Michigan DNR Fishing Guide

2016 -2017
M I C H I G A N
FISHING GUIDE
— Rules apply from April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2018 —
ATTENTION
ANGLERS!
Please note this is a two-year guide.
The regulations in this guide cover 2016 and 2017.
This guide is available online at michigan.gov/fishingguide

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M I C H I G A N
FISHING GUIDE
The Michigan Department of Natural – CONTENTS –
Resources is committed to the Amphibians and Reptiles................................................. 22
conservation, protection, management, use
Angler Harassment Information...................................33
and enjoyment of the state’s natural and
cultural resources for current and future Angler Rights On Public Streams..................................33
generations. Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals................... 60-61
Boat Registration Information........................................62
•••
Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations..................... 16-17
The Michigan Natural Resources Common Terms...................................................................8-9
Commission (NRC) is a seven-member public Customer Service Centers................................................59
body whose members are appointed by Description of Inland Waters......................................... 7-7
the governor and subject to the advice and
Eat Safe Fish.............................................................................32
consent of the Senate. The commission
conducts monthly, public meetings in Exceptions to General Regulations
locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are by County..........................................................................28-32
encouraged to become actively involved in Fishing Seasons Chart..........................................................4
these public forums. For more information Fishing Tournament Information.................................62
visit michigan.gov/nrc. General Hook & Line Regulations............... 12-14
General Netting Regulations......................................... 23
Great Lakes Commercial Fishing Nets........................19
Have a photo that would look great on the Great Lakes Trout and Salmon................................18-21
cover of the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide? Ice Shanties..............................................................................62
We’re looking for photos that focus on Inland Trout and
places to fish, not so much people or fish Salmon Regulations..................................... 38-58
species themselves. If you’ve got one, email it County Listing of Lakes and Streams............ 44-58
to [email protected]. Gear Restricted Streams......................................40-43
Inland Trout and Salmon Lake
Regulations....................................................................... 38
Inland Trout and Salmon Stream
Report All Poaching Call Regulations........................................................................39
Know Your Fish...............................................................36-37
800-292-7800 Lake Sturgeon Regulations..............................................15
Lawful Fishing Methods....................................................10
License Information
and Requirements.......................................... 3 & 6
New regulations appear in red Major Regulation Changes..................................2
throughout the guide. Marked and Tagged Fish...................................................37
Cover image: Photo of fishing from Grand Haven's north pier, courtesy of Eric Zattlin.
Master Angler Information.......................................34-35

A complete listing of regulations and legal Michigan-Indiana Bordering Lakes..............................26
descriptions are available on our website: Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters...............24-25
michigan.gov/dnr Native American Fishing.....................................................7
Parasites and Diseases of Fish.........................................62
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for Personal Flotation Devices...............................................33
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, Railroad Rights-Of-Way.....................................................33
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 Seasonal Fish Mortalities...................................................63
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,
Special Northern Pike and
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528 or Muskellunge Regulations.......................................... 14-15
the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, Suite 3-600, 3054 W. Grand Blvd., Sylvania Wilderness Area..................................................26
Detroit, MI 48202 or the Division of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401
North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203. Unlawful Activities...............................................................11
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus
Statewide Regulations.......................................................27
2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 1

REPORT ALL POACHING: 800-292-7800
M A J O R R E G U L AT I O N C H A N G E S
Major Regulation Changes -

New regulations appear in red Michigan's Fight Against
text throughout the guide. Aquatic Invasive Species
The state is doing many things to prevent
NOTE: Always check online for the most the introduction and spread of aquatic
recent information: michigan.gov/fishing or invasive species in Michigan’s waters to
call 888-367-7060 for a pre-recorded message. keep our rivers, lakes and streams world-
class. Three specific efforts include grants,
Statewide increasing awareness and reporting.
• Chumming is prohibited in all types 1, 2, 3
1. Invasive Species Grant Program - $3.6
and 4 streams (p. 8 and p. 39).
million has been dedicated to fund
• Minnows collected for personal use are projects that prevent, monitor and
restricted to the waterbody where caught (p. 27). respond and eradicate new and current
invasive species.
• Bass, northern pike, walleye and flathead
catfish limits are no longer combined (p. 12) 2. Attention anglers! You are our first line
of defense in the fight against aquatic
• New bass tournament registration
invasive species! We need your help,
requirement (p. 62)
go online to www.michigan.gov/
Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters invasivespecies to learn about what you
can do.
• Menominee R. lake sturgeon protection zone
expanded (p. 25) 3. If you see something strange – report it!
Take a photo of the species in question
Lake Michigan and contact the DNR through
• Lake trout and splake now covered by same www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies.
regulations (p. 21)
Learn more about aquatic invasive species
• Little Bay de Noc 1 walleye over 23" boundary
on pages 60-61.
change (p. 13)
Saginaw Bay (MH-4) and Saginaw R. up
to Center Street Bridge Ontonagon R. Walleye
• Walleye possession limit is 8 with 13" • Only 1 walleye >25" allowed in daily limit
minimum size limit (p. 13) (p. 14)
• Yellow perch possession limit is 25 (p. 14) Special Hook Size Regulations
Lake Gogebic Walleye • New artificial lure restrictions placed on
Betsie R., Bear Cr., Manistee R., and Big Sable
• 2 of 5 walleye from 13" - 15" allowed in daily
R. (See Common Terms p. 8).
limit (p. 14)
NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal notice or a complete collection of fishing regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide
issued for anglers’ convenience. Copies of Michigan's regulations can be obtained from our website, michigan.gov/dnr.
About this Guide

This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you by The revenue generated through ad sales significantly
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through lowers production costs and generates savings. These
its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. savings translate into additional funds for other important
J.F. Griffin is an award-winning publishing house that fisheries and habitat programs.
specializes in producing state fish & wildlife regulation If you have any feedback or are interested in advertis-
books. J.F. Griffin supports MDNR’s staff in the design, ing, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online at
layout and editing of the guides. It also manages the www.JFGriffin.com
marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate busi-
nesses within the book.
Designers: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay,

430 Main St. Suite 5
Evelyn Haddad and
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chris Sobolowski
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.
2 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

L I C E N S E I T E M S & F E E S
As of March 1, 2014, the price and structure of fishing licenses have changed. The current structure
creates a simpler, more fair and efficient license buying process. All fishing licenses are “all species”
licenses. There is no longer a restricted license type. A $1 surcharge is added to the combination
hunt and fish licenses, resident annual, nonresident annual, and resident senior annual all-
species fishing licenses, as noted with the asterisk (*). Revenue generated from these funds will
be used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing 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 fishing license (and more) online at michigan.gov/dnr
Item # Item Type Cost
DNR Sportcard $1.00
All-species Fishing Licenses
200 Resident Annual $26.00*
201 Nonresident Annual $76.00*
202 Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally blind – see p. 6) $11.00*
203 24-hour (Resident or Nonresident) $10.00
204 72-hour (Resident or Nonresident) $30.00
Permit or Tag (Unavailable online or with web app)
205 Muskellunge Harvest Tag (License Required, see p. 9) FREE
206 Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag (License Required, see p. 8) FREE
Combo Hunt/Fish Licenses (Base, Annual Fishing, 2 Deer)
115 Hunt/Fish Resident $76.00*
116 Hunt/Fish Nonresident $266.00*
Lost Licenses
Lost your license? Visit michigan.gov/fishing for instructions on how to replace.
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 fishing license? Where can you purchase a Michigan fishing license?
You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or • DNR License Agents (www.michigan.gov/dnr/
older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, 0,1607,7-153-10363_14518-34869--,00.html)
but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. • DNR Customer Service Centers (see p. 59)
Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians,
crustaceans and reptiles. • Online (www.mdnr-elicense.com)
Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a
Where does the fishing license revenue go? license must have a fishing license.
For information concerning where fishing license funds are used
please see p. 64.
June 11 & 12, 2016

Feb 18 & 19, 2017
June 10 & 11, 2017
Feb 17 & 18, 2018
Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of
Michigan's premiere outdoor activities-Michigan Fishing-for FREE!
All fishing license fees will be waived for two 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.
Find Free Fishing Weekend events near you at michigan.gov/freeﬁshing

4
2016-2017 Fishing Season
This table provides general hook-and-line fishing seasons/dates for the species listed. There are many other fishing regulations associated with these species and seasons.
Please refer to the rest of the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide for regulations concerning size limits, possession limits, and other restrictions.
Species Season Dates More Info.
Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar.
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters Open for Entire Year (2016 & 2017) Page 13
F I S H I N G
Catch-and-keep on all waters, including Great Lakes May 28 - December 31 (2016) & May 27 - December 31 (2017) Pages 12-13
Catch-and-keep on Lake St. Clair June 18 - December 31 (2016)
Page 12
& St. Clair & Detroit Rivers & June 17 - December 31 (2017)
Muskellunge
Lower Peninsula Great Lakes Open for Entire Year (2016 & 2017) Pages 12, 14
Lower Peninsula inland waters April 30 - March 15 (2016) & April 29 - March 15 (2017) Pages 12, 14
Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters
S E A S O N S
May 15 - March 15 (2016 & 2017) Pages 12, 14

& St. Marys River
June 4 - December 15 (2016)
Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers Pages 12, 14
& June 3 - December 15 (2017)
Northern Pike & Walleye
Lower Peninsula Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair
Open for Entire Year (2016 & 2017) Pages 12-14
& St. Clair & Detroit Rivers
Lower Peninsula inland waters April 30 - March 15 (2016) & April 29 - March 15 (2017) Pages 12-14
Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters
May 15 - March 15 (2016 & 2017) Pages 12-14
2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

