program requirements described below. All sh must be taken by legal Michigan
sportshing methods, during the open season, and in Michigan waters OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A
photo of the sh being measured by a standard ruler or measuring tape MUST be included in the entry
application. Only one entry will be accepted per sh species that are the same length and submitted
by the same angler. DNR Fisheries Division reserves the right to reject any application if the entry does
not meet the established criteria. Only 1 patch per species will be awarded to each angler per year.
When releasing a sh...
Please follow these suggestions to reduce the
risk of injury to the sh when practicing catch-
and-release:
• Never use a ga.
• Land your catch carefully and quickly. Avoid
handling the sh at all and remove the hook
gently with pliers.
• Use a landing net made of soft or knotless
mesh and always try to net your sh head
rst.
• Try to keep the sh in the water and gently
cradle it while carefully removing the hook.
• Leave your sh in the water until you are
ready to take a photo.
• Do not squeeze the sh and keep your
ngers out of the sh’s gills since a torn gill
could cause the sh to bleed to death.
• Touch your sh as little as possible. Always
wet your hands before touching your sh.
• Cut the line near the hook if a sh is deeply
hooked. A steel hook will rust away leaving
the sh unharmed.
• Release your sh, pointing it into a slow
current or gently moving it back and forth
until its gills are working properly and the
sh regains its balance. Once fully recovered,
allow the sh to swim from your hands (large
sh may take longer to recover).
Length
Measurement
Directions
Measure sh from tip of
nose (or lower jaw) to tip
of tail in a straight line (DO
NOT measure in a curve
around the body from
nose to tail). Measure to
the closest 1/8". Tail and
jaw should be pinched to
get proper measurement.
Pinch mouth closed
Pinch tail together
Illustration provided by Joseph R. Tomelleri©
35
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
MASTER ANGLER INFORMATION
Species
Minimum Entry
Length (inches)
Current State
Record (lbs.)
Bass, Largemouth 21" 11.9 4
Bass, Rock 12" 3.62
Bass, Smallmouth 21" 9.98
Bass, White 16" 6.44
Bluegill 10" 2.75
Bualo, Bigmouth 30" 33
Bualo, Black 30" 54.3
Bullhead, Black 14" 3.44
Bullhead, Brown 14" 3.77
Bullhead, Yellow 14" 3.6
Bown 27" 14
Burbot 26" 18.25
Carp, Common 33" 61.5
Carpsucker, Quillback 19" 9.98
Catsh, Channel 30" 40
Catsh, Flathead 35" 53.35
Cisco (Lake Herring) 20" 6.36
Crappie, Black 14" 4.12
Crappie, White 14" 3.39
Freshwater Drum 27" 28.61
Lake Sturgeon 60" 193
Longnose Gar 32" 18
Muskellunge, Great Lakes 46" 58
Muskellunge, Northern 46" 49.75
Muskellunge, Tiger 46" 51.19
Northern Pike 36" 39
Perch, White 11" 2
Perch, Yellow 14" 3.75
Salmon, Atlantic 28" 32.62
Salmon, Chinook 39" 47. 86
Salmon, Coho 28" 30.56
Salmon, Pink 21" 8.56
Smelt 10" 12"
Splake 25" 17. 5
Sucker, Longnose 17" 6.88
Sucker, Northern Hog 13" 2.54
Sucker, Redhorse 22" 12.89
Sucker, White 21" 7.19
Sunsh, Green 9" 1.53
Sunsh, Hybrid 10" 1.8
Sunsh, Pumpkinseed 9" 2.15
Sunsh, Redear 10" 2.36
Sunsh, Warmouth 9" 1.38
Trout, Brook 14" 9.5
Trout, Brown 24" 41.45
Trout, Lake 34" 61.5
Trout, Rainbow (Steelhead) 32" 26.5
Walleye 29" 17.19
Whitesh, Lake 23" 14.28
Whitesh, Menominee (Whitesh, Round) 15" 4.06
Minimum Entry Lengths & Current State Records
Must meet minimum length and include a picture of sh being measured.
Submit entries at Michigan.gov/MasterAngler
36
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
COMMON FISH SPECIES
dark spot
black ap
pointed pectoral n
Bluegill
red or scarlet spot
turquoise and yellow bands
Pumpkinseed (Sunsh)
Redear Sunsh
black ear ap
with red/orange
border
red eye
six spines
Rock Bass
dark horizontal band
upper jaw extends
beyond back of eye
Largemouth Bass
vertical bars
on sides
upper jaw
does not extend
beyond back of eye
Smallmouth Bass
three anal spines
graduated in length
White Crappie
ve to six dorsal spines
seven or more
dorsal spines
Black Crappie
6 to 8 dark bands
across side
Yellow Perch Walleye
dark blotch and ns not connected
white tip
eyes are very reective
irregular spots on side
vertical bars on side
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©
37
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Muskellunge
dark bars or spots on light background
six or more sensory
pores per side on lower jaw
only upper half of cheek and
gill covers are scaled
Northern Pike
ve or less sensory
pores per side on lower jaw
cheek fully scaled but only
upper half of gill cover scaled
bean shaped yellowish spots on green background
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©Fish ARE NOT to scale.
forked tail n
upper jaw extends
beyond lower jaw
Channel Catsh
square tail n
Flathead Catsh
lower jaw extends
beyond upper jaw
White Bass
distinct
longitudinal
lines on sides
three anal spines
graduated in length
anal ray count
greater than 10
White Perch
lack of distinct
longitudinal
lines on sides
three anal spines not
graduated in length
anal ray
count 9-10
38
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Coho Salmon
small spots on
upper portion of tail
dark mouth with
whitish gums
13–15 anal n rays
Rainbow Trout
usually pink streak
spotted tail with
denite fork
red or orange spots
boxy shaped body
upper jaw extends
beyond rear of eye
abdomen usually yellow
square tail
Brown Trout
white mouth
10–12 anal n rays
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
spotted tail
worm-like
marks on back
black and white
edges on ns
squared tail
Brook Trout
well forked tail
spotted back
Lake Trout
light or white spots
on dark background
tail slightly forked
Splake
Atlantic Salmon
black “x” marks
on upper body
torpedo shaped body
upper jaw extends
to rear of eye
black spots on upper
back and adipose n
Pink Salmon
13–19 anal n rays
black spots on tail
dark mouth and gums
15–17 anal n rays
large black spots over tail
and upper portion of body
Chinook “King” Salmon
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©
39
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©Fish ARE NOT to scale.
Round Whitesh
adipose n
mouth & snout are
pointed slightly
downward
long, cylindrical
body
1 ap of skin
between
nostrils
avg. size: 8-12"
adipose n
Lake Whitesh
snout
overhangs lower jaw
long, at body
2 aps of skin
between
nostrils
adipose n
Cisco
lower jaw extends
beyond snout
long, cylindrical
body
2 aps of skin
between nostrils
Want to learn more
about Michigan’s sh
species?
Visit
Michigan.gov/FishID
40
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
discount
coupon
20
%
off
with coupon
one shing Item
Excludes shing licenses and clearance.
coupon good 3
/
1–9
/
7
/
24
Limit one item and coupon per
transaction. Present to cashier prior
to purchase. Not to be combined with
other discount coupons.
0823.F1312808-S1307004.JY
41
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
42
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations
The information in this section (pp. 42-65) provides shing regulations that pertain only to the taking
of trout and salmon from inland waters. Check the county listings on pp. 48-65 for specic waters and
the regulations placed on each according to the Type listed for that entry. Regulations for lakes and
streams are listed in either the lake regulations table (below), stream regulations table (p. 43), or the gear
restricted streams section (pp. 44-46). Maps have been developed to assist anglers in identifying inland
trout waters and the regulations associated with each Type as indicated by color scheme and text. Maps
are only available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing. During closed season dates on inland trout and
salmon waters, shing is prohibited for all species. Anglers should check the It is Unlawful To section
for restrictions on hooks and lures (p. 11) and the Exceptions to General Regulations by County (pp. 28-31)
for other restrictions. See p. 8 for the Articial Flies denition.
Flies Only Articial Lures Only
A person shall not at any time take or possess an Arctic Grayling taken from any of the waters over
which the state has jurisdiction.
Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations
The following regulations pertain only to inland lake Types A - F as listed on pp. 48-65.
Maps are available online at: Michigan.gov/Fishing
Lake Type
Fishing and
Posession
Season
Tackle
Daily Possession
Limit
Brook Trout
Brown Trout,
Rainbow Trout, &
Splake
Lake Trout
Coho, Chinook, &
Pink Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Minimum Size Limit (inches)
A
(61
lakes)
Last Sat. in
April - Oct. 31
All except
minnows
5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
B
(55
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
C
(28
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3* 8" 8" 8" 10" 15"
D
(21
lakes)
Last Sat. in
April - Oct. 31
**
1 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
E
(11
lakes)
Open All Year All 3 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
F
(16
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3^ 10" 10" 10" 10" 10"
* 5 sh, with no more than 3 trout 15“ or greater.
** On Type D lakes, it is unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead or preserved bait or organic or processed food on any of the
waters or on shore.
^ 5 sh in any combination, but no more than 3 sh of any one species, except up to 5 salmon (Chinook or coho) may be retained.
Designated Trout Lakes:
All Type A and all Type D lakes are designated trout lakes (see p. 8).
Regulations for Lakes Not Classied as Lake Type:
Except for lakes in the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters and Sylvania Wilderness Area, any other inland lake not
classied by Type is open all year to the taking of trout with an 8-inch minimum size limit and 5 sh daily possession
limit, no more than 3 of which may be 15" or greater. Articial lures and all types of natural bait may be used. See pp.
24-26 for Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters and Sylvania Wilderness Area regulations, respectively.
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
43
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations
The following regulations pertain only to inland lake Types A - F as listed on pp. 48-65.
Maps are available online at: Michigan.gov/Fishing
Lake Type
Fishing and
Posession
Season
Tackle
Daily Possession
Limit
Brook Trout
Brown Trout,
Rainbow Trout, &
Splake
Lake Trout
Coho, Chinook, &
Pink Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
Minimum Size Limit (inches)
A
(61
lakes)
Last Sat. in
April - Oct. 31
All except
minnows
5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
B
(55
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
C
(28
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3* 8" 8" 8" 10" 15"
D
(21
lakes)
Last Sat. in
April - Oct. 31
**
1 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
E
(11
lakes)
Open All Year All 3 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
F
(16
lakes)
Open All Year All 5/3^ 10" 10" 10" 10" 10"
* 5 sh, with no more than 3 trout 15“ or greater.
** On Type D lakes, it is unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead or preserved bait or organic or processed food on any of the
waters or on shore.
^ 5 sh in any combination, but no more than 3 sh of any one species, except up to 5 salmon (Chinook or coho) may be retained.
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Inland Trout & Salmon Stream Regulations
The following regulations pertain only to inland stream Types 1-4, and Brook Trout
Restoration Areas (BTRA), as listed on pp. 48-65.
Maps are available online at: Michigan.gov/Fishing.
All types of natural and articial baits may be used on stream
Types 1-4. NOTE: Chumming is prohibited on all stream types
listed below and Gear Restricted Streams.