& St. Marys River
Salmon & Trout
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, St. Marys River, Pages 18,
Open for Entire Year (See Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake row below as well) (2016 & 2017)
St. Clair & Detroit Rivers 20-21
(Inland) Type 3 & 4 streams and Type B, C, E & F lakes Open for Entire Year (2016 & 2017) Pages 38-58
April 30 - Sept. 30 (2016)
(Inland) Type 1 & 2 streams and Type A & D lakes Pages 38-58
& April 29 - Sept. 30 (2017)
Gear Restricted streams Please see pages 40-43 for information concerning seasons on these streams.
Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Cisco (Lake Herring), Lake Whitefish, Smelt, Sunfishes, White Bass, Yellow Perch & Other Species
All waters open for fishing Open for Entire Year (2016 & 2017) Pages 12, 14
Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake - See Table 4 on Pages 18-21
Lake Sturgeon - See Table 2 on p. 15
L I C E N S E R E Q U I R E M E N T S
• 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 officially stationed in Michigan or
maintain residency in Michigan.
The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not
qualification for a resident license.
The following special

provisions exist:
Residents serving in the Armed Forces:
Active-duty military members who enlisted
as Michigan residents and have maintained
resident status for the purposes of obtaining a
driver’s license or voting may obtain a resident
all-species license at no cost. Applicants must
present proof of military status when applying
Fishing License Requirements for the free license. Proof of military status may
include military ID, leave papers, duty papers,
and Special Provisions: military orders or other evidence verifying that
• You must purchase a license if you are 17 the applicant is a member of the military. This
years of age or older. license, available at DNR Customer Service
Centers and at license retail outlets statewide,
• If you are under 17, you may fish without a is valid for the license year. Military members
license, but you are required to observe all receiving a free license must present the license,
fishing rules and regulations. along with proof of military status, if requested
• When fishing, you must carry your license by a conservation officer. Note: non-resident,
and the identification used to purchase that active-duty military personnel officially
license and exhibit both upon demand of stationed in Michigan qualify for Michigan
a Michigan Conservation Officer, a Tribal resident rates.
Conservation Officer or any law enforcement
officer. Veterans with a disability: A resident (with
proof of eligibility) who has been determined
Your fishing license is valid from Mar. 1 of a by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
given year through Mar. 31 of the following year. to be permanently and totally disabled as a
result of military service and entitled to veteran
To purchase a fishing benefits at the 100% rate, for a disability other
than blindness, or a resident rated by the U.S.
license or to obtain a permit Department of Veteran Affairs as individually
or tag, you must have: unemployable is eligible to obtain any resident
fishing license free of charge.
• A valid Michigan Driver License; or
Residents who are blind: A resident who is
• A valid Michigan ID Card (issued by the
declared legally blind is eligible to purchase
Secretary of State) with additional proof of
Michigan residency, such as a Michigan voter the senior fishing license.
registration card; or Persons with developmental disabilities or
• A DNR Sportcard (issued by license dealers). residents of a home for the aged (licensed under
If the information on your DNR Sportcard the Public Health Code): A developmentally
from a previous year is still accurate, you disabled individual or a resident of a home
may continue to use it. for the aged licensed under the Public Health
Code may obtain a permit from the DNR to fish
without a license if the developmentally disabled
To qualify for a resident individual or the resident of the licensed home
fishing license, you must: for the aged is a member of a group accompanied
by 1 or more adults who hold a valid license to
• Be a person who resides in a settled or fish. Permits are available at DNR Customer
permanent home or domicile within the
Service Centers (see p. 59).
boundaries of this state with the intention
of remaining in this state, or

Description of Inland Waters These closures are indicated by lake or stream
in the county listing (see pages 28-32 and
Inland waters are all waters within the 44-58). Lakes and streams are closed to all
jurisdiction of the state except the Great Lakes, fishing during the period listed.
and the bays and connecting waters. The
connecting waters between Lake Superior and
Lake Huron include that portion of the St. Marys
Native American Fishing on
River located within this state. The connecting Inland Waters
waters of Lake Huron and Lake Erie include the
Federal treaties exist between the United States
St. Clair River (begins at the Fort Gratiot Light),
government and tribes residing in Michigan.
Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (beginning
Although the entire State of Michigan is covered
at the imaginary line extending due south of
by treaties, only two treaty areas are currently
the Windmill Point Light, Wayne County and
subject to fishing by tribal governments. The
ending at the imaginary east-west line drawn
Treaty of Washington, signed in 1836, covers
through the most southerly point of Celeron
the eastern Upper Peninsula and the northern
Island). Inland waters also include all inland
Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The Treaty of
lakes, streams and tributaries to the Great Lakes.
La Pointe, signed in 1842, covers the western
Upper Peninsula, except Menominee County
Fishing and Harvest Closures and areas of northern Wisconsin.
(Spawning Closures) Seasons and possession limits for tribal
members may differ somewhat from state
Michigan prohibits fishing for various species regulations. In addition, under a permit system,
at certain times of the year. These seasonal tribal members may use spears and may place
closures generally coincide with spawning impoundment nets on designated public waters.
periods and are often referred to as spawning The use of gill nets are prohibited in inland
closures. Many anglers and managers tend to waters. If you encounter these activities, do not
think of these regulations as providing specific disrupt the fishers or interfere with their nets.
protection to spawning fish, and the timing and For more information please visit michigan.gov/
length of closed seasons are generally related to fishing and search for tribal coordination unit.
the timing and duration of spawning seasons.

C O M M O N T E R M S
Artificial Flies: Any commonly accepted single hook Wayne County and ending at the imaginary east-
wet and dry flies, streamers and nymphs without west line drawn through the most southerly point
spinner, spoon, scoop, lip or any other fishing lure of Celeron Island.
or bait attached. The fly or leader may be weighted,
Dip Net: A square net that is constructed from a
but no weight shall be attached to the fly or to the
piece of webbing of heavy twine, hung on heavy
terminal tackle in a manner that allows the weight
to be suspended from or below the hook. cord or frame so as to be without sides or walls, and
suspended from the corners and attached in such a
Artificial Lure: A manmade lure manufactured to manner that when the net is lifted no part is more
imitate natural bait. Artificial lures include spoons, than 4 feet below the plane formed by the imaginary
spinners, flies and plugs made of metal, plastic, wood lines connecting the corners from which the net is
and other non-edible materials. They also include suspended. As used in fishing, it shall be lowered and
plastic products made to resemble worms, eggs, raised vertically as nearly as possible (also referred
fish and other aquatic organisms. NOTE: For the to as a drop net or umbrella net).
following waters: all waters of the Betsie R. (Benzie
and Manistee Cos.), all waters of Bear Cr. (Manistee Dropper Line: A line in addition to the main fishing
Co.), the Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream line that contains a hook. Dropper lines are usually
to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6; attached to the main line.
Manistee Co.), and the Big Sable R. from mouth Drop-shotting: Using a weight suspended below
upstream to Hamlin Lake Dam (Mason Co.), an a hook that is tied directly to the main fishing line.
artificial lure is defined as a body bait, plug, spinner
or spoon. An artificial lure is not a device primarily Drowned River Mouth Lakes: An area of a river
constructed of lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, where it enters the Great Lakes. Considered inland
terminal fishing gear is restricted to single-pointed, waters and are listed in Note 3 on p. 18.
un-weighted hooks, measuring 1/2-inch or less from Fishing Season: The period of time a body of water
point to shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less from is open to fishing. It is unlawful to fish in any body
point to shank ONLY when attached to a body bait, of water outside of the fishing season.
plug, spinner or spoon.
Fishing Tournament: An organized competition
Cast Net: A net not exceeding 8 feet in diameter among anglers with specific rules applying to that
without walls or sides that is thrown to take particular event. See also Tournament Registration
minnows, alewife, smelt and shad in the Great Lakes p. 62.
and Connecting Waters.
Great Lakes Connecting Waters: Specific water
Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR): The act of bodies of water in Michigan that connect the Great
returning fish immediately to the water without Lakes. The designated waters are L. St. Clair, St.
injury and without holding in a livewell or similar Marys R., St. Clair R. (begins at the Fort Gratiot
device. Anglers may continue to fish CIR given that Light) and the Detroit R. NOTE: Portage/Torch
they have reached their daily possession limit for a Lakes (Houghton County) are not designated as
given species. Great Lakes connecting waters.
Chumming: the practice of luring or attracting Hand Net and Landing Net: A mesh bag of
fish or attempting to lure or attract fish by scattering webbing or wire, suspended from a circular, oval
organic material into the water. Material commonly or rectangular frame attached to a handle. These
used as chum includes fish eggs, corn, rice, noodles, are the most common fishing nets used in Michigan
oatmeal and maggots. (see p. 10).
Daily Possession Limit: The total number of fish, Hook: A single, double or treble pointed hook. All
amphibians or reptiles that may be caught and hooks, single, double or treble pointed and attached
retained in one day. See also Possession Limit. to a manufactured artificial lure shall be counted
Designated Trout Lake: Any lake so designated as 1 hook.
by the state that contains a significant population Inland Waters: All waters in Michigan EXCEPT the
of trout or salmon. All Type A and all Type D lakes Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Connecting Waters.
are designated trout lakes (see pages 38-58).
Lake Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag:
Designated Trout Stream: Any stream so designated The fishing permit and harvest tag are combined
by the state that contains a significant population into one item and the name has been changed. They
of trout or salmon. All Type 1, all Type 2, all Gear are free and legally required for all anglers who fish
Restricted Streams, all research areas and Brook for lake sturgeon. The fishing permit is the upper
Trout Research Areas, most Type 3 and most Type portion and the harvest tag is the lower portion.
4 waters are designated trout streams (see pages
Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to 1 per person
38-58).
per angling year (Apr. 1 – Mar. 31), where harvest is
Detroit River: Beginning at the imaginary line allowed. The permit/tag are non-transferable and
extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, are only available at license agents or DNR Service

Centers. For more information see lake sturgeon during previous fishing days provided that the
regulations on p. 15. additional limits of fish are processed (canned, cured
by smoking or drying, or frozen). This provision
MH-4: (Map, p. 20) A Lake Huron fisheries
does not apply to lake sturgeon or muskellunge.
management unit which is bounded on the north
Anglers who have not attained the age of 17 are
by a line beginning on the shore on Au Sable Point
entitled to the possession limit even though they
in Iosco Co. at latitude 44°20'N and extending
do not have a fishing license. A person fishing
eastward along said latitude to longitude 083°10'W,
waters bordered by other states or provinces AND
then southward along said longitude to latitude
possessing multiple fishing licenses may possess
44°10'N, then eastward along said latitude to
the limit allowed for ONLY ONE license while in
longitude 082°40'W, then southward along said line
transit, but while fishing in Michigan waters, must
to latitude 44°00'N, then westward along said line to
comply with Michigan possession and size limits.
shore about 2.6 miles southeast of Point aux Barques
light in Huron Co. Possession Season: That portion of the fishing
season during which it is legal to harvest fish.
Minnows: Chubs, shiners, dace, stonerollers,
sculpins (muddlers), mudminnows and suckers Protected Slot Limit: Prohibits the possession or
of a size used for bait in hook-and-line fishing. See harvest of fish that fall within a protected minimum
p. 10 and p. 27. and maximum size interval (see p. 14).
Muskellunge Harvest Tag: The tag is free and Snagging: Attempting to take fish in a manner
legally required for anyone to harvest a muskellunge that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in
(including tiger muskellunge) in Michigan waters. its mouth. It is unlawful to snag a fish.
Muskellunge harvest is limited to 1 per person
016 - Michigan Fishing Reg.
Tournament Registration: Following the
per angling year (Apr. 1 – Mar. 31). The tag is non-
appropriate process to register a bass tournament
transferable and is only available at license agents
with the Department. See p. 62.
or DNR Service Centers. A muskellunge shall be
immediately released or tagged with a validated Trapping: Catching or taking fish by use of a device,
muskellunge harvest tag. such as a cage or net, designed to capture a fish or
animal.
Possession Limit: In addition to 1 day’s daily
possession limit of fish, a person may possess an Weir: A fence or enclosure set in water to block or
additional 2 daily possession limits of fish taken retain fish.
Where every season

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L AW F U L M E T H O D S
Bait: Any fish and frogs may be used as bait when Hook-and-Line Fishing: Fish taken must be
legally taken and possessed, EXCEPT lampreys, hooked in the mouth. Fish not hooked in the
live carp, goldfish, or live gobies. Wigglers (mayfly mouth must be returned to the water immediately.
nymphs) and other aquatic nymphs and larvae No more than 3 lines per person (including tip-
also may be used for bait, but may not be taken ups) nor more than 6 hooks or lures may be used.
from any trout stream except for personal use All hooks attached to an artificial bait or “night
on the same stream. Crayfish may be taken for crawler harness” are counted as 1 hook (note:
bait and personal use (see below). See exceptions for crappie/perch rigs and umbrella rigs each
on the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters hook is counted as part of total allowed). Hooks
(see pages 24-25). To help reduce the spread must be baited or attached to an artificial bait.
of invasive species, anglers are reminded to properly Any number of hooks may be used on 1 line for
dispose of all bait containers including worms and soil, taking smelt in recognized smelt waters (visit
crayfish and minnows in a trash receptacle. michigan.gov/fishing). All tip-ups and other
similar devices must be marked with the name
Bow Fishing: Bow and arrow and crossbow may
and address of the owner in legible English, either
be used on certain waters for certain species. See
directly on the object or securely fastened to it by
Table 3 Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations on
a plate or tag. All lines must be under immediate
pages 16-17.
control. Hook and size regulations exist on certain
Crayfish: Native crayfish may be harvested streams (see Exceptions to General Regulations
in all waters as long as the water body is open by County, pages 28-32).
to fishing. In designated trout waters, crayfish
Hoop Nets: May be used for burbot only on
may only be taken during the fishing season
certain waters Dec. 15 – last day of Feb. A permit
for trout. Anglers may use traps, nets, hook-and-
is required through a local DNR office. See Table
line or hands to harvest crayfish. All crayfish
5 General Netting Regulations p. 23.
traps must bear the owners name and address.
There is no minimum size limit or possession Minnows for Personal Use: Minnows for
limit. Crayfish species not native to Michigan personal use only may be taken with hook-and-
waters, which include (but are not limited to) red line, seines, dip nets, hand nets and traps with
swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and rusty a valid fishing license and may only be used
crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), may not be used for in the waters where collected (p. 27). In trout
bait, whether alive or dead, on any waters of this streams, minnows may only be taken during
state whether those waters are public or private. the open season for trout by hook-and-line or
Rusty crayfish may be harvested for consumptive minnow traps. Minnows may not be taken
purposes. Crayfish may not be possessed or used from LEELANAU: Hatlem’s Cr., LIVINGSTON
for bait, whether alive or dead, on Michigan- and OAKLAND: Kent L. including the Huron
Wisconsin boundary waters. R. upstream to the Hubbell Millpond Dam in
Milford, OCEANA: Silver L. and all tributaries.
Dip Nets: Dip nets may be used for bowfin,
Gear restrictions are as follows: seines must not be
carp, gar, smelt and suckers in non-trout
over 12 feet by 4 feet; hand nets not over 8 square
streams. A permit is required if equipment is
feet and without sides or walls; and minnow
to be left overnight. See Table 5 General Netting
traps not over 24" long. Minnow traps must bear
Regulations, p. 23.
the owners name and address. Cast nets (not
Drop-shotting: The practice of having a weight exceeding 8 feet in diameter without walls or
suspended below a hook that is tied directly to sides) may be used to take minnows, alewife,
the main fishing line is lawful on inland lakes, smelt and shad in the Great Lakes, L. St. Clair,
Great Lakes and Great Lakes Connecting Waters and the Detroit R., St. Clair R., and St. Mary’s R.
only. This gear may not be used on rivers, streams
Spearing: Hand, rubber or spring-propelled
or drowned river mouth lakes.
spears may be used for certain species. See Table
Gaffs: Gaffs may be used to help land lawfully 3 Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations pages
hooked fish on all waters EXCEPT on a designated 16-17.
trout stream. Gaffs are not recommended for use
on fish that are not legal to harvest or fish you
plan to release. For more information see p. 16.
Hand Nets: Hand nets may be used to help land
lawfully hooked fish. During Apr., May and Jun.,
hand nets larger than 5 ½ feet in circumference
or having a handle exceeding 14" may NOT be
used or possessed on designated trout streams
EXCEPT as provided in Table 5 General Netting
Regulations p. 23. Hand nets may also be used
to take bowfin, carp, gar, smelt and suckers.

I T I S U N L AW F U L T O :
It Is Unlawful To: • Possess more than the Michigan daily

possession limit when fishing in Michigan
• Chum with organic material in all types (1, waters even if holding licenses from more
2, 3 and 4) streams (p. 8 and p. 39). than one state or province.
• Possess or transport any live transgenic • Commercially take, possess, or sell rusty
(genetically engineered) organism or any crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) in Michigan.
live specimen of the following non-native
• Commercially take amphibians or reptiles
fish, crayfish, or freshwater mollusk: bighead
in Michigan.
carp, black carp, silver carp, grass carp (white
amur), members of the snakehead family • Disturb or remove reptile eggs from the wild
(Channidae), Wels catfish, bitterling, stone without a permit.
moroko, zander, Ide, Japanese weatherfish,
• Fish for any species or possess fishing devices
rudd, tench, Eurasian ruffe, tubenose goby,
along a stream or lake closed to fishing.
round goby, red swamp crayfish, yabby
crayfish, rusty crayfish, killer shrimp, zebra • Fish with your hands, firearms, explosives,
mussel, golden mussel or quagga mussel. To setlines, poisons or methods other than lawful
do so may result in civil fines up to $10,000. fishing methods.
• Use for bait any crayfish species not native • Fish anywhere in a fish ladder or within 100
to Michigan waters, whether alive or dead, feet of a lamprey control weir. http://www.
on any waters of this state. michigan.gov/documents/dnr/lamprey-
barriers_182441_7.pdf
• Import, plant or transplant live game fish
including viable eggs of any game fish without • Use a net to take a fish within 100 feet of a
permit. dam (landing nets are allowed to secure a
legally hooked fish).
• Buy or sell fish or parts of fish, reptiles,
amphibians or crayfish taken under a sport • Use a seine for any species other than
fishing license. minnows.
• Take fish for the sole purpose of removing • Use cast nets in any inland water.
the eggs.
• Shoot reptiles or amphibians with a firearm
• Harvest, attempt to harvest, or possess (including spring, air or gas propelled), bow
any threatened or endangered species and arrow, or crossbow.
except as authorized by the DNR. For more
• Have a weight rigidly attached to a multi-
information, see michigan.gov/fishing and
pointed hook, or suspended from a multi-
click on Managing Michigan’s Fisheries.
point hook.
• Harvest or attempt to harvest freshwater
• Fish on a river, stream or drowned river
mussels (clams or bivalves) whether living
mouth (note 3, p. 18) using a weight
or dead, including the shell or parts thereof,
suspended below any hook unless the hook
from any waters of the state.
is on a dropper line (a leader) that is at least
»» Exception 1: Zebra and quagga mussels 3" long.
may be taken.
• Deposit litter, fish, offal or any foreign matter
»» Exception 2: A special cultural or scientific in any waters of the state or any lands, private
investigation permit may be obtained from or public.
the DNR for the taking of freshwater
• Take or attempt to take fish outside of the
mussels.
open season for that species.
• Use multi-pointed hooks exceeding ⁄8" 3
• Commercially harvest wigglers from any
between point and shank and/or single-
state waters from Jun. 1 – Sep. 1.
pointed hooks exceeding ½" between point
and shank on all streams (including tributaries • Snag a fish or retain a fish not legally hooked
to the Great Lakes) from Aug. 1 - May 31. in the mouth.
• Use lures exceeding one ounce on all streams
from Aug. 1 to May 31 except when fishing
in the Detroit R., St. Clair R., and St. Marys R.
• Possess or sell a multi-pointed hook with a
weight permanently attached. Find fishing information
• Possess illegally harvested fish or mutilated and resources at:
fish that cannot be measured or identified. michigan.gov/fishing

G E N E R A L H O O K & L I N E R E G U L AT I O N S
This table provides general statewide regulations for the species listed. However, there are many
waters in the state that have fishing regulations which differ from those in this table. For
instance, it is unlawful to possess fishing gear or fish for suckers on designated trout waters
during the closed fishing season. Please refer to the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters (see
pages 24-25), Sylvania Wilderness Area (see p. 26), Exceptions to General Regulations by
County (see pages 28-32), and Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations (pages 38-58) for
exceptions. Table notes are found on pages 13-15.
Table 1: General Hook & Line Regulations

Minimum Daily
Species
Size Possession Possession Seasons
(Note 1)
(inches) Limit
3rd. Sat. in Jun. - Dec. 31: L. St. Clair, St. Clair
Largemouth Bass R., Detroit R. (See Note 2)
Smallmouth Bass 14" 5 Sat. before Memorial Day - Dec. 31: All other
(Note 2) waters including Great Lakes (except those
listed in Note 2) (See Note 2)
Walleye May 15 – Mar. 15: Upper Peninsula Great Lakes
15" 5
(Note 3) and inland waters, and St. Marys R.
Last Sat. in Apr. – Mar. 15: Lower Peninsula
Northern Pike inland waters
24" 2 Open All Year: Lower Peninsula Great Lakes, L.
(Note 7)
St. Clair, St. Clair R. and Detroit R.
Flathead Catfish 15" 5
Open All Year
Channel Catfish 12" 10
May 15 – Mar. 15: Upper Peninsula Great Lakes
and inland waters, and St. Marys R.
Muskellunge
Only 1 per angler Last Sat. in Apr. – Mar. 15: Lower Peninsula
(including Tiger
42" per angling year inland waters
Muskellunge)
(Apr. 1 - Mar. 31) Open All Year: Lower Peninsula Great Lakes
(See Note 7)
1st Sat. in Jun. – Dec. 15: L. St. Clair, St. Clair
R. and Detroit R.
Yellow Perch
50
(Note 4)
25 in any
Sunfishes
combination of the
(Note 5)
listed species
25 on Gr. Lakes,
No size limit L. St. Clair, St. Open All Year
Marys R., St. Clair
White Bass
R., and Detroit R.
10 on inland
waters
Lake Whitefish
12 in any
Cisco (Lake
combination
Herring)
Lake sturgeon Please see Table 2, p. 15 for Lake Sturgeon Regulations
Open All Year

Smelt No size limit 2 gallons
(See p. 23, Table 5 for Netting Regulations)
All others No possession

No size limit Open All Year
(Note 6) limit

Notes for Table 1
Come to the Angler’s Dream
Note 1 - All Warmwater Fish:
Warmwater fish include all species listed in this DRUMMOND ISLAND
table. Regulations for trout and salmon on The Gem of the Huron
inland waters are provided on pages 38-58.
Note 2 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Experience