Minimum Size Limit
(inches)
Daily
Possession
Limit
Stream Type
(Colors below
are indicated
accordingly on the
maps online.)
Fishing
Season
Possession
Season
Brook
Trout
Brown
Trout
Atlantic,
Chinook,
Coho
& Pink
Salmon,
Lake
Trout,
Rainbow
Trout
(Steelhead),
Splake
All Trout and
Salmon
1
(Approx. 1,400
streams)
Last Sat. in
April - Sep. 30
Last Sat. in April
- Sep. 30
7" 8"
10"
5 sh,
but no more
than 3 trout
15" or greater
Note - see
pp. 48-65 for
exceptions
2
(13 streams)
Last Sat. in
April - Sep. 30
Last Sat. in April
- Sep. 30
10" 12"
3
(58 streams)
Open All Year Open All Year 15" 15"
4
(128 streams)
Open All Year
Last Sat. in
April - Sep. 30
for Brook Trout,
Brown Trout, and
Atlantic Salmon
Open all year for
all other Trout and
Salmon
7" 10"
Brook Trout
Restoration
Areas (BTRA)
The following locations have more restrictive brook trout regulations. Fishing regulations on these
waters shall supersede those in other sections which in any way conict with the following: the harvest
season for Brook Trout is from the last Saturday in April - Sep. 30, the minimum size limit on Brook Trout,
Lake Trout, and Splake shall be 20 inches with a daily possession limit of one (1) Brook Trout, Lake Trout
or Splake total combined.
1. Big Garlic River and tributaries (Marquette
Co.), from County Road 550 (T50N, R26W, S33)
downstream to Lake Superior (T50N, R26W,
S21).
2. Big Huron River (Baraga and Marquette
Cos.), from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, S35)
downstream to Lake Superior (T52N, R29W,
S18).
3. Iron River (Marquette Co.), from Lake
Independence Dam (T51N, R27W, S13)
downstream to Lake Superior (T51N, R26W,
S18).
4. Little Huron River (Marquette Co.), from
unnamed bridge crossing located at the
southern border of section 20 (T52N, R29W,
S20) downstream to Lake Superior (T52N,
R29W, S17).
5. Pilgrim River and tributaries(Houghton Co.),
from the headwaters downstream to Portage
Lake (T54N, R33W, S5).
6. Portage/Torch Lake system (including the
Portage River, Portage Canal, North Entry and
South Entry, Houghton Co.).
7. Ravine River (Baraga Co.), from Sicotte Road
(T51N, R31W, S2) downstream to Huron Bay
(T51N, R31W, S4).
8. Silver River (Baraga Co.), from Silver River Falls
(T51N, R32W, S26) downstream to Huron Bay
(T51N, R31W, S18).
9. Slate River (Baraga Co.), from Slate River Falls
(1/2 mile upstream from Skanee Road T51N,
R31W, S9) downstream to Huron Bay (T51N,
R31W, S8).
10. Salmon-Trout River (Marquette Co.)
from Lower Falls (T51N, R28W, S13) down to
Lake Superior. NOTE: Fishing season:
last Saturday in April - August 14; Possession
season: last Saturday in April - August 14.
44
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Gear Restricted Streams Flies Only Articial Lures Only
The following streams have regulations that dier from those in Types 1–4 as listed on p. 43. On all streams
managed under gear restrictions, it shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead or preserved bait
or organic or processed food on any of the waters or on shore (this restriction does not apply when
a stream is under Type regulations). NOTE: It shall be unlawful to use or possess scented material on
ies-only Gear Restricted Streams. Gear Restricted Streams are indicated in red color on the maps
online at Michigan.gov/Fishing. See p. 8 for the Articial Flies denition.
Au Sable River:
Mainstream (Crawford Co.) from Burton’s
Landing (T26N, R3W, S11) to South Wakeley
Bridge Rd. (Wakeley Bridge): Fishing
Season: open all year; Tackle: artifcial ies only;
Possession Season: closed all year; except for
children under 12 the possession season is open
all year; Daily Possession Limit: zero trout; except
children under 12 may keep 1 trout; Size Limits: for
children under 12 there is an 8-inch minimum size
limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit for trout.
Mileage: 9.0 miles.
Mainstream (Crawford Co.) from South
Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley Bridge) to
McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters Bridge):
Fishing Season: open all year; Possession
Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for brook trout
and brown trout; open all year for rainbow trout;
Tackle: articial lures only; Daily Possession Limit:
2 trout with no more than 1 trout 18" or greater; Size
Limits: minimum size limit: brook trout and rainbow
trout — 10"; brown trout — 18". Mileage: 8.0 miles.
Mainstream (Oscoda Co.) from Mio power
line (T26N, R3E, S7; 44° 39’ 40.550" N/ 84°
7’ 24.280" W) to Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge):
Fishing Season: open all year; Possession
Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for brook trout
and brown trout; open all year for rainbow trout;
Tackle: articial lures only; Daily Possession Limit:
2 trout with no more than 1 trout 18" or greater; Size
Limits: minimum size limit: brook trout – 7"; brown
trout – 18"; rainbow trout – 10". Mileage: 15.0 miles.
North Branch (Crawford Co.) from Sheep
Ranch (T28N, R2W, S12; 44° 49’ 40.470"
N/ 84° 29’ 25.933" W) to conuence with
Mainstream: Fishing Season: Open all year;
Possession Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30
for brook trout and brown trout; open all year for
rainbow trout; Tackle: articial ies only; Daily
Possession Limit: 2 trout with no more than 1
trout 18" or greater; Size Limits: minimum size
limit: brook trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown
trout — 18". Mileage: 20.7 miles
South Branch (Crawford Co.) from Chase
Bridge Rd. (Chase Bridge) to Lower High
Banks (T25N, R2W, S13; 44° 33’ 49.735"
N/ 84° 29’ 59.107" W): Fishing season: open all
year; Possession Season: closed all year; except for
children under 12 the possession season is open all
year; Tackle: articial ies only; Daily Possession
Limit: zero trout; except children under 12 may keep
1 trout; Size Limits: for children under 12 there is an
8-inch minimum size limit and a 12-inch maximum
size limit for trout. Mileage: 4.3 miles.
South Branch (Crawford Co.) from Lower
High Banks (T25N, R2W, S13; 44° 33’ 49.735"
N/ 84° 29’ 59.107" W) to conuence with
Mainstream: Fishing Season: open all year;
Possession Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30
for brook trout and brown trout; open all year for
rainbow trout; Tackle: articial ies only; Daily
Possession Limit: 2 trout with no more than 1
trout 18" or greater; Size Limits: minimum size
limit: brook trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown
trout — 18". Size Limits: minimum size limit: brook
trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown trout — 18".
Mileage: 11.5 miles.
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Regulations for Streams Not Classied as Stream Type or
Listed as a Gear Restricted Stream
Except for streams in the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters, any other inland stream not classied by
Type is open to trout shing all year with an 8" minimum size limit (except 7" for brook trout) and a 5 sh
daily possession limit, no more than 3 of which may be 15" or greater, except up to 5 salmon (Chinook or
coho) 15" or greater may be retained in the daily possession limit on these waters. Articial lures and all types
of natural bait may be used. Please see pp. 24-25 for Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters regulations.
Designated Trout Streams:
All Type 1, all Type 2, all Gear Restricted Streams (GR), and all Brook Trout Restoration Areas (BTRA) are
designated trout streams. Most Type 3 and most Type 4 streams are designated trout streams (check
FO-210 and FO-200 or Michigan.gov/Fishing for more information).
45
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Black River:
(Otsego and Montmorency Cos.) from Tin
Shanty Bridge Rd. to the Town Corner Lake
Stairs (T32N, R1E, S31 SE/SE; 45° 6’ 50.872" N/
84° 21’ 0.488" W): Fishing Season: open all year;
Possession Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for
brook trout; open all year for brown trout and
rainbow trout; Tackle: articial lures only; Daily
Possession Limit: 5 trout; with no more than 2
brook trout; Size Limits: minimum size limit: brook
trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown trout — 8".
Mileage: 4.4 miles.
Cooks Run:
(Iron Co.) from US Forest Hwy 16 to conuence
with South Branch Paint River:
•
From the last Sat. in April – Sep. 30, this
reach of stream shall be managed under Type
2 regulations, except the minimum size limit for
brook trout is 7".
From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
April, this reach of stream shall be managed
under gear restricted regulations as follows:
Fishing Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last
Sat. in April; Possession Season: closed; except for
children under 12 the possession season is open;
Tackle: articial ies only; Daily Possession Limit:
zero trout; except children under 12 may keep 1
trout; Size Limits: for children under 12 there is an
8-inch minimum size limit and a 12-inch maximum
size limit for all trout. Mileage: 4.5 miles.
Duck Creek:
(Gogebic Co.) from Railroad Bridge (T44N,
R39W, S16) to conuence with Middle
Branch Ontonagon River: Fishing Season:
open all year; Possession Season: last Sat.
in April - Sep. 30 for brook trout and brown trout;
open all year for rainbow trout; Tackle: articial lures
only; Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size limits:
minimum size limit: all trout – 10". Mileage: 6.5 miles.
Escanaba River:
(Delta Co.) from Boney Falls Dam to Mouth of
Silver Creek: Fishing Season: open all year;
Possession Season: last Sat. in April – Sep.
30 for brook trout and brown trout; open all
year for rainbow trout; Tackle: articial lures
only; Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size Limits:
minimum size limit: brook trout — 10"; brown trout
and rainbow trout — 12". Mileage: 14.2 miles.
Fox River:
(Schoolcraft Co.) from Fox River State Forest
Campground (T46N, R14W, S11; 46° 24’ 1.668"
N/ 86° 1’ 50.271" W) to M-28:
•
From the last Sat. in April – Sep. 30, this
reach of stream shall be managed under Type
1 regulations.
From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
April, this reach of stream shall be managed
under gear restricted regulations as follows: Fishing
Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in April;
Possession Season: closed; except for children
under 12 the possession season is open; Tackle:
articial ies only; Daily Possession Limit: zero
trout; except children under 12 may keep 1 trout;
Size Limits: for children under 12 there is an 8-inch
minimum size limit and a 12-inch maximum size
limit for all trout. Mileage: 7.6 miles.
Huron River:
(Oakland Co.) from 50 yards below Proud Lake
Dam (T2N, R8E, S18) to 100 yards below Wixom
Road (T2N, R7E, S13):
•
From the last Sat. in April – Sep. 30, this
reach of stream shall be managed under Type
1 regulations.
From April 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat.
in April, this reach of stream shall be managed
under gear restricted regulations as follows: Fishing
season: April 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in April;
Possession Season: closed; except for children
under 12 the possession season is open; Tackle:
articial ies only; Daily Possession Limit: zero
trout; except children under 12 may keep 1 trout;
Size Limits: for children under 12 there is an 8-inch
minimum size limit and a 12-inch maximum size
limit for all trout. Mileage: 2.0 miles.
Little Manistee River:
(Lake Co.) from North Peacock Trail
(Spencer’s Bridge) to Johnson Rd.