All bass fishing tournaments held in 2016 and
thereafter shall be registered online using the
First Class
Department’s Michigan Fishing Tournament Fishing
Information System at the following website:
www.mcgi.state.mi.us/fishingtournaments/. Perch
For more information see p. 62. Bass
Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR) seasons: Salmon
CIR fishing for bass is allowed all year on all
waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. All Cisco
bass caught must be immediately (see common
terms p. 8) returned to the water.
Walleye
On L. Michigan, within one-half mile of the
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the possession season is Jul. 1 - Dec. 31 and open “Michigan’s Ultimate Playground”
to bass CIR all year.
Call Toll Free: 800-737-8666
Note 3 - Walleye: for your free vacation planner.
• Lake Huron waters of MH-4 (see p. 9) www.drummondislandchamber.com
including Saginaw Bay and Saginaw R.
upstream to Center St. (Douglas G. Schenk)
Bridge: The daily possession limit for walleye
is 8 with a 13" minimum size limit. Any
changes will be announced on the DNR
website (michigan.gov/fishing) and in a pre-
recorded message at 888-367-7060.
• Lake Erie: The daily possession limit will
remain at 6 walleye through Apr. 30 of the
given year. The daily possession limit for
walleye will be set on May 1 each year. The
daily possession limit will be announced on
the DNR website (michigan.gov/fishing) and
in a pre-recorded message at 888-367-7060.
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• L. St. Clair and St. Clair R.: On these waters Protect your investment during towing.
the daily possession limit for walleye is 6 and
the minimum size limit is 13". Prevents damage to the motor transom,
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• Little Bay de Noc (DELTA): No more than 1
walleye over 23" may be possessed in daily Installs in seconds.
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• Michigan waters of Green Bay: from the
mouth of the Menominee R. northward to motormatepro.com
latitude/longitude (45.5505, -87.2637) located 844-668-6768
approximately 6 miles north of the Cedar
R. from Mar. 2 - Fri. before 1st Sat. in May ®
the daily possession limit is 1 walleye and

from the 1st Sat. in May - Mar. 1 the daily Tow with confidence
possession limit is 5 walleye.
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MI Fishing Guide
G E N E R A L H O O K & L I N E R E G U L AT I O N S
Notes for Table 1 (continued) (from McKeown Rd. to Barger Rd.) 50”. OTSEGO:
Big Bear L. 50”.
• L. Gogebic (GOGEBIC and ONTONAGON): Waters with lower minimum size limits on
Anglers may possess up to 2 walleye between muskellunge: LUCE: Tahquamenon R. and
13" - 15" as part of the daily possession limit tributaries (upstream from Upper Falls) 38".
of 5 walleye.
Lakes with Muskellunge & Northern Pike
• Mullett L. proper, Cheboygan R. from possession seasons from the last Sat. in
Mullett L. downstream to Cheboygan Apr. - Nov. 30: BARRY: Thornapple L. (from
Dam (T38N, R1W, S31), and Black R. from McKeown Rd. to Barger Rd.) LENAWEE: L.
Alverno Dam (T37N, R1W, S35) downstream Hudson OTSEGO: Big Bear L.
to its confluence with the Cheboygan R.
Lakes with 24” – 34” protected slot limit on
(CHEBOYGAN): The daily possession limit
northern pike and daily possession limit
for walleye is 3 and the season for harvest of
of 2 northern pike: ALLEGAN: Pine Cr.
walleye is May 15 - Mar. 15, inclusive.
Flooding KALAMAZOO: Long L. (T3S, R10W,
• Ontonagon R. (ONTONAGON): No more S17/18/19/30) KENT: Bass L. (T10N, R9W,
than 1 walleye over 25" may be possessed in S12/13/14) LUCE: Blind Sucker Flooding and
daily possession limit. Bodi L. MONTCALM: Townline and Sand L.
Waters where up to 5 northern pike of any
Note 4 - Yellow Perch: size may be taken with only 1 greater than
• L. Huron waters of MACKINAC and 24” allowed in the daily possession limit:
CHIPPEWA and the St. Marys R., the Alcona: Badger L. Alger: Nawakwa, Trout and
minimum size limit is 7". 16 Mile Lks. Antrim: Beals, Benway, Ellsworth,
Hanley, Scotts, Six Mile, St. Clair, and Wilson
• L. Michigan south of the 45th parallel
Lks. Baraga: Vermillac (Worm) L. Benzie: Long
(excluding the Grand Traverse Bays) the
L. Charlevoix: Deer, Fox, Geneserath, Six Mile,
possession limit is 35 perch.
and St. Clair and Susan Lks. Cheboygan: Black
• L. Gogebic (GOGEBIC and ONTONAGON): R. (upstream of Tower Dam includes Tower
The daily possession limit for yellow perch Pond and tributaries), Paradise (Carp), Silver
is 25 with no more than 5 yellow perch 12" and Wildwood Lks. Chippewa: Frenchman and
or greater. Trout (Carp) Lks. Clare: Eight Point L. and L.
Thirteen Crawford: Big Creek Imp., River and
• Lake Huron waters of MH-4 (see p. 9)
Pickerel Lks. Delta: Carr, Chicago, Hamilton,
including Saginaw Bay and Saginaw R.
and Lyman Lks. and Escanaba R. (upstream
upstream to Center St. (Douglas G. Schenk)
from first dam at US- 2) Dickinson: Sawyer L.
Bridge: The daily possession limit for yellow
Emmet: French Farm and O’Neal L. Floodings,
perch is 25. Any changes will be announced
and Paradise (Carp) L. Gladwin: L. Lancer
on the DNR website (michigan.gov/fishing)
Gogebic: African (Big and Little), Chaney,
and in a pre-recorded message at 888-367-7060.
Cisco, Clearwater, East Bay, Fishhawk, Indian,
Lindsley, Morley, Poor, Record, and Thousand
Note 5 - Sunfishes: Island Lks. Grand Traverse: Boardman L. and L.
Includes: black and white crappies, bluegill, Dubonnet. Houghton: Rice L. Iron: Bone, Buck,
green and hybrid sunfish, longear, pumpkinseed, Indian, Runkle and Winslow Lks., Hemlock
redear, rock bass, and warmouth. Falls and Michigamme Reservoir, Michigamme
Falls and Peavy Reservoir, L. St. Kathryn, Deer
Note 6 - Other Species: R., Net R., and Net R. Wide Waters. Keweenaw:
Schlatter L. Leelanau: Florence L. (S. Manitou
Those species not listed above and not
Is.). Luce: East and Muskallonge Lks. Mackinac:
considered trout or salmon or threatened and
East, Millecoquins, and South Manistique Lks.
endangered species which are protected from
Manistee: Bar and Chief Lks. Marquette: Bass
harvest.
(East), Cedar, Engman, Shag (Big), and Witch
Lks., Dead R. Storage Basin, Middle Br. Escanaba
Note 7 - Muskellunge & Northern Pike: R., Big West Br. Escanaba R. mainstream
Muskellunge Harvest Tag Requirement downstream to Boney Falls Basin (except
A non-transferable Muskellunge Harvest Tag Greenwood, Schweitzer and Cataract Reservoirs)
is required in order to harvest muskellunge Mason: Hackert (Crystal) L. Mecosta: Haymarsh
(including tiger muskellunge) in Michigan and Horsehead Lks. Menominee: Westman Imp.
waters. For more information see p. 9. Missaukee: Missaukee L. Montcalm: Crystal L.
Montmorency: Robarge L., East and West Town
Waters with higher minimum size limits on
Corner, and Pug Lks., Black R. and tributaries
Muskellunge: BARRY: Gun L. 46”, Thornapple L.
Muskegon: Big Blue L. Newaygo: Diamond,

L A K E S T U R G E O N R E G U L AT I O N S
Emerald, Kimball, Nichols, Pickerel, Ryerson mouth upstream, including all tributaries, Little
(Long) and Sylvan Lks. Oceana: Round (Wykoff) Mud L. Flooding, Backus Cr. Flooding, and
and Silver Lks. Ogemaw: East Twin Lake, L. Backus L. Flooding Schoolcraft: Boot, Crooked,
Ogemaw Osceola: L. Miramichi, Diamond, Rose Kennedy, Stanley and Thunder Lks.; Seney
and Wells Lks. Oscoda: Pickerel L. Otsego: National Wildlife Refuge Pools: contact Refuge
Black R. and tributaries Presque Isle: Francis office (906-586-9851).
and Orchard Lks., Ocqueoc R. and tributaries,
Waters where up to 5 northern pike 24" or
Ocqueoc Watershed Lakes (Ann, Bullhead,
greater allowed in the daily possession limit:
Ella, Emma, Ferdelman, Gorman, Horseshoe,
Lake St. Clair, St. Clair R., and Detroit R.
Lost, Louise, Lower and Upper Barnhart,
May, McIntosh, Moore, Mud and Nettie, Waters without possession limits or size limits
and Ocqueoc), Black R. and tributaries and on northern pike: BRANCH: Lake Lavine.
Tomahawk Flooding Roscommon: L. St. Helen,
Cut R. (from the river mouth at Houghton L.
upstream to CO 100 just downstream of Higgins
L.), Houghton L., Backus Cr. from the stream
All sturgeon anglers shall obtain a non-transferable Lake Sturgeon Fishing Permit and Harvest
Tag prior to fishing for lake sturgeon (available at license vendors). Upon harvesting a lake
sturgeon, anglers must validate their Lake Sturgeon Harvest Tag, attach it to the lake sturgeon,
and register their harvest within 24 hours (except as noted below) at a designated registration
site. Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to only 1 lake sturgeon per angler per year (Apr. 1 - Mar.
31). Harvest of lake sturgeon is limited to the waters of the state listed in the table below where
harvest is allowed. Spearing for lake sturgeon is prohibited, except in Black Lake (Cheboygan
County), during special winter season; pre-registration is required. For more information, visit
michigan.gov/sturgeon.
Table 2: Lake Sturgeon

Hook & Line Fishing Only (except as indicated above)
Regulations and Size
Waters Seasons
Restrictions
Great Lakes and Connecting

Waters (except L. St. Clair and Fishing Season:
No Possession. All lake sturgeon
St. Clair R.; see below), all inland Jul. 16 – Nov. 30
must be released immediately.
waters (except those listed Possession Season: None
below)
Fishing Season: Between 42" - 50", inclusive.

Jul. 16 – Nov. 30 Lake sturgeon less than 42" and
Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River
Possession Season: greater than 50" must be released
Jul. 16 – Sep. 30 immediately.
Fishing and Possession 50" minimum size limit. Lake
Otsego Lake (Otsego Co.) Season: sturgeon less than 50" must be
Jul. 16 – Mar. 15 released immediately.
All MI-WI Boundary Waters Fishing and Possession 60" minimum size limit. Lake
(see pages 24-25 for more Season: sturgeon less than 60" must be
details) 1st Sat. in Sep. – Sep. 30 released immediately.
Fishing and Possession
No size limit. All harvested lake
Season:
sturgeon must be reported
1st Sat. in Feb. through the
Black Lake (Cheboygan Co.) immediately to DNR on site.
following Wed. or until the
Contact DNR Gaylord office (989)
quota is reached
732-3541 for details.
(whichever comes first)

BOW & SPEAR FISHING REGULATIONS
The seasons, gear, waters, and species where a spear or bow and arrow or crossbow may be used
are specified in the table below and lists which follow (except as otherwise prohibited). Spearing
gear shall be limited to: hand-propelled spear, rubber-propelled spear, spring-propelled spear, bow
and arrow, or crossbow. Artificial lights may be used. It shall be unlawful to use a rubber-propelled
spear or a spring-propelled spear without being submerged and have the spear under control by
means of an attached line not exceeding twenty feet in length. It is unlawful to spear any fish in a
waterbody closed to fishing, except as noted in the spearing exceptions list. Unless noted otherwise,
all general regulations apply for the species listed (see pages 12-14). Anglers should contact local
enforcement offices for information concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or
crossbow in some locations. 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 www.michigan.gov/fishingguide.
Table 3: Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations
Season Gear Waters* Species
bowfin, bullheads,
ALL WATERS except:
burbot, carp, catfish,
Designated Trout Lakes and
spear or bow and arrow cisco (lake herring),
Designated Trout Streams and
Open All Year or crossbow drum, gizzard shad,
Michigan-Wisconsin boundary
(as listed above) goldfish, grass carp,
waters. Also see Spearing
longnose gar, smelt,
Exceptions List below.
**suckers, whitefish
ALL WATERS except:

Designated Trout Lakes and
Designated Trout Streams and
Dec. 1 - Mar. 15 hand-propelled spear northern pike and
Michigan-Wisconsin boundary
(through the ice) (only) muskellunge
waters. Also see Spearing
Exceptions List below. See
p. 40 for more information.
* All Type A and D lakes are Designated Trout Waters. All Types 1 and 2 streams, Gear Restricted Streams, Research Areas, Brook
Trout Restoration Areas, and nearly all Types 3 and 4 streams are Designated Trout Waters.
**The term suckers refers to: suckers (longnose, white, northern hog, spotted), redhorse (silver, golden, black, greater, shorthead),
buffalo (bigmouth, black), lake chubsucker, and quillback carpsucker.
Spearing Exceptions List Isle Imp.) Pond, Stanley and Swan Lks.; KENT:
Campau and Murray Lks.; KEWEENAW: L.
Gratiot; LENAWEE: L. Hudson; LUCE: Round
Waters Closed to Northern Pike and (North Manistique) L.; OTSEGO: Big Bear L.;
Muskellunge Spearing SCHOOLCRAFT: Grassy and McKeever Lks.;
It shall be unlawful to fish by any means ST. JOSEPH: Long L. (Fabius Twp. T6S, R12W,
other than hook-and-line for northern pike or S7); VAN BUREN: Bankson and Round Lks.
muskellunge in the following waters: (Keeler Twp. T4S, R16W, S31)
• ALGER: Kingston L.; ALPENA/
MONTMORENCY: Fletcher Floodwaters;
Waters Closed To Muskellunge Spearing
BARRY: Thornapple L. (from McKeown Rd. to It shall be unlawful to fish by any other means
Barger Rd.); CHIPPEWA: Caribou L.; CLARE: other than hook-and-line for muskellunge in the
Budd L.; CLINTON: L. Ovid; DELTA: Dana L.; following waters: L. Erie, L. St. Clair, Detroit R.,
DICKINSON: East, Island, South, and West Lks and St. Clair R.
(all within Groveland Mines); IRON: Brule and
Chicagon Lks., L. Emily, Paint L., Paint (Brule

Waters with Spearing and Gaff Hook R5W, S35; Rice Cr. South Branch Rice Cr. from
Restrictions confluence of Rice Cr. and Kalamazoo R. (T2S,
R6W, S25) upstream to Concord Rd. (Jackson
It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take any
Co.); CHIPPEWA: Trout Cr. downstream of
species of fish with spearing gear or gaff hook
Big Trout L. (T42N, R3E, S31); Prentiss Cr.
from Apr. 1 – Jun. 15 from the following waters
(T42N, R2E,); DELTA: Squaw Cr. downstream
of CHEBOYGAN County: Black R., Cheboygan
of Co. Rd 513; MACKINAC: Doe Cr. (T43N,
R., and Indian R.
R10W); Foley Cr. downstream of I-75; Hoban
Cr. downstream of US-2; Hudson Cr. (T41N,
Waters Open To Yellow Perch Spearing R11W, S8); Martineau Cr. downstream of I-75;
A hand-propelled spear or bow and arrow or McClouds Cr.; Milakokia R. from Milakokia
crossbow may be used to harvest yellow perch L. downstream to Heinz L.; Norton Cr. from
from Jan. 1 - end of Feb. in L. St. Clair. M-135 downstream to South Manistique L.;
Nunn’s Cr. downstream of Highway M -134;
Designated Trout Streams Open To Pearson’s Cr. T42N, R1W and R1E; Rabbits
Spring Spearing Back Cr. downstream of Mackinac Trail;
Scrams Cr. (T42N, R11W, S11); Taylor Cr.
The following designated trout streams listed by
(T43N, R12W, S2, 11, 12 and 13); MASON:
county are open to the use of spearing gear from
Sable R. from Freesoil Rd. downstream to
Apr. 1 - May 31, for taking bowfin, bullheads,
Custer Rd. (T20N, R16W, S22); VAN BUREN:
burbot, carp, catfish, cisco (lake herring), drum,
Dowagiac R. and tributaries upstream of 50th
longnose gar, gizzard shad, goldfish, grass
Street (T4S, R15W, S35); Lake of the Wood
carp, smelt, **suckers (as listed above) and lake
Outlet to confluence with Dowagiac R. (T45N,
whitefish:
R15W, S34).
• ALCONA: Bryant Cr. from Vaughn L.
downstream to Little L.; Buff Cr.; Sucker Cr.
from confluence 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,
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G R E AT L A K E S T R O U T & S A L M O N R E G U L AT I O N S ( N O T E 1)
The regulations in this table apply to fishing on the Great Lakes for the following species: Atlantic
salmon, brook trout (Note 2), brown trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, lake trout (Note 4), pink
salmon, rainbow trout (steelhead) and splake (Note 4). For regulations that pertain to fishing for
trout and salmon on inland waters, see pages 38-58.
Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Regulations (Note 1)

Daily Possession Limit
Seasons by Water Type Minimum Size
(Notes 2, 3, 4)
Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Marys R., St.
Clair R., and Detroit R.:
Open All Year: (Note 4) 10" 5 total in any combination; no more than 3
L. Superior, L. Michigan, L. Erie, (Note 2, 4) of any one species, except up to 5 coho,
L. Huron, L. St. Clair, St. Marys R., (also see Table 4 Chinook, or pink salmon allowed.
St. Clair R. and Detroit R. and p. 21) On the St. Marys R.:
5 additional pink salmon allowed from last
Sat. in Apr. - Sep. 30.
Note 1
All Trout and Salmon: Refer to Exceptions to further define the boundaries. For a complete
General Regulations by County, for waters that description of lake trout Management Unit
have regulations that differ from those shown boundaries, contact any DNR Customer Service
above (see pages 28-32). Center (see p. 59) or check online at michigan.
gov/dnr.
Note 2
Brook Trout: For L. Superior, the minimum
size limit for brook trout is 20" and possession
limit is 1 fish. Within 4.5 miles of Isle Royale
(Isle Royale National Park waters), catch-and-
immediate-release; no possession.
Note 3
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"; fishing season is open
all year and the possession season for lake trout
is Jan. 1 – Oct 31. For all other species of trout and bring back the
salmon, the possession season is open all year.
catch of the day with a
BOAT
ALLEGAN: Kalamazoo and Silver Lks. BENZIE:
Betsie L. MANISTEE: Arcadia, Manistee, and
Portage Lks. MASON: Pere Marquette L.
MUSKEGON: Duck, Mona, Muskegon, and
White Lks. OCEANA: Pentwater, Silver, and Loan
Stony Lks. OTTAWA: Macatawa and Pigeon Lks.
Great Rates & Fast Approval!
Note 4
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). To help identify Management
Unit boundaries, a few major ports are listed for 800-373-2333 • securitycu.org
each. The map on p. 20 provides a graphic to
Federally Insured by NCUA.

View of Gill Net
Shore Deep Water
Great Lakes Commercial Usually set in gangs 300' to 5 miles

long, perpendicular to shore.
Fishing Nets
Anglers and boaters on the Great Lakes
may encounter commercial fishing gear
such as trap nets, gill nets and set hooks
in Michigan waters. All state-licensed Markings for State-Licensed Trap Net
or Native American commercial fishing
Graphics
gear are required to be marked with courtesy of
floats or staff/flag buoy combinations Sea Grant.
depending on the licensing entity.

Anglers and boaters should give wide NOTICE TO BOATERS
berth to any markers, since anchor lines
may extend several hundred feet in any
direction from the floats or flags along
the length of the gear. The diagrams
COMMERCIAL TRAP NETS
May be up to
1,000 feet long
to the right will give sport anglers and in northern Lakes Michigan & Huron
boaters an idea about some of the Markings for Tribal-Licensed Trap Net
markings they might encounter and RED OR
ORANGE
4-FOOT STAFF BUOY WITH RED OR
ORANGE FLAG AND FISHER ID NO.
RED OR ORANGE
FLOAT OR STAFF
assist them in avoiding entanglement FLOAT OR
STAFF BUOY
BUOY
of fishing gear or boat propellers.

Tampering with commercial fishing gear
is illegal and can create safety problems
for other boaters on the water.
1200-1500
foot lead
Tribal
Tribal Commercial Trap Net
Marking Requirements
See <www.1836cora.org> under net marking for maps and other information.
Graphic courtesy of Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority
� Vessel Operators should NAVIGATE AWAY from all markers and
V
REMAIN 1,500 FEET AWAY from any staff buoy or jug markers.
� Please EXERCISE CAUTION while boating in these areas. Visibility will

be limited during low-light or bad weather conditions.
� WARNING: Tampering with these or any other legally set nets is a

W
violation of State and Federal law.
For more information contact: Report unmarked nets:

CHIPPEWA OTTAWA RESOURCE AUTHORITY LOCAL, STATE or TRIBAL LAW
179 W. Three Mile, ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
Sault Ste. Marie MI 49783 or Michigan DNR RAP Hotline
906-632-0043 1-800-292-7800

G R E AT L A K E S L A K E T R O U T A N D S P L A K E R E G U L AT I O N S
LakeTrout
Lake Trout Management
Management Units
Units and
and Refuges
Refuges
MI-1
Copper
MI-3 Harbor
MI-4
MI-2
Houghton MI-6
MI-7
MI-5
MI-8
Marquette
Munising Sault
Ste. Marie
Manistique
Escanaba MH-1
MM-3 Mackinaw
MM-1 MM-2
City
Rogers
City
Charlevoix MH-2
MM-4 Presque
Isle
MM-5
Harrisville
Frankfort MH-3
Arcadia
Tawas City
Legend MM-6
Ludington MH-4
Grind-
MH-5
Lake Trout Refuge stone
City
Note: All refuges are
closed to lake trout
harvest Lexington MH-6
MM-7 Muskegon
Grand Haven
Holland
MM-8
New Buffalo
For a complete description of refuge and management unit boundaries, check online
or contact any DNR Customer Service Center. If viewing this guide online, click here for a
complete map with coordinates.
Great Lakes Boundary Data provided by ESRI

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 is 5 in any combination, but no
more than 3 of any one species, EXCEPT in Lake Superior, as noted in Table 4 below.
Table 4: Lake Trout & Splake Regulations for the Great Lakes
Any changes will be posted on the DNR website (michigan.gov/fishing)
and in a pre-recorded message at 888-367-7060.
Lake Trout Lake Trout

Possession Size Restrictions
Management Unit, Possession
Season (inches)
Major Ports Limit
Lake Superior: map color coded by unit regulations
MI 1-3: Windigo, Ontonagon,

The minimum size limit for 3
Copper Harbor
lake trout and splake shall
be 15"; the daily possession
MI 4-8: Big Bay, Marquette, Open All Year
limit shall not include more
Au Train, Munising, Grand than 1 lake trout 34" or 5
Marais, Pendills Bay, greater.
Brimley State Park
Lake Huron: map color coded by unit regulations
MH 1-6: DeTour, Cedarville,

St. Ignace, Mackinaw City,
Cheboygan, Rogers City, Jan. 1 - Sep. 30 The minimum size limit for
Presque Isle, Rockport, (lake trout and lake trout and splake shall 3
Alpena, Black R, Harrisville, splake) be 15".
Tawas, Grindstone, Harbor
Beach, Lexington
Lake Michigan: map color coded by unit regulations
MM 1-3: Menominee,
Escanaba, Manistique,
Harbor Springs, Charlevoix The size restrictions and daily possession
limits for Lake Trout and Splake for these
Jan. 1 - Sep. 30
management units will be set by March 31
MM 4: Elk Rapids, Traverse (lake trout and
annually. These regulations will be available
City, Northport splake)
online at Michigan.gov/fishing and in a pre-
recorded message at 888-367-7060.
MM 5: Leland, Frankfort,
Platte Bay
MM 6-8: Arcadia, Manistee, Jan. 1 - Oct. 31 The minimum size limit for
Ludington, Grand Haven, (lake trout and lake trout and splake shall 3
Holland, New Buffalo splake) be 15".