(Johnson’s Bridge): Fishing Season: April 1 –
Dec. 31; Possession Season: last Sat. in April – Sep.
30 for brook trout and brown trout; open April 1
– Dec. 31 for all other trout and salmon; Tackle:
articial ies only; Daily Possession Limit: 2 sh,
any combination of trout and salmon; Size Limits:
minimum size limit: brown trout — 15"; all other
trout and salmon — 10". Mileage: 7.5 miles.
Manistee River:
(Crawford Co.) from CO. Rd. 612 to M-72:
Fishing Season: open all year; Possession
Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for brook trout and
brown trout; open all year for rainbow trout; Tackle:
articial lures only (see p. 8); Daily Possession Limit:
2 trout; with no more than 1 trout 18" or greater; Size
Limits: minimum size limit: brook trout and rainbow
trout — 10"; brown trout — 18". Mileage: 9.2 miles.
(Crawford and Kalkaska Cos.) from M-72 to
Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge): Fishing Season:
open all year; Possession Season: last Sat. in April
– Sep. 30 for brook trout and brown trout; open all
year for rainbow trout; Tackle: articial ies only;
Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; with no more than
1 trout 18" or greater; Size Limits: minimum size
limit: brook trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown
trout — 18". Mileage: 16.7 miles.
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
46
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Paint Creek:
(Oakland Co.) from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd.:
Fishing Season: last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for
all trout; Possession Season: last Sat. in April –
Sep. 30 for all trout; Tackle: articial lures only; Daily
Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size Limits: minimum
size limit: all trout — 14". Mileage: 5.0 miles.
Paint River:
South Branch (Iron Co.) from the Mouth of Cooks
Run to the Mouth of the North Branch of the
Paint River:
•
From the last Sat. in April – Sep. 30, this
reach of stream shall be managed under Type
2 regulations, except the minimum size limit for
brook trout is 7".
From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
April, this reach of stream shall be managed
under gear restricted regulations as follows: Fishing
Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in April;
Possession Season: closed; except for children
under 12 the possession season is open; Tackle:
articial ies only; Daily Possession Limit: zero
trout; except children under 12 may keep 1 trout;
Size Limits: for children under 12 there is an 8-inch
minimum size limit and a 12-inch maximum size
limit for all trout. Mileage: 10.0 miles.
Pere Marquette River:
(Lake Co.) from M-37 to the Downstream
Edge of the Boat Ramp/Slide at Gleason’s
Landing (T17N, R14W, S13; 43° 52’ 14.521"
N/ 85° 55’ 21.752" W): Fishing Season: open all
year; Possession Season: closed all year; except for
children under 12 the possession season is open all
year; Tackle: articial ies only; Daily Possession
Limit: zero trout and salmon; except children under
12 may keep 1 trout or salmon; Size Limits: for
children under 12 there is an 8-inch minimum size
limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit for all trout
and salmon. Mileage: 8.5 miles.
(Lake Co.) from the Downstream Edge of the Boat
Ramp/Slide at Gleason’s Landing (T17N, R14W,
S13; 43° 52’ 14.521" N/ 85° 55’ 21.752" W) to the
Upstream Edge of the Boat Ramp at Rainbow
Rapids (T18N, R14W, S27; 43° 55’ 5.321" N/ 85°
58’ 30.719" W):
• From Sep. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
April, this reach of stream shall be managed
under Type 4 regulations, with the following
exceptions: Fishing Season: Sep. 1– the Fri.
before the last Sat. in April; Possession Season:
Sep. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in April; Daily
Possession Limit: 1 rainbow trout; Size Limits:
rainbow trout — 10".
From the last Sat. in April – Aug. 31, this
reach of stream shall be managed under gear
restricted regulations as follows: Fishing
Season: last Sat. in April – Aug. 31; Possession
Season: last Sat. in April –Aug. 31; Tackle: articial
lures only (see p. 8); Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout
or salmon; with no more than 1 brown trout 18" or
greater, and no more than 1 rainbow trout; Size
Limits: minimum size limit: all salmon — 10"; brook
trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout – 8"; except
that the harvest of sh greater than 14" and less than
18" shall be prohibited for brook trout, brown trout,
and rainbow trout. Mileage: 10.5 miles.
Pigeon River:
(Cheboygan and Otsego Cos.) from Elk
Hill Campground Horse Trail (T32N, R1W,
S10; 45° 10’ 50.753" N/ 84° 25’ 27.866"
W) to Pine Grove Campground Stairs (T33N,
R1W, S17; 45° 14’ 38.497" N/ 84° 26’ 47.983" W):
Fishing Season: open all year; Possession Season:
last Sat. in April – Sep. 30 for brook trout and brown
trout; open all year for rainbow trout; Tackle: articial
lures only; Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; with no
more than 1 brown trout; Size Limits: minimum size
limit: brook trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown
trout — 12". Mileage: 5.3 miles.
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Stocking Michigan's
Public Waters
Find out if any sh have been
stocked in your favorite spot at
michigandnr.com/shstock
47
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Trout Trails
Michigan is nationally known as a trout
shing destination with tens of thousands
of miles of cold, quality trout streams
and hundreds of trout lakes accessible to
anglers. But how do you decide where
to go? Use the Michigan Trout Trails web
application! Discover a detailed list of
biologist-veried trout waters that are
perfect for your next trip!
Working to restore a
Michigan native!
Arctic Grayling thrived in northern
Michigan's coldwater streams until
the early 20th century. Now, nearly 50
partners are on a mission to restore self-sustaining populations of this
species within its historical range. Discover the work of the Michigan Arctic
Grayling Initiative by visiting MiGrayling.org. While there, nd out how you
can get involved!
Michigan.gov/TroutTrails
Illustration by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©
William E. Moran
Investment Consulting, Inc.
William E. Moran
President
31731 Northwestern Highway, Suite 151W
Farmington Hills, Ml 48334
willia[email protected]
248 626 2000 oce ext. 204
248 626 2003 fax
Securities oered through LPL Financial,
Member FINRA / SIPC
48
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
County Listing of Lakes and Streams
Below is a listing of the inland lakes and streams that are managed for trout and salmon, along with their
respective regulation Type. Please see pp. 42-43 for detailed regulations for each Type. For inland lakes,
the lake name will appear under the appropriate county and will be followed by a letter (A-F). The letter
designates the Type of regulations that apply to that lake. For streams, the stream name will be followed
by a number (2-4, GR for Gear Restricted Streams, or BTRA for Brook Trout Restoration Area, see p. 43)
and any upstream/downstream boundaries that apply to that section of stream. Type 1 streams are not
listed in the text except for a few instances as indicated. For a complete listing of all trout streams,
check online or contact any DNR Fisheries Oce. An SC indicates a shing closure for the area and
time period mentioned. Inland Trout/Salmon maps are available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Alcona
Lakes Type
South Hoist Lake
B
Streams Type
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge)
downstream to 4001 Bridge.
2
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Alcona Dam to S. Branch River.
Black River
from conuence with N. Branch Black
River downstream to Lake Huron.
4
Pine River
from F-41 downstream to Lake Huron.
3
Alger
Lakes Type
Ackerman Lake
B
Addis Lakes
A
Bette’s Pond
A
Brian’s Pond
A
Cheryl’s Pond (T44N, R19W, S25)
B
Cox Pond
A
Grand Marais Lake
A
Hike Lake
A
Irwin Lake
A
Kay’s Pond
B
Mirror Lake
B
North (Upper) Shoe Lake
B
Rock River Pond
A
Rock Lake
A
Sawaski Pond (T44N, R19W, S14)
B
Sitka Lake
A
Sullivan Lake
A
Trueman Lake
A
West John’s Lake
A
Streams Type
Anna River
from Railroad Bridge (T46N, R19W, S14)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Au Train River
from Powerhouse below M-94
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Hurricane River
from Truck Trail (CO Rd 724, T49N, R15W,
S25) downstream to L. Superior.
3
Laughing Whitesh River
from Forks (T47N, R22W, S22)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Miner’s River
from Miner’s Falls downstream to L.
Superior.
4
Rock River
from Railroad Bridge (T47N, R21W, S22)
downstream to L. Superior.
SC - Closed to Fishing - April 1 – Jun. 30
between dam and its downstream-most
foot bridge located downstream from
M-28 in T47N, R21W, S15.
4
Sable Creek
4
Sucker River
upstream limit is old Grand Marais/
Seney Road Bridge.
4
Allegan
Lakes Type
Kalamazoo Lake/Silver Lake
from US-31 down to L. Michigan.
F
Streams Type
Black River Mainstream
from conuence of North and South
branches down to L. Michigan.
3
49
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Gun River Mainstream
from 122nd Ave. (T2N, R11W, S12)
downstream to US 131 Bridge (T1N,
R11W, S18).
4
Kalamazoo River
from Calkins Dam (T2N, R14W, S15)
downstream to US-31.
3
Middle Branch Black River
from conuence of Spring Brook
Creek (T1N, R15W, S22) downstream to
conuence of Main Branch Black River.
4
North Branch Black River
from 111th Ave. (T1N, R16W, S3)
downstream to conuence with
Mainstream.
3
Pine Creek Tributary
from 101st Ave. to conuence with Pine
Creek (T1N, R12W, S33).
4
Rabbit River Mainstream
from US-131 Bridge (T4N, R11W, S31)
downstream to conuence with
Kalamazoo River (T3N, R15W, S16).
4
Silver Creek
from M-89 Bridge (T1N, R11W, S26)
downstream to conuence with
Kalamazoo River.
2
Swan Creek
from 109th Ave. (T1N, R14W, S7)
downstream to conuence with
Kalamazoo River (T2N, R14W, S9).
Hook Restriction: On Swan Creek from
mouth upstream to the dam at 118th
Ave. it shall be unlawful to use other
than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring 1/2" or less from point
to shank.
4
Alpena
Streams Type
Devils River
from US-23 Bridge downstream to
L. Huron.
4
Long Lake Creek
downstream limit is L. Huron.
4
Thunder Bay River
from Ninth Street Dam downstream to
L. Huron.
3
Antrim
Lakes Type
Bellaire Pond
C
Elk Lake
E
Green Lake
B
Torch Lake
E
Streams Type
Elk River
from Power Dam below Elk Lake
downstream to L. Michigan.
3
Elk River Bypass
from Bypass Dam downstream to
L. Michigan.
4
Grass River (inc. Clam River)
from Lake Bellaire downstream to
Torch Lake.
4
Intermediate River
from Intermediate Dam downstream to
Lake Bellaire.
SC - Closed to Fishing - April 1 - May
14 Bellaire Dam to Highway M-88 Bridge.
4
Jordan River
from Graves Crossing (T31N, R6W, S32)
downstream to Lake Charlevoix.
4
Manistee River
from headwaters downstream to CO. Rd.
612.
2
Torch River
from Torch Lake downstream to Lake
Skegemog.
Hook Restriction: From May 1 – July 1
on Torch River from the Crystal Beach Rd
Bridge downstream to Lake Skegemog
including Rapid River up to Aarwood Rd
Bridge it shall be unlawful to use other
than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring ½-inch or less from
point to shank.
4
Arenac
Streams Type
East Branch Au Gres River (Whitney
Drain)
from M-55 downstream to Saginaw Bay.
3
Rie River
from Sage Lake Road (T23N, R3E, S22)
downstream to Saginaw Bay.
3
Baraga
Lakes Type
Roland Lake
B
50
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Streams Type
Big Huron River
from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, S35)
downstream to L. Superior (T52N, R29W,
S18).
4
BTRA
Falls River
from US-41 to L. Superior.
3
Otter River
from conuence of N. and W. Br. Otter
River downstream to Sturgeon River.
3
Ravine River
from Sicotte Road (T51N, R31W, S2)
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W, S4).
4
BTRA
Silver River
from Silver River Falls (T51N, R32W, S26)
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W,
S18).
4
BTRA
Slate River
from Slate River Falls (1/2 mile upstream
from Skanee Road T51N, R31W, S9)
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W, S8).
4
BTRA
Sturgeon River
from US-41 downstream to Prickett
Dam.
2
Sturgeon River
from Prickett Dam downstream to L.
Superior.
SC - Closed to Fishing - April 1 - Jun. 30
from the Prickett Dam downstream to
mouth of Clear Creek (T50N, R35W, S12).
3
Barry
Lakes Type
Deep Lake
B
Gull Lake
E
Streams Type
Augusta Creek
from Little Gilkey Lake and Fair Lakes
outlets downstream to Knappen Mills
Dam.
4
Bassett Creek
from Baker Lake downstream to
conuence with Thornapple River.
4
Coldwater River
from M-43 Bridge (T4N, R8W, S16)
downstream to Freeport Road Bridge.
2
Coldwater River
from Freeport Rd. downstream to
conuence with Thornapple River.
4
Turner Creek
from (T3N, R10W, S23) downstream to
conuence with Baker Creek (T3N, R10W,
S9).
4
Bay
Streams Type
Saginaw River
3
Benzie
Lakes Type
Betsie Lake
from M-22 down to L. Michigan.
F
Crystal Lake
E
Streams Type
Betsie River
from Kurick Rd. downstream to M-22.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow Trout
20" or greater allowed in daily possession
limit.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Betsie River
Homestead Dam - Nov. 16 - July 31 within
100 ft. of the lamprey barrier and sh
passage facility at T25N, R15W, S2.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Betsie River
Homestead Dam – Aug. 1 – Nov. 15 within
300 ft of lamprey barrier and sh passage
facility.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Otter Creek
from Otter Lake outlet (T27N, R15W, S13)
downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Platte River
from US-31 bridge at Veteran’s Park
downstream to L. Michigan.
NOTE: The daily possession limit shall be
1 rainbow trout from Upper Hatchery Weir
to L. Michigan.
Hook Restriction: On the Platte
River, Benzie Co., it shall be unlawful
to use other than one single-pointed
unweighted hook measuring 1/2" or less
from point to shank.
SC – Closed to Fishing – within 300 ft. of
the upper (hatchery) weir infrastructure
whenever weir is in place.
SC – Closed to Fishing – whenever weir
is in place within 300 ft of the lower weir.
SC – Closed to Fishing – Jan. 1 – March
31 from US-31 bridge at Veteran’s Park
downstream to Platte Lake.
4
51
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Berrien
Lakes Type
Singer Lake
C
Streams Type
Blue Creek
4
Dowagiac River
(including Dowagiac Drain)
from source downstream to conuence
with St. Joseph River.
4
Galien River Mainstream
downstream limit is L. Michigan.
4
South Branch Galien River
Mainstream only,
downstream limit is the conuence with
Galien River.
4
St. Joseph River
from Indiana state line downstream to
L. Michigan.
3
Townsend Cr.
(T6S, R17W, S19), and the mouth area
of Lake Chapin, to a point 100 yards
below the Townsend Cr. mouth into Lake
Chapin),
Hook Restriction: It is unlawful to
use other than one single-pointed,
unweighted hook measuring 1/2" or less
from point to shank.
1
Branch
Lakes Type
Cary Lake
C
Streams Type
Prairie River Mainstream
from Bowers Road (T8S, R7W, S4)
downstream to McKale Road (T7S, R9W, S8).
4
Calhoun
South Branch Rice Creek
from Concord Rd. downstream to
conuence with Kalamazoo River.
4
Nottawa Creek
4
Cass
Lakes Type
Birch Lake
B
Harwood Lake
C
Hemlock Lake
B
Streams Type
Curtis Creek and Tributaries
2
Dowagiac Creek
from Mckenzie Street (T5S, R14W, S31)
downstream to M-62.
2
Mill Creek and Tributaries
from Preston Road (T7S, R12W, S7)
downstream to impoundment at T7S,
R12W, S32.
4
Dowagiac River
(including Dowagiac Drain)
from source downstream to conuence
with St. Joseph River.
4
Charlevoix
Lakes Type
Lake Charlevoix (including Round
Lake)
F
Thumb (Louise) Lake
B
Walloon Lake
B
Streams Type
Bear River
from Walloon Lake downstream to
northern edge of foot bridge north of
Lake Street
Hook Restriction: On the Bear River,
from the northern edge of foot bridge
north of Lake Street upstream to Lake
Street Dam (T34N, R5W, S6) it shall be
unlawful to use other than one single-
pointed unweighted hook measuring
1/2" or less from point to shank.
4
Boyne River
from P. H. Dam downstream to Lake
Charlevoix.
Hook Restriction: On the Boyne River,
from the mouth upstream to dam (T32N,
R5W, S5) it shall be unlawful to use other
than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring 1/2" or less from point
to shank.
4
Jordan River
from Graves Crossing (T31N, R6W, S32)
downstream to Lake Charlevoix.
4
Medusa Creek
SC - Closed to Fishing - whenever weir is in place.
Tributary to L. Michigan (T34N, R8W, S28) and
including an area of L. Michigan in a radius of 100
ft from the mouth of Medusa Creek.
52
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Cheboygan
Lakes Type
Hemlock Lake
D
Silver Lake
B
Tower Pond (from dam to M-68)
E
Weber Lake
B
Streams Type
Cheboygan River
from Cheboygan Dam downstream to
L. Huron.
3
Maple River
from Woodland Rd. in Emmet Co.
downstream to mouth.
4
Mill Creek
4
Pigeon River
from Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail to
Pine Grove Campground Stairs.
GR
p. 46
Pigeon River
from Pine Grove Campground Stairs
(T33N, R1W, S17) to East Mullet Rd.
4
Sturgeon River
from Afton Rd. (Also called Webb Rd. or
Wolverine Rd.) downstream to mouth at
Burt Lake.
4
Chippewa
Lakes Type
Dukes Lake
B
Highbanks Lake
A
Naomikong Lake
A
Naomikong Pond
A
Streams Type
Albany Creek
from bridge below lamprey weir to L.
Huron.
4
Carp River, Mainstream
4
Halfaday Creek
from Lakeshore Drive downstream to L.
Superior.
4
Pendill’s Creek
from Second Dam (T47N, R4W, S28)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Pine River
from H-40 Bridge downstream to L.
Huron.
4
Crawford
Lakes Type
Bright Lake
B
Kne Lake
A
Shupac Lake
A
Streams Type
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Business Loop 75 (James St.)
downstream to Burton’s Landing (T26N,
R3W, S11).
2
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Burton’s Landing downstream
to South Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley
Bridge).
GR
p. 44
Au Sable River Mainstream
from South Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley
Bridge) to McMasters Bridge Rd.
(McMasters Bridge).
GR
p. 44
Au Sable River Mainstream
from McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters
Bridge) downstream to Rainbow Bend
power line (T26N, R2E, S3).
4
Manistee River
from headwaters downstream to CO. Rd.
612.
2
Manistee River
from CO. Rd. 612 to M-72.
GR
p. 45
Manistee River
from M-72 downstream to Sunset Trail
Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, R6W, S26).
GR
p. 45
North Branch Au Sable River
from Sheep Ranch downstream to
conuence with Mainstream.
GR
p. 44
South Branch Au Sable River
from Chase Bridge Rd. (Chase Bridge) to
Lower High Banks.
GR
p. 44
South Branch Au Sable River
from Lower High Banks downstream to
conuence with Mainstream.
GR
p. 44
Delta
Lakes Type
Bear Lake
A
Carr Lake
A
Carr Ponds
A
Kilpecker Pond
A
Norway Lake
A
53
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Wintergreen Lake
A
Zigmaul Pond
A
Streams Type
Bark River
from 9 Road (Section Line Between
T38N, R24W, S20 & 29) downstream to L.
Michigan.
4
Big Fishdam River
from County Road 2222 Bridge (T41N,
R18W, S9) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Days River
from Highway M-35 Bridge downstream
to L. Michigan.
4
Escanaba River
from Boney Falls Dam downstream to
mouth of Silver Creek (T40N, R23W, S11).
GR
p. 45
Ford River
from Northland Truck Trail (T43N, R27W,
S35) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Rapid River
from County Road S-15 (T42N, R21W, S19)
downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Sturgeon River
from County Road 442 Bridge (T42N,
R20W, S13) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Tacoosh River
from 29th Lane (County Road G-24)
downstream to L. Michigan.
Whitesh River
from 38th Road (U.S.F.S. 2236)
downstream to US-2 bridge in T41N,
R21W, S28.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow Trout
20" or greater allowed in daily possession
limit.
Dickinson
Streams Type
Ford River
from Northland Truck Trail (T43N, R27W,
S35) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Eaton
Streams Type
Sebewa Creek and Tributaries
4
Emmet
Lakes Type
Walloon Lake
B
Streams Type
Bear River
from Walloon Lake downstream to
northern edge of foot bridge north of
Lake Street.
Hook Restriction:On the Bear River, from
the northern edge of foot bridge north
of Lake Street upstream to Lake Street Dam
(T34N, R5W, S6) it shall be unlawful to use
other than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring 1/2" or less from point
to shank.
4
Carp Lake River
from Bridge in (T39N, R4W, S32)
downstream to L. Michigan.
3
Maple River
from Woodland Rd., Emmet Co.
downstream to mouth.
4
Gladwin
Streams Type
North Branch Cedar River
from (T20N, R2W, S2) downstream to
conuence with Cedar River (T19N, R2W,
S20).
44
Gogebic
Lakes Type
Beatons Lake
B
Castle Lake
A
Cornelia Lake
A
Imp Lake
B
Moon Lake
B
Redboat Lake
C
Streams Type
Big Carp River
from a point 100 yards downstream
of Bathtub Falls (T50N, R45W, S1) to L.
Superior.
3
Black River
from Rainbow Falls (T49N, R46W, S10)
downstream to L. Superior.
3
Black River
from US-2 downstream to Rainbow Falls.
2
Duck Creek
from Railroad Bridge (T44N, R39W,
S16) to conuence with Middle Branch
Ontonagon River.
GR
p. 45
54
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Little Carp River
from Traders Fall (T50N, R45W, S2)
downstream to L. Superior.
3
Maple Creek
from Bridge in (T49N, R46W, S18)
downstream to L. Superior.
3
Middle Branch Ontonagon River
downstream limit is Agate Falls.