A M P H I B I A N S A N D R E P T I L E S
Regulations for Frogs, Toads, Salamanders,

Turtles, Lizards and Snakes
Amphibians and reptiles MAY NOT be shot with Hand, trap, nets, seines (up to 12 x 4 feet
firearms (including spring, air, or gas propelled), overall dimensions), and hook-and-line may
bow and arrow, or crossbow. be used. Set lines may not be used to take turtles.
The following shall not be taken or possessed Frogs may be speared but NOT with the aid
except as authorized by the Director of the of an artificial light.
Department of Natural Resources: Blanding’s, Traps used (or possessed) in areas frequented
spotted, wood, and eastern box turtle; black rat by reptiles must have a plate or tag attached
snake, Butler's garter snake, eastern fox snake, bearing the name and address of the user in
copper-bellied water snake, Kirtland’s snake, legible English.
queen snake, smooth green snake, and eastern For taking turtles, no more than 3 traps may
massasauga rattlesnake; boreal chorus frog, be used, mesh traps must be no less than 1"
Blanchard’s cricket frog, pickerel frog; Fowler’s mesh, and traps must be set to allow turtles to
toad; mudpuppy, small-mouthed salamander, surface and breathe.
marbled salamander, six-lined racerunner, It is illegal to possess or transport in the field,
and western lesser siren; all reptile eggs; and dressed or processed reptiles or amphibians that
amphibians and reptiles protected under Part cannot be measured or identified.
365 (Endangered Species) of 1994 P.A. 451. For Snapping turtle carapace length: to obtain
further information check online at michigan. the carapace (top of shell) length, use a flexible
gov/fishing or contact any Customer Service tape to measure from the nuchal scute (the scute
Center, see p. 59. directly behind the turtle’s head) to the base of
Personal Use: A fishing license is required to the notch where the two most posterior scutes
take amphibians and reptiles for personal use. meet (see image below).
Reptiles and amphibians may not be bought,
sold or offered for sale.
Daily Total
Minimum Size
Species Season Possession Possession
(inches)
Limit Limit
Frogs, toads, Last Sat. in 10 in any 10 in any

none
salamanders May - Nov. 15 combination combination
Snapping turtles 13" minimum 4 total in

2 in combination
(Note 1) carapace length combination
Jul. 15 - Sep. 15 (no more than 1 of
(no more than 2 of
Softshell turtles none either species)
either species)
6 total in
3 in combination
combination
(However, no more
All other turtles (However, no
than
(painted, musk, map, more than 4
Open All Year none 2 turtles and no
red-eared slider); turtles and no
more than 1
snakes and lizards more than
of any one turtle
2 of any one turtle
species)
species)
Note 1: Carapace length: use a flexible tape to measure from the shell behind the
turtle’s head to the posterior end of the shell.
Image courtesy of PA
Fish & Boat Commission.
Stay on top of the latest news from the Michigan DNR!

Visit us at michigan.gov/dnr Follow us on Twitter
and click on the red envelope @MDNR_Fisheries
to sign up for email updates!

G E N E R A L N E T T I N G R E G U L AT I O N S
The following restrictions apply for the species, seasons and waters listed below:
• Nets and seines may not be fished within • There is a two-gallon daily possession limit
100’ of any dam. on smelt.
• Hand nets may be of any circumference and • Seines may not exceed 12’ x 4’ and may only
handle length, except for taking minnows be used for minnows except under a scientific
(see pages 8 and 10). collector’s permit issued by the DNR.
• Dip nets may not exceed 9’ x 9’ square.
Table 5: General Netting Regulations

Season Gear **Species *Waters
All Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit
R., and St. Marys R. including all tributaries to
Bowfin, Carp, Goldfish,
Mar. 1 those waters from the mouth to ½ mile upstream
Hand Net Gizzard Shad, Longnose
– May 31 (except that Thompson Cr. ([Schoolcraft Co.], is
Gar, Smelt, Suckers
closed). See List A for inland streams open to
hand netting.
Bowfin, Carp, Goldfish, All Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula
Mar. 20
Dip Net Gizzard Shad, Longnose streams, except Designated Trout Streams. See
– May 31
Gar, Smelt, Suckers List B for additional streams closed to dip netting.
Peshekee R. (Marquette Co.); Au Train R.
Burbot
Dec. 15 – (Alger Co.) from Au Train L. to mouth; Sturgeon
Hoop Net (permit required from
end of Feb. R. (Baraga Co.) from M-38 bridge to mouth;
local DNR office)
Sturgeon R. (Houghton Co.).
Open all Seine, Hand All waters, except Designated Trout Streams and
Minnows
year Net, Dip Net those waters closed to minnow harvest.
Open all Alewife, Minnows, Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit R.,
Cast Net
year Smelt, Gizzard Shad and St. Marys R.
*Review the netting exceptions list below and p. 24 for regulations that differ from those listed in the table above.
**For the purpose of this Order the term “suckers” refers to: suckers (longnose, white, northern hog, spotted), redhorse (silver,
golden, black, greater, shorthead), buffalo (bigmouth, black), lake chubsucker, and quillback carpsucker. The term “minnows” refers
to small baitfish used as bait: chubs, shiners, dace, stonerollers, sculpins (muddlers), mudminnows, and suckers.
Netting Exceptions Milakokia L. down to Heinz L.; Norton Cr. from

M-135 down to S. Manistique L.; Nunn’s Cr. from
LIST A – Inland Waters Open to Hand Netting M-134 to mouth; Pearson’s Cr. (T42N, R1W and
The following inland waters are open to use of R1E); Rabbits Back Cr. down from Mackinac
hand nets from March 1– May 31 for Bowfin, Trail; Scrams Cr. (T42N, R11W, S11); Taylor Cr.
Carp, Goldfish, Gizzard Shad, Longnose Gar, (T43N, R12W, S2, 11, 12, 13); MANISTEE: Little
Smelt, and Suckers: Bear Cr. down from Bear L. to trunkline US-31;
MENOMINEE: Big Cedar R. down from mouth
ALGER: Towes Cr.; W. Br. Whitefish R. from Sea
of Elwood Cr. (T35N, R25W, S11).
Lamprey Barrier (T44N, R21W, S29) downstream
500’ to posted signs; CHARLEVOIX: L.
LIST B – Inland Streams Closed to Dip Netting
Charlevoix and tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream;
It shall be unlawful to take or attempt to take
CHIPPEWA: Trout Cr. down from Big Trout L.
any species of fish with dip nets on the following
(T42N, R3E, S31); Prentiss Cr. (T42N, R2E); DELTA:
named streams:
Days R. from sea lamprey barrier downstream
for 500’; Rapid R. from Rapid River Falls (T42N, ARENAC: Au Gres R. from Saginaw Bay upstream
R21W, S19) down to Co. Rd S15; Escanaba R. to M-65 (T22N, R5E, S26); Rifle R. from Steve’s Rd.
from mouth to 1st dam upstream of US-2; Ford (T19N, R5E, S9) upstream; BENZIE: Cold Cr. from
R. down from Jaeger Rd.; HOUGHTON: Portage Crystal L. (T26N, R15W, S26) upstream; GRAND
L. and tributaries to 1/2 mile upstream; N. and TRAVERSE: Unnamed Cr. from Green L. (T26N,
S. Portage Canal and tributaries to 1/2 mile R12W, S20) upstream to Bridges L.; IOSCO: Au
upstream; Torch L. and tributaries to 1/2 mile Gres R. from Saginaw Bay upstream to M-65
upstream; LUCE: Little Two Hearted R. from (T22N, R5E, S26); LEELANAU: Houdek Cr. from
mouth upstream to bridge on Co. Rd. 412 (T50N, North Lake Leelanau (T31N, R12W, S35) upstream;
R9W, S25); MACKINAC: Doe Cr. (T43N, R10W, S9); MONROE: Huron R. from L. Erie upstream to
Foley Cr. down from I-75; Hoban Cr. down from Belleville Dam; Stony Cr. from L. Erie upstream
US-2; Hudson Cr. (T41N, R11W, S8); Martineau to Finzel Rd. (T5S, R8E, S23); WAYNE: Huron R.
Cr. down from I-75; McClouds Cr.; Milakokia R., from L. Erie upstream to Belleville Dam.

M I C H I G A N - W I S C O N S I N B O U N DA R Y WAT E R R E G U L AT I O N S
These rules and regulations supersede all others governing fishing on Michigan-Wisconsin
Boundary Waters that in any way conflict. Where regulations of Michigan and Wisconsin differ,
persons shall comply with the regulations of the state in whose territorial waters they are fishing.
The interstate boundary waters in which fishing 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 Counties, Michigan; Florence,
Marinette Counties, Wisconsin); Brule R. (Iron County, Michigan; Florence and Forest Counties,
Wisconsin); Brule Island Impoundment, upstream to a line running east-west through the first
island upstream from the junction of the Brule and Paint Rivers (Iron County, Michigan; Florence
County, Wisconsin); Smoky L. (Iron County, Michigan; Vilas County, 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 County, Michigan; Vilas County, Wisconsin); East Fork
Montreal R. up to the mouth of Layman Cr. (Gogebic County, Michigan; Iron County, Wisconsin);
Montreal R., Gogebic County, Michigan; Iron County, Wisconsin).
Legal fishing methods except on the Wisconsin side of the boundary

waters of Vilas County.
• Up to 3 lines per person with a total of 3 hooks
or baits may be used. • All residents of Michigan and Wisconsin
holding a resident sport fishing license
• Lines must be attended at all times. from their respective state, or residents of
• Dip nets not exceeding 9 feet square or in states other than Michigan and Wisconsin
diameter, without walls may be used in the holding a sport fishing license issued by
Menominee R. from Apr. 1- May 14 for taking either Michigan or Wisconsin, may fish in
of suckers, redhorse, carp, smelt, and burbot the boundary waters.
(except from Hattie Street Bridge in Marinette-
Menominee to the first dam upstream and
within 200 feet of all other dams). Weekly Fishing Report
• Fish shanties used in ice fishing must be Each week discover the latest fishing hot
legibly marked with the name and address of spots and tips used to catch specific species
owner, and persons placing a shanty on these all throughout Michigan—all courtesy of the
waters shall remove the shanty by midnight DNR’s Weekly Fishing Report! Here’s how
of Mar. 15. In Wisconsin boundary waters, fish you can access the report:
shanty doors cannot be locked from inside
during occupancy. • On the phone at 855-777-0908
• Crayfish may not be possessed or used for bait • Online at michigan.gov/fishingreport
on Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters. • Get it delivered to your inbox! Click on
• You may fish (troll) from a motorboat with the red envelope at michigan.gov/dnr
the motor running or a sailboat under sail
Go fishing with your family