2
Omans Creek
from County Road 505 downstream to
L. Superior.
3
Presque Isle River
from Manabezho Falls to L. Superior.
3
Grand Traverse
Lakes Type
Duck Lake
B
Elk Lake
E
Green Lake
B
Sand Lake #1
C
Streams Type
Boardman River
from Beitner Rd. downstream to L.
Michigan.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Whenever weir
is in place from the downstream side of
the Front Street Bridge to the upstream
side of the pedestrianbridge in the
vicinity of the Boardman River weir
in Traverse City.
4
Hillsdale
Lakes Type
Bear Lake
C
Bird Lake
C
Houghton
Portage/Torch Lake system
(including the Portage River, Portage
Canal, North Entry and South Entry.
BTRA
Lakes Type
Clear Lake
D
Penegor Lake
A
Perrault Lake
D
Streams Type
Big Traverse River
upstream limit is Gay-Lake Linden Road.
3
East Branch Ontonagon River
upstream limit is Hwy. M-28.
3
Elm River
from Road Bridge between (T53N, R36W,
S3 &10) downstream to L. Superior.
4
Graveraet River
from mouth of Deer Creek (T54N, R36W,
S2) downstream to L. Superior.
4
Little Elm River
from Agate Beach Road (T53N, R36W, S6)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Otter River
from conuence of N. and W. Br. Otter
River downstream to Sturgeon River.
3
Pilgrim River
from Hwy US-41 downstream to Portage
L. (T54N, R33W, S5).
3
BTRA
Pilgrim River and tributaries
from the headwaters downstream to
Hwy US- 41.
1
BTRA
Salmon Trout River
from Redridge Dam downstream to L.
Superior.
3
South Branch Elm River
from bridge (T54N, R36W, S29 & S32)
downstream to L. Superior.
Sturgeon River
from US-41 downstream to Prickett
Dam.
2
Sturgeon River
from Prickett Dam downstream to L.
Superior.
SC - Closed to Fishing - April 1 - June 30
from the Prickett Dam downstream to
mouth of Clear Creek (T50N, R35W, S12).
3
Trap Rock River
upstream limit is Cemetery Road (T56N,
R32W, S29).
4
Huron
Streams Type
Bird Creek
3
Pigeon River
3
Pinnebog River
3
55
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Ionia
Streams Type
Fish Creek
from Sidney Rd. (T10N, R6W, S20)
downstream to conuence with Maple
River.
4
Prairie Creek
Year-round- only one (1 ) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
4
Sebewa Creek and Tributaries
4
Iosco
Streams Type
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Foote Dam downstream to L. Huron.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Year-round, from
Foote Dam to the downstream edge of the
apron of the dam.
3
Au Sable River Mainstream
Alcona Dam to S. Br. River.
4
East Branch Au Gres River (Whitney
Drain)
from M-55 downstream to Saginaw Bay
SC - Closed to Fishing - Dec. 1 - Friday
before last Saturday in April between
DNR lamprey weir and Legget Road
(T21N, R6E, S10).
3
Pine River
from F-41 downstream to Lake Huron.
3
Tawas River
3
Van Etten Creek
from Van Etten Lake downstream to
mouth.
3
Iron
Lakes Type
Chicagon Lake
B
Deadman’s Lake
A
Ellen Lake
B
Forest Lake
D
Fortune Pond
A
Golden Lake
B
Killdeer Lake
A
Lake on Three
B
Madelyn Lake
A
Lake Ottawa
B
Skyline Lake
A
Spree Lake
A
Timber Lake
D
Streams Type
Cooks Run
from US Forest Hwy 16 to conuence
with S. Br. Paint River (T44N, R36W, S28).
GR
p. 45
Paint River, South Branch
from the Mouth of Cooks Run (T44N,
R36W, S28) to the Mouth of the N. Br. of the
Paint River (T44N, R35W, S8).
GR
p. 46
Isabella
Streams Type
Chippewa River
from Outlet of Lake Isabella, (T15N,
R6W, S35) Isabella Co. downstream to
conuence with the Tittabawassee River,
(T14N, R2E, S21), Midland Co.
3
Jackson
Lakes Type
Farwell Lake
C
Swains Lake
C
Streams Type
South Branch Rice Creek
from Concord Rd. downstream to
conuence with Kalamazoo River.
4
Kalamazoo
Lakes Type
Gull Lake
E
Little Paw Paw Lake
C
Ruppert Lake
C
Streams Type
Augusta Creek
from Little Gilkey Lake and Fair Lakes
outlets downstream to Knappen Mills
Dam.
4
Portage Creek
downstream limit is Kilgore Rd. (T3S,
R11W, S3).
4
Silver Creek
from M-89 Bridge (T1N, R11W, S26)
downstream to conuence with
Kalamazoo River.
2
56
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Kalkaska
Lakes Type
Bear Lake
B
Big Blue Lake
B
Big Guernsey Lake
C
Big Twin Lake
C
North Blue Lake
B
Starvation Lake
C
Streams Type
Manistee River
from M-72 downstream to Sunset Trail
Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, R6W, S26).
GR
p. 45
Manistee River
from Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N,
R6W, S26) downstream to M-115.
4
Rapid River
from Antrim (Rugg) Pond downstream
to Torch River.
Hook Restriction: from May 1 – July 1,
on Torch River from the Crystal Beach Rd
Bridge downstream to Lake Skegemog
including Rapid River up to Aarwood Rd
Bridge it shall be unlawful to use other
than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring ½-inch or less from
point to shank.
4
Torch River
from Torch Lake downstream to Lake
Skegemog.
Hook Restriction: from May 1 – July 1,
on Torch River from the Crystal Beach Rd
Bridge downstream to Lake Skegemog
including Rapid River up to Aarwood Rd
Bridge it shall be unlawful to use other
than one single-pointed unweighted
hook measuring ½-inch or less from
point to shank.
4
Kent
Streams Type
Ball Creek
downstream limit is conuence with
Rogue River.
4
Buck Creek
downstream limit is conuence with
Grand River.
4
Coldwater River
from Freeport Rd. downstream to
conuence with Thornapple River.
4
Nash Creek
downstream limit is conuence with
Rogue River.
4
Rogue River
downstream limit is conuence with
Grand River.
Year-round-From Rockford Dam at East
Bridge St. downstream to conuence
with Grand River only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
4
Keweenaw
Lakes Type
Lost Lake
D
No Name Pond (T57N, R31W, S8)
A
Streams Type
Big Traverse River
upstream limit is Gay-Lake Linden Road.
3
Eagle River
upstream limit is dam at Eagle River
Village.
4
Fanny Hooe River
upstream limit is Lake Fanny Hooe.
4
Gratiot River
from Bridge (T57N, R32W, S19,20)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Silver Creek
upstream limit is Falls (T58N, R32W, S26).
4
Silver River
upstream limit is Hwy M-26.
4
Tobacco River
upstream limit is mouth of Black Brook
Creek.
4
Lake
Streams Type
Little Manistee River
from North Peacock Trail (Spencer’s
Bridge T19N, R13W, S5) to Johnson’s Road
(Johnson’s Bridge T20N, R14W, S24).
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
- from a point 300 feet upstream of the
DNR weir to Spencer’s Bridge.
GR
p. 45
57
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Little Manistee River
from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge)
downstream to the boundary with
Manistee Lake, which is dened as the
power line crossing downstream of
Stronach Road Bridge (also referred to as
Water Street on some maps).
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 -
from a point 300 ft. upstream of the DNR
weir to Spencer’s Bridge.
Year-round- from Johnson Rd
downstream to 300 feet above the
Little Manistee River Weir - only one (1)
Rainbow Trout 20" or greater allowed in
daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Pere Marquette River
from M-37 to the downstream edge
of the boat ramp/slide at Gleason’s
Landing.
GR
p. 46
Pere Marquette River
from the downstream edge of the boat
ramp/slide at Gleason’s Landing to the
upstream edge of the boat ramp at
Rainbow Rapids.
Year-round- from upstream edge of
the boat ramp/slide at Gleason's Landing
downstream to Reek Rd (Indian Bridge) -
only one (1) Rainbow Trout 20" or greater
allowed in daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
GR
p. 46
Pere Marquette River
from the upstream edge of the boat
ramp at Rainbow Rapids (T18N, R14W,
S27) downstream to Reek Rd. (Indian
Bridge).
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Pine River
from Elm Flats Public Access Site to
conuence with Tippy Dam backwaters.
2
Lapeer
Streams Type
Belle River 4
Leelanau
Lakes Type
Big Glen Lake
E
Lime Lake
C
North Lake Leelanau
E
Streams Type
Crystal River
from Fisher Dam downstream to L.
Michigan.
3
Leland (Carp) River
3
Shalda Creek
from Little Traverse Lake outlet (T29N,
R13W, S10) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Lenawee
Lakes Type
Allens Lake
C
Deep Lake
C
Livingston
Lakes Type
Spring Mill Pond, (Island Lake Recreation Area):
No shing March 15 - March 31. Catch-and-release
shing for trout - articial lures only - April 1 - the
Fri. before the last Sat. in April; from the last Sat. in
April - March 14, 5 sh limit, 8-inch minimum size
limit, no more than 3 sh 15" or larger, articial and
natural baits may be used.
Luce
Lakes Type
Bennett Springs Lake
A
Brockies Pond (T46N, R11W, S1)
A
Bullhead Lake
A
Camp 8 Lake
C
Dairy Lake
A
Deer Lake
D
Holland Lake
A
Jack Lake
A
Little Whorl Lake
A
Moon Lake
D
Pratt Lake
A
Pretty Lake
B
Sid Lake
D
Silver Creek Pond
A
Syphon Lake
A
Tank Lake
B
58
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Trout Lake
A
Ward Lake
A
Wolverine Lake
A
Streams Type
Blind Sucker River
upstream limit is Blind Sucker Flooding
Dam.
4
Two-Hearted River
from Co. Rd. 407 (High Bridge)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Mackinac
Lakes Type
Millecoquins Pond
A
Streams Type
Black River
upstream limit is Peters Truck Trail
Footbridge.
4
Brevoort River
upstream limit is Brevoort Lake.
4
Carp River Mainstream
4
Crow River
upstream limit is outfall of Amadon
Pond.
4
Milakokia River
Inland-Limstone Co. Railroad Bridge
(T41N, R13W, S1) downstream to L.
Michigan.
4
Millecoquins River
from H-40 bridge downstream to L.
Michigan.
4
Pine River
from H-40 Bridge downstream to L.
Huron.
4
Macomb
Streams Type
Clinton River
from Yates Dam above Dequindre Rd.
downstream to Lake St. Clair.
4
North Branch Clinton River
from 32 Mile Rd. downstream to conuence
with Clinton River.
4
Manistee
Lakes Type
Arcadia Lake
from M-22 to L. Michigan.
F
Manistee Lake
from Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N,
R16W, S6) to L. Michigan.
F
Portage Lake
F
Streams Type
Bear Creek
from County Road 600 (T23N, 14W, S6)
downstream to confluence with Manistee
River.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
Betsie River
from Kurick Rd. downstream to M-22.
Year-round- only (1) Rainbow Trout 20" or
greater allowed in daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Bowens Creek
from St. Pierre Road downstream to
M-22.
4
59
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Little Manistee River
from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge)
downstream to the boundary with
Manistee Lake, which is dened as the
power line crossing downstream of
Stronach Road Bridge (also referred
to as Water Street on some maps).
SC - Closed to Fishing - Sep. 1 - Nov. 14
and Jan. 1 - March 31 from a point 300
feet downstream from the DNR weir in
T21N, R16W, S25 down to the boundary
with Manistee Lake, which is dened as
the power line crossing downstream of
Stronach Road Bridge (also referred to as
Water Street on some maps).
SC - Closed to Fishing - Year-round within
300 feet of the DNR weir, T21N, R16W, S25.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - March 31
from a point 300 feet upstream of the DNR
weir to Spencer’s Bridge.
Year-round- from Johnson Rd
downstream to 300 feet above the
Little Manistee River Weir - only one (1)
Rainbow Trout 20" or greater allowed in
daily possession limit.
NOTE: The daily possession limit shall be
1 rainbow trout from 300’ downstream
of Little Manistee River Weir down to the
boundary with Manistee Lake, which
is dened as the power line crossing
downstream of Stronach Road Bridge (also
referred to as Water Street on some maps).
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Manistee River
from Hodenpyl Res. downstream to Red
Bridge.
4
Manistee River
from Tippy Dam downstream to Railroad
Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6).
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow Trout
20" or greater allowed in daily possession
limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
Pine River
from Elm Flats Public Access Site to
conuence with Tippy Dam backwaters.
2
Marquette
Lakes Type
Bass Lake
B
Big Trout Lake
E
Brocky Lake
B
Cedar Lake
B
Cranberry Lake
A
Forestville Basin
B
Island Lake (T45N, R30W, S14)
A
Just Lake
A
Lake Arfelin
E
Little Brocky Lake
B
Little Shag Lake
B
Moccasin Lake
A
Perch Lake
B
Rockingchair Lake, North
D
Rockingchair Lake, South
D
Section 13 Lake
A
Silver Lake Basin
B
Slough Lake
A
South Kidney Lake (T45N, R26W, S28)
D
Sporley Lake
E
Strawberry Lake
D
Swanzy Lake
A
Twin Lake (T45N, R30W, S23)
B
Streams Type
Big Garlic River Mainstream
from Forks (T49N, R27W, S12)
downstream to County Road 550 (T50N,
R26W, S33)
4
Big Garlic River tributaries
from County Road 550 (T50N, R26W,
S33) downstream to L. Superior (T50N,
R26W, S21).
1
BTRA
Big Huron River
from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, S35)
downstream to L. Superior (T52N, R29W,
S18).
4
BTRA
Carp River
from Deer Lake Dam (T48N, R27W, S27)
downstream to Morgan Creek.
2
Carp River
from Morgan Creek downstream to L.
Superior.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
3
Chocolay River
from conuence of Big Creek (T47N,
R24W, S9) downstream to L. Superior.
3
60
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Ford River
from T43N, R27W, S33 (Dickinson Co.)
downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Harlow Creek
from Railroad Bridge (T49N, R26W, S24)
downstream to L. Superior.
4
Iron River
from Lake Independence Dam (T51N,
R27W, S13) downstream to L. Superior
(T51N, R26W, S18).
4
BTRA
Little Huron River
from unnamed bridge crossing located
at the southern border of section 20
(T52N, R29W, S20) downstream to L.
Superior (T52N, R29W, S17).
1
BTRA
Salmon-Trout River
from Lower Falls (T51N, R28W, S13) down
to L. Superior.
No shing - Aug. 15 - the Friday before
the last saturday in April.
1
BTRA
Mason
Lakes Type
Pere Marquette Lake
from Old 31 Highway to L. Michigan.
F
Streams Type
Big Sable River
from Bridge Crossing (T19N, R15W, S3)
downstream to Hamlin Lake.
4
Big Sable River
from Hamlin Lake Dam downstream to
L. Michigan.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
Big South Branch Pere Marquette
River
from conuence of Beaver/
Winnepesaug creeks downstream to
conuence with Pere Marquette River.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Lincoln River
from conuence of N. and S. Br. of
Lincoln River, (T19N, R17W, S32)
downstream to L. Michigan.
3
Little Manistee River
from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge)
downstream to the boundary with
Manistee Lake, which is dened as the
power line crossing downstream of
Stronach Road Bridge (also referred
to as Water Street on some maps).
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - March
31 from a point 300 feet upstream of the
DNR weir to Spencer’s Bridge.
Year-round- from Johnson Rd.
downstream to 300 feet above the
Little Manistee River Weir - only one (1)
Rainbow Trout 20" or greater allowed in
daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Pentwater River and all tributaries
Special Articial Lure Regulations: apply
Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
Pere Marquette River
from the upstream edge of the boat
ramp at Rainbow Rapids (T18N, R14W,
S27) downstream to Reek Rd. (Indian
Bridge).
Year-round- from upstream edge of the
boat ramp/slide at Gleason's Landing
downstream to Reek Rd (Indian Bridge) -
only one (1) Rainbow Trout 20" or greater
allowed in daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Pere Marquette River
from Reek Rd. (Indian Bridge)
downstream to Old US-31.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
Mecosta
Streams Type
Little Muskegon River
4
Muskegon River
from US-10 downstream to River Bend
Blus Public Access Site (T15N, R9W, S31).
4
Tamarack Creek
4
Menominee
Streams Type
Big Cedar River
from Veterans Memorial Park Dam (T38N,
R26W, S9) downstream to L. Michigan.
4
61
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Prairie Creek
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
4
Tamarack Creek
4
Montmorency
Lakes Type
Avalon Lake
B
Clear Lake
B
McCormick Lake
B
Streams Type
Black River
from Tin Shanty Bridge Rd. downstream
to the Town Corner Lake Stairs (T32N,
R1E, S31).
GR
p. 45
Hunt Creek
(T29N, R3E) East Fish, West Fish and Middle Fish
lakes, and 2.4 miles of Hunt Creek from
the Section Z bulkhead south to the
Montmorency- Oscoda Co. line, and all of Fuller
Creek, all in Sections25-27 and 34-36 is closed to
shing.
Thunder Bay R.
from Atlanta dam to Sucker Cr.
conuence upstream of Hillman Pond.
4
Muskegon
Lakes Type
Duck Lake
from Nestrom Rd. to L. Michigan.
F
Mona Lake
from US-31 to L. Michigan.
F
Muskegon Lake
from M-120 to L. Michigan.
F
White Lake
from Business Route US-31 (in Whitehall)
to L. Michigan.
F
Streams Type
Cedar Creek
from River Rd. (T11N, R15W, S33)
downstream to conuence with
Muskegon River.
3
Crockery Creek Mainstream
from Moore Rd. (T10N, R13W, S4)
in Muskegon Co. downstream to
conuence with Grand River (Ottawa
Co.).
4
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
Ford River
from T43N, R27W, S35 (Dickinson Co.)
downstream to L. Michigan.
4
Walton Creek (River)
from Westmann Dam (T35N, R25W, S18)
down to L. Michigan.
4
Midland
Streams Type
Chippewa River
from outlet of Lake Isabella, (T15N,
R6W, S35) Isabella Co. downstream to
conuence with the Tittabawassee River,
(T14N, R2E, S21), Midland Co.
3
Tittabawassee River
from Sanford Dam site downstream to
conuence with the Saginaw River.
SC - Closed to Fishing - March 16 - Fri.
before last Sat. in April between Sanford
Dam and the mouth of the Salt River (T15N,
R1W, S24).
SC - Closed to Fishing - March 16 - Fri.
before last Sat. in April between the Dow
Dam and Gordonville Bridge (T13N, R2E, S1).
3
Missaukee
Streams Type
Manistee River
from Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N,
RW, S26) downstream to M-115.
4
Monroe
Streams Type
Huron River
from Belleville Lake Dam in Wayne Co.
downstream to L. Erie
4
Montcalm
Lakes Type
Marl Lake
C
Nevins Lake
C
Streams Type
Fish Creek
from Sidney Rd. (T10N, R6W, S20)
downstream to conuence with Maple
River.
4
Little Muskegon River
4
62
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Muskegon River
from Croton Dam downstream to M-120.
Year-round - only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
North Branch Crockery Creek
mainstream from Kenowa Ave. (T10N,
R13W, S36) downstream to conuence
with Crockery Creek mainstream at
Ravenna.
4
White River
from Hesperia Dam downstream to
White Lake (Business Route US-31 in
Whitehall)
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Newaygo
Lakes Type
Condon Lake
C
Streams Type
Big South Branch Pere Marquette
River
from conuence of Beaver/
Winnepesaug creeks downstream to
conuence with Pere Marquette River.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Little Muskegon River
4
Muskegon River
from Croton Dam downstream to M-120.
Year-round - only one (1)
Rainbow Trout 20' or greater allowed in
daily possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
3
Rogue River
downstream limit is conuence with
Grand River.
4
Tamarack Creek
4
Oakland
Lakes Type
Maceday Lake
C
Streams Type
Huron River
from 50 yards below Proud Lake Dam
(T2N, R8E, S18) to 100 yards below
Wixom Rd. (T2N, R7E, S13).
GR
p. 45
Paint Creek
from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd.
GR
p. 46
Oceana
Lakes Type
Pentwater Lake
from Long Bridge Rd (B15) to L.
Michigan.
F
Silver Lake
downstream limit is L. Michigan.
F
Stony Lake
from inlet of Stony Creek to L. Michigan.
F
Streams Type
Big South Branch Pere Marquette
River
from conuence of Beaver/
Winnepesaug creeks downstream to
conuence with Pere Marquette River.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
North Branch Pentwater River
from Oceana Dr. downstream to
conuence with mainstream of
Pentwater River.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
North Branch White River
from Arthur Rd. downstream to
conuence with White River.
Year-round- only one (1) Rainbow
Trout 20" or greater allowed in daily
possession limit.
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Pentwater River
from Hart Dam downstream to
conuence with Pentwater Lake (Long
Bridge Rd. or B15).
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
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2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
White River
from Hesperia Dam downstream to
White Lake (Business Route US-31 in
Whitehall)
Special Articial Lure Regulations:
apply Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, see p. 8.
4
Ogemaw
Lakes Type
Lake George
B
Streams Type
Rie River
from Sage Lake Road (T23N, R3E, S22)
downstream to Saginaw Bay.
3
Ontonagon
Courtney Lake
B
Mirror Lake
C
Trout Creek Pond
B
Streams Type
Big Iron River
from Koshak Rd. Bridge
(T49N, R43W, S2) downstream to L.
Superior.
3
East Branch Ontonagon River
upstream limit is Hwy. M-28.
3
East Sleeping River
from railroad trestle (T53N, R38W, S25)
downstream to L. Superior.
3
Firesteel River
(including East & West Branch) upstream
limit is Hwy. M-26.
3
Little Iron River
upstream limit is Nonesuch Falls (T50N,
R43N, S1).
3
Middle Branch Ontonagon River
downstream limit is Agate Falls.