Find a great place to fish
that is easy to access, has a high
likelihood of catching fish,
and is all-around family friendly!
Visit michigan.gov/fishing and look
for the red-and-white bobber to get
started! You’ll You’ll
started! find afind
mapaofmapMichigan.
of
Click onClick
Michigan. any on
county to
any county
michigan.gov/fishing tofind
findfamily-friendly
family-friendlyfishing
fishing
locations in that area. TM

Table 7: Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Water Regulations
(Hook & Line Only - Use of spear, bow and arrow and crossbow prohibited)
Daily
Species Minimum Size
Waters Seasons Possession
(Note 1) (inches)
Limit
Smoky L., Montreal
R., and Menominee
Open All Year 10"
R. mouths to 1st
dam.
Menominee R. and
Trout, Salmon 5
Montreal R. above
7"
1st dam. Brule R. Last Sat. in
mouth to US-2 Apr. - Sep. 30
Brule R. above Brook Trout 8"
US-2 bridge Brown Trout 12"
1st Sat. in May - Fri.
Catch-and-Immediate-Release
Smallmouth Bass All boundary before 3rd Sat. in Jun.
Largemouth Bass waters 3rd Sat. in Jun. -
14" 5 in combination
Nov. 30
All boundary
waters except 1st Sat. in May -
5 in combination
rivers and Mar. 1
impoundments
Walleye, Sauger 15"
Mar. 2 - Fri. before
1
All rivers and 1st Sat. in May
impoundments
1st Sat. in May - 5 in combination
Mar. 1 (See Note 2)
All boundary 1st Sat. in May -
Northern Pike none 5
waters Mar. 1
Bluegills,
All boundary
Crappies, Sunfish, Open All Year none 25 in combination
waters
Yellow Perch
Muskellunge
All boundary
(including Tiger May 15 - Nov. 30 40" (See Note 3)
waters
Muskellunge)
All boundary 1st Sat. in Sep. -
Lake Sturgeon 60" (See Note 4)
waters Sep. 30
All boundary
Channel Catfish Open All Year none 10
waters
Lake Whitefish
All boundary
Cisco (Lake Open All Year none 10 in combination
waters
Herring)
All boundary
All others Open All Year none none
waters
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 flowage. Note 2: On Lac Vieux Desert, the daily limit for walleye is 3. Note 3: A
non-transferable Muskellunge Harvest Tag must be obtained prior to harvesting any muskellunge. The tag has no cost and is available
at all license vendors. A harvested muskellunge shall be immediately tagged with a validated Muskellunge Harvest Tag. Muskellunge
harvest is limited to 1 muskellunge per angler per year (Apr. 1 – Mar. 31). For the Menominee River, from Hattie Street Dam downstream
to the end of the breakwalls in Green Bay, the minimum size limit for muskellunge is 50". Note 4: A non-transferable Lake Sturgeon
Fishing Permit and Harvest Tag must be obtained prior to fishing for lake sturgeon. The permit/tag is at no cost and available at all
license agents. A harvested lake sturgeon shall be immediately tagged with a validated Harvest Tag and be registered within 24 hours at
a designated registration site (for more information visit michigan.gov/sturgeon. Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to only 1 lake sturgeon
per angler per year (Apr. 1 – Mar. 31). 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 fishing only.

M I C H I G A N - I N D I A N A B O R D E R L A K E S
Michigan-Indiana Bordering Lakes

Residents of Indiana or Michigan fishing in any of the waters listed below and who possess a
valid fishing license for either state, shall be permitted to fish therein only in accordance with
the laws and regulations of the state having jurisdiction over that portion of the waters in which
fishing is done.
Clear Lake - Indiana, St. Joseph Co./South Clear Lake - 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 County 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 Whitefish Lakes.
Seasons Possession Limits

Statewide seasons apply for all fish species, • Largemouth or smallmouth bass must be
except that no fishing shall be allowed before returned immediately to the water without
the last Sat. in Apr. or after Oct. 31 of each year. injury and may not be possessed on the
special provision lakes of the Sylvania
Size Limits Wilderness Area.
• Lake trout: not less than 30".
• Northern pike, walleye and lake trout: not
• Walleye: not less than 20". more than 1 fish of any of these species.
• Northern pike: not less than 30". • All other species: 10 singly or in any
combination of species.
• All other species: no size limit.
Method of Take
• Hook-and-line fishing 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 artificial lure shall be counted
as 1 hook.
• Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may
be used. “Artificial lure” means any lure that
is man-made, in imitation of or as a substitute
for natural bait, used to attract fish for the
purpose of taking them, and shall include
artificial flies. Barbless hooks are defined
as a hook from which all barbs have been
deleted when manufactured, filed off, or
pinched down.
• Live bait, dead or preserved bait, organic or
processed food, or scented material may not
be used or possessed at any time on special
provision Sylvania Wilderness Area lakes.



V I R A L H E M O R R H A G I C S E P T I C E M I A V I R U S R E G U L AT I O N S
A fish disease known as Viral Hemorrhagic
Septicemia (VHS) was discovered in Michigan
waters. In an attempt to slow the spread of fish
diseases like VHS, the following regulations VHS Fish Species
have been put into place. NOTE: the regulations Atlantic salmon Northern pike
in effect concern only those species listed on the
right. Be sure to check michigan.gov/vhs for the Black bullhead Northern redbelly
most up-to-date regulations and information. Black crappie dace
Bluegill Pacific herring
Baitfish Exclusion Zones Bluntnose minnow Pumpkinseed
The following locations are vital to hatchery Brook trout Rainbow smelt
operations and require greater protection. Brown bullhead Rainbow trout
Therefore, baitfish shall not be used or possessed Channel catfish Redear sunfish
on the following waters: Cisco (lake herring) Rock bass
Benzie County: Brundage Cr. and tribs., Kinney Common shiner Sand shiner
Cr. and Stanley Cr., from its confluence with the Creek chub Smallmouth bass
Platte R. (T26N, R13W, S7), to their headwaters, Emerald shiner Spotfin shiner
including Brundage Spring Pond. Fathead minnow Spottail shiner
Chippewa County: Pendills L. (T47N, R4W, S25, Flathead catfish Walleye
26) including tributary Pendills Cr. downstream Golden shiner Warmouth
to its confluence with L. Superior (T47N, R4W, Green sunfish White bass
S28). Sullivan Cr. from its headwaters (T46N, Hybrid sunfish White crappie
R4W, S32) downstream to its confluence with Lake trout White sucker
the N. Br. of the Pine R. (T45N, R4W, S23).
Viddian Cr. from its headwaters (T47N, R4W, Lake whitefish Yellow bullhead
S32) downstream to its confluence with Pendills Largemouth bass Yellow perch
Cr. (T47N, R4W, S28). Muskellunge
Marquette County: Cherry Cr. from the location
of the Cherry Creek Rd. (T47N, R24W, S18) to the
headwaters at County Rd 480 (T47N, R25W, S22).
VHS Clinical Signs

General Statewide Provisions Photos from Dr. Mohamed Faisal, MSU
1. A person shall not stock baitfish, live fish or roe
in public waters of the state prior to receiving Hemorrhagic
a Fish Stocking Permit from the department areas on skin
and the permit must be in possession when Gizzard Shad,
transporting and stocking the fish. It is unlawful Lake St Clair
to import any uncertified baitfish species found
on the list of Susceptible Fish Species.
Hemorrhagic
2. Fish caught in a waterbody should only be
areas near eye
released into the waterbody where originally
Yellow perch,
caught and not transferred into another location
Lake St. Clair
where the fish could not have freely moved to.
3. All baitfish or fish collected for personal use
Typical
as bait or cut bait shall only be used for fishing
hemorrhagic
purposes in the original waters of collection
areas in swim
and must be used on a hook.
bladder
4. A person who trailers a boat over land shall Yellow perch,
drain all water from the live well(s) and the bilge Lake St. Clair
of their boat upon leaving any body of water.
Hemorrhagic
areas in muscle
Help Michigan’s waters tissue
stay world-class, put Yellow perch,
Lake St. Clair
unused bait in the trash!

E XC E P T I O N S TO G E N E R A L R E G U L AT I O N S BY CO U N T Y
Exceptions to General Regulations by County

Many water bodies have special regulations that differ from the general Hook & Line Fishing
(Table 1, p. 12), General Netting (Table 5, p. 23), and Bow and Spear Fishing regulations (Table
3, pages 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 Fishing Guide: General Regulations
tables cited above; Special Northern Pike and Muskellunge Regulations (see pages 14-15);
Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Regulations (see pages 24-25); and Sylvania Wilderness Area
Regulations (see p. 26).
Alger: Sat. in Apr. On the Kawkawlin R. downstream

from Euclid Ave. and the Saginaw R. and all
Rock R. closed to fishing from dam to lower foot
tributaries, the following regulations apply from
bridge downstream from M-28 Apr. 1 - Jun. 30.
Mar. 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in Apr.: unlawful
Duck and Echo Lks. (Grand Island), catch-and-
to fish with artificial baits or minnows (except
release on smallmouth bass. Pictured Rocks
that minnows may be used on both the Saginaw
National Lakeshore (contact park for regulation
R. main stem and Kawkawlin R. main stem);
specifics 906-387–3700).
natural baits may be fished only on a single-
pointed hook with not more than 1/2" between
Allegan: point and shank; weights may not be attached
Swan Cr. from mouth to dam at 118th Ave. fishing rigidly to hooks; no hook may be attached to the
restricted to one single-pointed unweighted hook line between any weight and the rod except on
not more than 3/8" from point to shank; from an unweighted dropper line at least 3" long; no
mouth upstream to diversion dam (“The Tubes,” beads, spinners or reflectors may be attached
T2N, R14W, S9) closed to fishing Sep. 1 - Nov. 30. to the line within 6" of any hook.
Antrim: Benzie:
Intermediate R. closed to fishing from Bellaire Platte R. restricted to only one single-pointed,
Dam to M-88 Bridge Apr. 1 - May 14. unweighted hook no larger than 3/8" from point
to shank; closed to fishing within 300 ft. of upper
Arenac: (hatchery) weir whenever weir is in place and
closed within 300 ft. of lower weir whenever
Saganing Cr. (upstream from State Rd.) and
weir is in place; closed to fishing from US-31
Pine R. (upstream from State Rd.) closed to
bridge at Veteran’s Park downstream to Platte
fishing Mar. 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in Apr.
L. Jan. 1 – Mar. 31. Betsie R. closed to fishing all
year within 100 feet of lamprey barrier and fish
Baraga: passage facility (T25N, R15W, S2). On all waters
Lakes of Craig Lake State Park (Clair, Craig, of the Betsie R., an artificial lure is defined as a
Crooked, Keewaydin, Nelligan, Teddy, and body bait, plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial
Thomas Lks.) artificial lures only; northern pike, lure is not a device primarily constructed of
muskellunge, largemouth bass, and smallmouth lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, terminal
bass must be released, minimum size on walleye fishing gear is restricted to single-pointed, un-
is 15", no size limit on other species; possession weighted hooks, measuring 1/2-inch or less from
limit on walleye is 2; otherwise, all general rules point to shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less
apply. Motorboats of all types prohibited on all from point to shank ONLY when attached to a
except Thomas and Keewaydin Lks.; Sturgeon body bait, plug, spinner or spoon.
R. from Prickett Dam downstream to mouth of
Clear Cr. (T50N, R35W, S12) closed to all fishing Berrien:
Apr. 1 - Jun. 30.
Townsend Cr. (T6S, R17W, S19), and the mouth
area of Lake Chapin, to a point 100 yards below
Barry: the Townsend Cr. mouth into Lake Chapin), it is
Williams L. open season is last Sat. in Apr. - Dec. unlawful to use other than one single-pointed,
15, catch-and-release only. unweighted hook measuring 3/8" or less from
point to shank.
Bay:
Kawkawlin R. and all tributaries upstream of Calhoun:
Euclid Ave., and Saganing Cr. (upstream from
Harts L. catch-and-release only for all species.
State Rd.) and Pine R. (upstream from State Rd.)
closed to fishing Mar. 16 - Fri. before the last