2
Middle Branch Ontonagon River
Agate Falls is upstream limit.
3
Misery River
upstream limit is bridge in T53N, R37W,
S15.
3
Ontonagon River
3
Union River
from South Boundary Rd. (T51N, R42W,
S22) downstream to L. Superior.
4
West Branch Big Iron River
from Burnt Dam Bridge (T50N, R44W,
S36) downstream to conuence with Big
Iron River.
3
West Branch Ontonagon River
upstream limit is conuence with
Victoria Hydro Station tail race (T50N,
R39W, S29).
SC - Closed to Fishing - April 1 - June
10 from its conuence with the Victoria
Hydro Station tail race in the SE1/4 of the
SW1/4 of T50N, R39W, S29 upstream to
Victoria Dam.
3
Osceola
Lakes Type
Center Lake
C
Streams Type
Muskegon River
from US-10 downstream to River Bend
Blus Public Access Site (T15N, R9W, S31).
4
Oscoda
Lakes Type
Crater Lake
A
Loon Lake
B
Streams Type
Au Sable River Mainstream
from McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters
Bridge) downstream to Rainbow Bend
power line (T26N, R2E, S3).
4
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
64
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Mio Dam down to the Mio power
line at (T26N, R3E, S7).
4
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Mio power line (T26N, R3E, S7)
downstream to Evans Rd. (McKinley
Bridge).
GR
p. 44
Au Sable River Mainstream
from Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge)
downstream to 4001 Bridge.
2
Otsego
Lakes Type
Big Chub Lake
B
Bridge Lake
B
Ford Lake
D
Heart Lake
B
Lost Lake
D
North Twin Lake
D
Pickerel Lake
B
Section Four Lake
D
South Twin Lake
D
West Lost Lake
D
Streams Type
Black River
from Tin Shanty Bridge Rd. downstream
to the Town Corner Lake Stairs (T32N,
R1E, S31).
GR
p. 45
Manistee River
from headwaters downstream to Co.
Rd. 612.
2
Pigeon River
from Old Vanderbilt Rd. downstream to
Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail (T32N,
R1W, S10).
2
Pigeon River
from Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail to
Pine Grove Campground stairs.
GR
p. 46
Ottawa
Lakes Type
Lake Macatawa
from River Ave. to L. Michigan.
F
Pigeon Lake
from Lakeshore Drive to L. Michigan.
F
Streams Type
Crockery Creek Mainstream
from Moore Rd. (T10N, R13W, S4)
in Muskegon Co. downstream to
conuence with Grand River (Ottawa
Co.).
4
North Branch Crockery Creek
Mainstream
from Kenowa Ave. (T10N, R13W, S36)
downstream to conuence with
Crockery Creek mainstem at Ravenna.
4
Sand Creek
4
Presque Isle
Lakes Type
Bear Den Lake (T33N, R2E, S32)
B
Streams Type
Ocqueoc River
from Barnhart L. down to L. Huron.
4
Swan River
from US-23 Bridge downstream to L.
Huron.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Whenever weir
is in place - from 300 feet above weir to
mouth (T35N, R6E, S20 & S29).
3
Trout River
from dam (T35N, R5E, S17) downstream
to L. Huron.
3
Roscommon
Lakes Type
Higgins Lake
E
Saginaw
Streams Type
Saginaw River
3
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
65
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Tittabawassee River
from Sanford Dam site downstream to
conuence with the Saginaw River.
3
Schoolcraft
Lakes Type
Banana Lake
B
Bear (Nineteen) Lake
B
Kings Pond
A
Lost Lake
A
Ned’s Lake
D
Spring Pond
A
Twilight Lake
D
Streams Type
Fox River
from Fox River State Forest Campground
(T46N, R14W, S11) to M-28.
GR
p. 45
Manistique River
from Papermill Dam downstream to L.
Michigan.
4
Milakokia River
Inland-Limstone Co. Railroad Bridge
(T41N, R13W, S1) downstream to L.
Michigan.
4
St. Clair
Streams Type
Belle River
4
Black River
from private dam in Port Huron State
Game Area downstream to conuence
with St. Clair R.
3
Mill Creek
downstream limit is conuence with
Black R.
4
St. Joseph
Streams Type
Curtis Creek and Tributaries
2
Mill Creek and Tributaries
from Preston Road (T7S, R12W, S7)
downstream to impoundment at T7S,
R12W, S32.
4
Prairie River Mainstream
from Bowers Road (T8S, R7W, S4)
downstream to McKale Road (T7S, R9W,
S8).
4
Unnamed Tributary (T6S, R10W, S26).
4
Van Buren
Lakes Type
Shafer Lake
C
Streams Type
Black River Mainstream
from conuence of N. and S. Br. down to
L. Michigan.
3
Brush Creek (Except Reynolds Lake
Drain)
from 63rd Ave. downstream to
conuence with Paw Paw River.
4
Dowagiac River
(including Dowagiac Drain)
from source downstream to conuence
with St. Joseph River.
4
Pine Creek
downstream limit is 101st Ave. (T1N,
R12W,S32).
4
South Branch of the Black River
from Hamilton Street Bridge (T2S, R16W,
S1) downstream to conuence with
mainstream (T1S, R17W, S2). Type 1 from
Hamilton St.Bridge up to Bangor City
Dam.
Hook Restriction: South Branch Black
River and all Tributaries upstream of
Breedsville (Mill Str.) - it shall be unlawful
to use other than one single-pointed
unweighted hook measuring 1/2" or less
from point to shank.
3
South Branch Paw Paw River (aka
Gates Drain or West Branch) and
tributaries
downstream to the railroad bridge
downstream of I-94 (T3S, R14W, S14).
4
Wayne
Streams Type
Huron River
from Belleville Lake Dam in Wayne Co.
downstream to L. Erie.
4
Wexford
Streams Type
Manistee River
from Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N,
R6W,S26) downstream to M-115.
4
Pine River
from Elm Flats Public Access Site to
conuence with Tippy Dam backwaters.
2
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
66
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
INLAND TROUT & SALMON REGULATIONS
The Recreation Passport gives year-round vehicle access
to Michigan state parks and recreation areas, state-
managed boating access sites, state forest campgrounds,
and parking at thousands of miles of trails and other
outdoor spaces.
Other sources of shing and sheries information
Great Lakes Fishery
Commission:
GLFC.org
Great Lakes Fishery Trust:
GLFT.org
Fly Fishers International:
yshersinternational.org
Michigan Charter Boat
Association:
michigancharterboats.com
Michigan Council of
Trout Unlimited:
MichiganTU.org
Michigan Steelhead
and Salmon Fishermen’s
Association:
MichiganSteelheaders.org
Michigan Sea Grant:
MichiganSeaGrant.org
Michigan United
Conservation Clubs:
MUCC.org
Recreational Boat and
Fishing Foundation:
TakeMeFishing.org
Chippewa Ottawa
Resource Authority:
1836CORA.org
Great Lakes Indian Fish
& Wildlife Commission:
GLIFWC.org
Michigan Department of Health
& Human Services' Eat Safe Fish
Information:
Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish
Learn the skills, tricks and tips needed
to try something new outdoors from
the pros with the DNR Outdoor Skills
Academy.
Classes around the state oer expert
instruction, gear and hands-on learning
for a range of activities, from hunting
and shing to backpacking, birding and
much more.
Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills
Michigan's Recreation Passport
Learn more about the Recreation Passport – how to get it, where it
can take you, what it supports at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
67
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws to view the digital
version of this booklet for the most up to date
rules and regulations.
• Download and use the guide on the go
◊ Keep shing regulations with you as you go on
the water. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws to view
videos explaining how to conveniently access
the shing guide on your smartphone or mobile
device, and take them with you wherever you go.
68
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals
Michigan’s waters are threatened by aquatic invasive plants and animals which negatively aect recreational shing
and harm the economic and natural resources of the state. Species such as the zebra mussel, round goby, sea lamprey,
Eurasian rue, European frog-bit, Eurasian watermilfoil, and rusty craysh are causing signicant damage to our waters,
and others are knocking at the door. The DNR works alongside the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and
Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to prevent, detect, and control
invasive species when possible.
You can help reduce the spread of invasive species by properly disposing of bait in the trash, cleaning gear before
leaving a waterbody, and reporting any potential invasive species at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
The following illustrations show a few of the most serious aquatic invasive species threatening Michigan:
Floating leaves: round or
heart-shaped, the size of a
silver dollar coin
European Frog-Bit
Red Swamp Craysh
2-7" in length
raised
bright red
spots cover
body and
claws
New Zealand Mudsnail
Average length: 1/8" / Brown with 5 whorls / Typically
found in coldwater streams
Images courtesy of MN Sea Grant & USGS
eyes sit
even with
the mouth
have large scales which
appear crosshatched
Grass Carp
Illustration by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©
Can be greater than 5 feet
long anal n
tan with dark
brown mottling
sharp teeth
Snakehead
Illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri ©
split dorsal n
Burbot
barbel
pelvic ns close
to gills and
pectoral ns
long anal n
Males have black spot at base of tail
Bown
pelvic ns set back from
gills and pectoral ns
short anal n
DON'T BE FOOLED by these native lookalikes
Hourglass
shape
touches in
the middle
Dark triangle on tail
69
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
Invasive Carp Identication
Adult bighead and silver carp are large sh that can be easily identied by the position of their eyes.
Both species have eyes that are below a line from the fork of the tail to the mouth. Juvenile invasive carp
can be easily confused with minnows and you may nd one in your bait bucket. Anglers are reminded
to dispose of any unused bait in the trash!
If you believe you have seen or caught an invasive carp, DO NOT RELEASE IT. Please TAKE A PHOTO
and visit Michigan.gov/Invasives to ll out an online invasive carp reporting form, or call the DNR at
517-284 -5830.
Adult Invasive Carp illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri © Juvenile Invasive Carp illustrations by Emily Damstra ©
Juvenile Silver Carp
A noticeable keel (ridge on the underbelly) with no scales that
extends from the gills to the anal n
Eyes are positioned below the line extending from tail to snout
A noticeable keel (ridge on the underbelly) with no
scales that extends from the pelvic n to the anal n
Eyes are positioned below the line extending from
the tail to snout
Juvenile Bighead Carp
Up to 5 feet
Adult Bighead Carp
Eyes sit below
the mouth
Up to 3 feet
Adult Silver Carp
Eyes sit below
the mouth
Help Stop the Spread!
It's the Law!
DO NOT launch or transport a watercraft or trailer unless it is free of aquatic organisms,
including plants.
DO NOT transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining water from bilges,
ballast tanks and live wells.
DO NOT release unused bait into the water.
DO NOT move sh or sh parts from one body of water to another.
Recommended steps to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and sh disease:
• CLEAN your boat, trailer, waders
and equipment.
• DRAIN live wells, bilges and all water by
pulling drain plugs.
• DRY boats and equipment for ve days
before moving to a new waterbody.
• DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.
• PURCHASE live bait from a retailer or collect
it from the same waterbody where you will
be shing.
The DNR wants to emphasize the importance of reporting anything unusual you see, including
unidentied sh. Anglers should make a note of the day, time and location of the discovery and
take a picture, if possible. Submit these reports by visiting Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Keel
Keel
70
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
GENERAL BULLETINS
Fishing Tournament
Information
The following shall be registered online using the
DNR's Michigan Fishing Tournament Information
System:
1. All bass shing tournaments
2. All walleye shing tournaments
3. All competitive shing events targeting
muskellunge
Tournaments and muskellunge competitive
shing events must register online at: www.mcgi.
state.mi.us/shingtournaments. Tournament
directors shall verify all tournament participants
and provide a unique registration receipt to all
participating anglers. Tournament directors shall
report tournament results to the DNR by December
31, annually.
A shing tournament is considered one that meets
all of the following criteria: (a) the determination of a
winner is based on the cumulative weight or length
of the targeted sh species caught by an angler or
team of anglers; (b) occurs during a dened period,
which can be on one or multiple days but does not
exceed ve days; (c) is anchored to a single boating
access site or designated nearby location where
sh caught by participating anglers or teams are to
be weighed-in, entered or the group is otherwise
operating their event from; and (d) is limited to a
single waterbody or connected waterbodies [ex:
Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Lake Erie] that are
accessed by a common access site.
A shing tournament is not where "winning" or
prize distribution is determined solely on one or
more of the following criteria: (a) who caught the
largest sh or some combination of big sh awards;
(b) who caught the smallest sh; (c) who caught
the rst sh; (d) who caught the most sh species;
and/or (e) any other format that does not involve
an angler or team of anglers entering a cumulative
weight or length of the target species.
A competitive shing event is considered to be
any other organized competition among anglers
involving prize distribution or the declaration of a
winner that is not dened as a shing tournament.
For more information, consult Fisheries Order 250
at Michigan.gov/FishingTournaments.
The Fishing Tournament Information System can be
used by the public to determine where and when
shing tournaments are scheduled.
Boat Registration
For information about boat registration, please
see “The Handbook of Michigan Boating
Laws & Responsibilities” available online at
Michigan.gov/Boating. Boat registrations are
handled through the Secretary of State.
Lead Alternatives
The DNR would like to remind anglers that lead
can cause mortality when ingested by mammals
and birds. There are nontoxic alternatives to lead
such as tin, bismuth, steel and tungsten-nickel
alloy for use in jigs, sinkers and other gear. These
materials can be found at established sporting
goods retailers and online.
Ice Shanties
A person placing a shanty on the ice for shing shall
permanently ax their name and address OR drivers
license number OR DNR sportcard number on ALL
SIDES of the shanty in legible alphanumeric letters
that are at least 2" in height. The letters shall be
readily visible and consist of material not soluble
in water. The information identifying the owner
must be on the shanty and may not be placed on a
board or other material that is then attached to the
shanty. Tents or other temporary shelters must be
removed from the ice at the conclusion of each day's
shing activity and do not require identication.
Persons placing a shanty on the waters of the
Upper Peninsula shall remove the shanty
by midnight of March 31 each year. Persons
placing a shanty on Michigan-Wisconsin
boundary waters shall remove the shanty by
midnight of March 15 each year (see pp. 24-25).
Persons placing a shanty on waters in the counties
of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie,
Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford,
Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella,
Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason,
Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency,
Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda,
Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon or Wexford
shall remove the shanty by midnight of March 15
each year. Persons placing a shanty upon the waters
of the remaining portion of the Lower Peninsula
shall remove the shanty by midnight on March 1 each
year. Shanties placed on L. St. Clair shall be removed
before sunset on the rst Sunday after Feb. 20 each
year. In all areas, a shanty must be removed if ice
conditions become unsafe, regardless of the date.
After the above dates, a shanty must be removed
at the end of each day’s shing activity.
71
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
71
Parasites and Diseases of Fish
Occasionally anglers catch sh with black, pinhead-
size spots which cause the sh to have a peppered
appearance, or a sh may be caught which has
white-to-yellow-colored grubs under the skin or
in the esh. Yellow perch taken from the shallower
waters of the Great Lakes often contain red worms
coiled within the body cavity. These conditions
are caused by common sh parasites. Fish with
these parasites are safe to eat because the parasites
are killed by cooking. Black spot and yellow grub
parasites are most common in bass, sunsh (all
species) and northern pike. These parasites may
be found in other species of sh as well. Red worm
is specic to yellow perch.
It is not unusual for anglers to catch walleye with
pink, whitish or yellowish wart-like growths on
their bodies and ns. These markings are caused
by sh viruses, the most common of which is called
lymphocystis. This is primarily a skin disease, and
the esh is usually not aected. Lymphocystis is
harmless to humans and aected sh are safe to
eat. Skinning the sh usually removes all diseased
tissue. If a legal-size sh is heavily aected and
appears aesthetically unpleasing, it should be kept
for disposal because a sh that is released will only
spread more virus. Please note, if you keep a sh for
disposal it is still part of your daily possession limit.
Northern pike from some waters occasionally are
caught with various size and colors of external
tumors which may be whitish, creamy, pink or
red. In advanced stages, the tumors are ugly open
sores tinged with red and often are referred to as
red sore. These tumors are caused by a naturally
occurring virus which is specic to northern pike
and muskellunge. The disease is not known to be
infectious to other animals or humans; however,
aected sh are not aesthetically pleasing and
should not be eaten. Aected sh (of legal size)
should be kept for disposal because a sh that is
released may spread the infection to other sh.
Please note, if you keep a sh for disposal it is
still part of your daily possession limit. Anglers
are encouraged to report unusual looking sh
or sh with lesions or pathogens using the sick
or dead aquatic species form at Michigan.gov/
EyesinTheField.
Seasonal Fish Mortalities
Throughout the year, it is not uncommon to witness
dead or dying sh in ponds and lakes across the
state. Many incidents stem from natural causes
such as winter kill, brought about by a depletion of
oxygen supplies coincident with heavy snow and ice
cover; stress (brought about by low oxygen levels);
periods of unusually rapid temperature increase
or natural stresses associated with spawning.
The deaths may be viewed as nature’s way of
reducing the sh population and selecting those
sh which are most t for survival. If you suspect
a sh kill is caused by non-natural causes, please
ll out the sick or dead aquatic species form at
Michigan.gov/EyesinTheField.
Find future Free Fishing
Weekend dates at
Michigan.gov/FreeFishing
Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information on Free Fishing Weekends!
Two weekends a year, families and friends can enjoy one of
Michigan's premier outdoor activities - fishing - for FREE!
A fishing license is not required on these days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on
both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. On these
weekends the Recreation Passport fee at all Michigan state parks and recreation areas is waived as well!
72
2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations
GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you for purchasing a Michigan Fishing License
Each year an estimated two million Michigan residents and nonresidents sh Michigan waters.
Recreational shing is the largest and highest-valued use of the state’s shery resources. The economic
impact of sport shing is in excess of $4 billion annually and provides more than 38,000 jobs. The
mission of the DNR Fisheries Division is to protect and enhance Michigan’s aquatic life and habitats for
the benet of current and future generations. Revenue from shing and hunting license sales supports
DNR activities to enhance Michigan’s natural resources. The license sales also increase federal revenue
to the State of Michigan for the management of these resources. Please help to support Michigan’s
abundant natural resources by purchasing a shing and hunting license each year. Learn more at
Michigan.gov/ItsYourNature or Michigan.gov/DNR/About/Funding.
Fisheries Division Appropriation Budget:
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 ($34,520,800)
Funding Sources
Game and Fish Protection Fund:
$20,697,900 (60%)
The funds are mainly derived from shing
and hunting license revenues and all monies
are earmarked for shing- and hunting-related
operations.
Federal Funds: $11,849,600 (34%)
Our primary federal funding source is the Sport Fish Restoration fund program, which comes from
a federal excise tax on shing equipment and a portion of the federal fuel tax revenue attributed to
motorboats. Michigan received $12.9 million in scal year 2023 (eighth highest in the nation) based
on a distribution formula of land/water area and number of state shing license holders. Of this
amount, $10.9 million was used for Fisheries Division programs. The remaining $1.9 million was used
by Parks and Recreation Division for projects in support of boating access.
Other Funds: $1,973,300 (6%)
State general fund/general purpose, litigation settlement and private funds.
Appropriations by Program (Total: $34,520,800)
Fisheries Resources Management: $23,149,300 (67%)
Expenditures are for the protection and maintenance of healthy Great Lakes and inland waters and
sh communities.
Fish Production Program: $10,736,100 (31%)
Expenditures are for the hatching, rearing and transportation of sh required for management of both
the Great Lakes and inland sheries.
Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program: $635,400 (2%)
Expenditures are for the mitigation of damages related to the settlement of permit violations in Michigan
waters. Funds are used for sh habitat rehabilitation, for the protection of intact habitat as compensation
for damages, and to improve shing access.
Federal Funds
11,849,600 (34%)
Game & Fish
Protection Fund
20,697,900 (60%)
Other Funds
1,973,300 (6%)
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTERS
73
2024 Michigan Fishing Guide
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Funds
1,973,300 (6%)
DNR Customer Service Centers
Fisheries Division’s organizational structure is based on Great Lakes Basins using watersheds as the
fundamental ecological management unit. Check Michigan.gov/Fishing for possible changes.
Baraga
427 US-41 North
Baraga, MI 49908
906-353-6651
Marquette
1990 US-41 South
Marquette, MI 49855
906-228-6561
Newberry
5100 M-123
Newberry, MI 49868
906-293-5131
Gaylord
1732 W M-32
Gaylord, MI 49735
989-732-3541
Roscommon
8717 N. Roscommon Rd.
Roscommon, MI 48653
989-275-5151
Cadillac
8015 Mackinaw Trail
Cadillac, MI 49601
231-775-9727
Bay City
3580 State Park Dr.
Bay City, MI 48706
989-684-9141
Plainwell
621 N. 10th St.
Plainwell, MI 49080
269-685-6851
Detroit
1801 Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207
313-396-6890
Northern Lake Huron
Management Unit
Southern
Lake Huron
Management Unit
Lake Erie
Management Unit
Western
Lake Superior
Management
Unit
Northern Lake Michigan
Management Unit
Central Lake Michigan
Management Unit
Southern Lake Michigan
Management Unit
Eastern Lake
Superior
Management
Unit
Escanaba
6833 Hwy 2, 41 & M-35
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-786-2351
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTERS
Traverse City
2122 South M-37
Traverse City, MI 49685
231-922-5280
Lansing
4166 Legacy Pkwy
Lansing, MI 48911
517-284-4720
Sault Ste. Marie
4131 S. M-129 Hwy.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
906-635-6161
RAP (Report All Poaching -- Call or Text): 800-292-7800
Discover, explore and enjoy Michigan's world-class sheries.
Visit us online for all your angling needs:
where to go, when to go, and how to go!
Michigan.gov/Fishing
Michigan DNR Hunt Fish, an ofcial app of the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources, gives you a mobile path to buy and store
licenses, report harvests, access regulations, and get the latest
hunting and shing updates.
It’s never been easier to get DNR licenses and information –
download the free app and get started today!
Available on Google Play or the App Store.
The newest addition to
your tackle box