Cass: (Stockyard Pond, T40N, R21W, S5) closed to
fishing all year.
Corey and Stone Lks. minimum size limit on
largemouth bass is 10".
Dickinson:
Charlevoix: See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters
Regulations (see pages 24-25). Fumee L.
Medusa Cr. and area of L. Michigan for a radius
county ordinance currently prohibits access
of 100’ of mouth closed to fishing when weir is
for the purpose of fishing. Hamilton, Louise,
in place. Boyne R. from mouth upstream to dam
and Mary Lks. no possession of largemouth
(T32N, R5W, S5) restricted to one single-pointed,
and smallmouth bass from the last Sat. in May
unweighted hook no larger than 3/8" from point
- Jun. 20.
to shank. On L. Michigan, within one-half mile
of the following islands of the Beaver Island
Archipelago: Beaver, Garden, High and Hog
Emmet:
the possession season for largemouth and Bear R. from mouth upstream to Lake Street
smallmouth bass is Jul. 1 - Dec. 31 and open to Dam (T34N, R5W, S6) restricted to one single-
bass CIR all year. pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 3/8"
from point to shank.
Cheboygan:
Mullett L. proper, Cheboygan R. from Mullett
Genesee:
L. downstream to Cheboygan Dam (T38N, Flint R. downstream from the Holloway Dam
R1W, S31), and Black R. from Alverno Dam and all tributaries, the following regulations
(T37N, R1W, S35) downstream to its confluence apply from Mar. 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in
with the Cheboygan R. (Cheboygan Co.): The Apr.: unlawful to fish with artificial baits or
daily possession limit for walleye is 3 and the minnows (except that minnows may be used
season for harvest of walleye is May 15 – Mar. upstream of Hamilton St. Dam and all respective
15, inclusive. Cheboygan R., Indian R., or Black tributaries T7N, R7E, S7); natural baits may
R. unlawful to fish during Apr. 1 - Jun. 15 with be fished only on a single-pointed hook with
spear, bow and arrow, crossbow, dip net or not more than 1/2" between point and shank;
gaff. Black R. between Kleber Dam and Red weights may not be rigidly attached to hooks; no
Bridge (T35N, R1E, S5) unlawful to fish in any hook may be attached to the line between any
manner during Oct.1 - Jun. 15. Lower Black R. weight and the rod except on an unweighted
from Alverno Dam down to Mograin Bridge, no dropper line at least 3" long; no beads, spinners
fishing Apr. 1 - May 14. Black L. and tributaries or reflectors may be attached to the line within
no commercial minnow take; sturgeon fishing 6" of any hook.
prohibited except under special season (see p.
15). Douglas L. Pike Marsh closed to fishing Gogebic:
when marsh is in operation.
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for yellow
perch is 25 with no more than 5 yellow perch
Chippewa: 12" or greater. Anglers may possess up to 2
Potagannissing R. from Potagannissing Dam walleye between 13" - 15" as part of their daily
downstream to Maxton Rd. (T42N, R6E, S15) possession limit of walleye. See also Michigan-
closed to fishing Mar. 16 - May 14. L. Huron and Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations (see
St. Marys R., yellow perch minimum size is 7". pages 24-25). Sylvania Wilderness Area
regulations (see p. 26).
Crawford:
Wakeley L. open season Jun. 15 - Aug. 31, catch-
Grand Traverse:
and-release fishing with artificial lures only. It Boardman R. closed to fishing whenever weir is
shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, in place from 300’ above to 300’ below. Arbutus
dead bait, organic or processed food or scented and Spider Lks. largemouth and smallmouth
material at any time on the shore or water. Jones bass minimum size limit is 10".
L. open season Jun. 1 - Sep. 30, catch-and-release
fishing with artificial lures only. Iosco:
Au Gres R. from 50’ upstream of Allen Rd.
Delta: bridge to 500’ downstream closed to all fishing
Little Bay de Noc north of a line drawn from Mar. 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in Apr. E. Br. Au
Peninsula Point Lighthouse to the mouth of the Gres R. between DNR lamprey barrier and
Bark R.; no more than 1 walleye 23" or greater Legget Rd. closed to fishing Dec. 1 - Fri. before
in daily possession limit. Rapid R. Borrow Pit last Sat. in Apr. Au Sable R. from Foote Dam

(including the apron) to 175’ downstream from (upstream from Upper Falls) muskellunge
the dam closed to fishing all year. minimum size limit is 38".
Iron: Mackinac:
Winslow L. no possession of walleye. See
Mackinac, Shephard, and Flower Bays closed
also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters
to fishing Mar. 15 - May 14. L. Huron yellow
Regulations (see pages 24-25). Chicagon L.
perch minimum size is 7".
and L. Ottawa, daily possession limit of whitefish
and cisco (lake herring) is 5 in any combination.
L. Ottawa no possession of largemouth
Macomb:
and smallmouth bass. Fire and Indian Lks. On the Clinton R. cut-off channel (T2N, R13E):
largemouth and smallmouth bass possession from spillway weir to the Harper Rd. Bridge: the
limit is 1 fish and minimum size limit is 18". following regulations apply from Mar. 16 - Fri.
before the last Sat. in Apr.: unlawful to fish with
Isle Royale National Park: artificial baits or minnows; natural baits may be
Michigan fishing laws apply and state license fished only on a single-pointed hook with not more
required on L. Superior waters of park. Artificial than 1/2” between point and shank; weights may
baits only on inland waters. On L. Superior, not be rigidly attached to hooks; no hook may be
within 4.5 miles of Isle Royale, no possession attached to the line between any weight and the
of brook trout. (Contact park for specific rod except on an unweighted dropper line at least
regulations 906-482-0984) 3” long; no beads, spinners, or reflectors may be
attached to the line within 6” of any hook.
Kalkaska:
Cub L. (T27N, R5W, S19) largemouth and
Manistee:
smallmouth bass minimum size limit is 10". Little Manistee R. 300’ above and below the
DNR weir is closed to fishing all year; from
Lake: 300’ above DNR weir to Spencers Bridge closed
to fishing Jan. 1 - Mar. 31; also from 300’ below
Big Bass L. (T20N, R14W, S34) largemouth and
DNR weir to mouth closed to fishing Sep. 1
smallmouth bass minimum size limit is 10".
- Nov. 14 and Jan. 1 - Mar. 31. South end of
Manistee L. (south of a line from red post 100
Leelanau: ft. south of boat launch on east side of lake to
North Manitou L. bass minimum size limit is a red post near south end of Packaging Corp.
18", the possession limit is 1; fishing restricted to on west side of lake), closed to fishing Sep. 6 -
artificial lures only; live bait, dead or prepared Oct. 15 or to when the quota of Chinook eggs
bait, organic or processed food, or scented has been taken. On all waters of the Betsie R.,
materials may not be possessed on the water all waters of Bear Cr. (Manistee Co.), and the
or the shore. Florence L. (S. Manitou Is.) fishing Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream
restricted to artificial lures only; live bait, dead to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W,
or prepared bait, organic or processed food, S6), an artificial lure is defined as a body bait,
or scented materials may not be possessed on plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial lure is not
the water or the shore. No person shall take or a device primarily constructed of lead. From
attempt to take minnows for personal use from Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, terminal fishing
Hatlem’s Cr. gear is restricted to single-pointed, un-weighted
hooks, measuring 1/2-inch or less from point
Livingston: to shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less from
point to shank ONLY when attached to a body
Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area)
bait, plug, spinner or spoon.
Mar. 15 - Mar. 31 no fishing; Apr. 1 - Fri. before
the last Sat. in Apr., catch-and-release of trout
with artificial lures only; last Sat. in Apr. - Mar.
Marquette:
14 statewide regulations apply. No person shall Deer L. Basin, Carp R. downstream from M-28
take or attempt to take minnows for personal use (T47N, R27W, S4), and all other tributaries to
from Kent L. including the Huron R. upstream Deer L. Basin fishing restricted to artificial
to the Hubbell Millpond dam in Milford. lures, catch-and-release only; live bait, dead
or prepared bait, organic or processed food,
Luce: or scented materials may not be possessed
on the water or the shore. Fish L. largemouth
Unlawful to launch or retrieve motorized vessel
and smallmouth bass minimum size 18" and
(greater than 5 horsepower) from state land on
possession limit is 1 bass only. Salmon-Trout
the E. Branch Fox R. from M-28 to the mouth
R., from Lower Falls to mouth closed to fishing
of Cold Cr. Tahquamenon R. and tributaries
Aug. 15 - Fri. before last Sat. in Apr.

Mason: Oceana:
On the Sable R. from mouth upstream to Hamlin No person shall take or attempt to take minnows
Lake Dam, an artificial lure is defined as a body for personal use from Silver L. and all tributaries.
bait, plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial lure is
not a device primarily constructed of lead. From Ontonagon:
Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, terminal fishing gear is
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for yellow
restricted to single-pointed, un-weighted hooks,
perch is 25 with no more than 5 yellow perch
measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank
12" or greater. Anglers may possess up to 2
or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less from point to
walleye between 13" - 15" as part of their daily
shank ONLY when attached to a body bait, plug,
possession limit of walleye. W. Br. Ontonagon
spinner or spoon.
R. from confluence with Victoria Hydro tailrace
upstream to Victoria Dam is closed to fishing
Menominee: Apr. 1 - Jun. 10. Lake of the Clouds fishing
Michigan waters of Green Bay: see note 3 p. 13. restricted to artificial lures only. It shall be
See also Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead bait,
Regulations (see pages 24-25). organic or processed food or scented material
at any time on the shore or water. No spearing,
Midland: no possession of smallmouth bass. Ontonagon
R. no more than 1 walleye over 25" may be
Tittabawassee R. between Sanford Dam and
possessed in the daily possession limit.
mouth of the Salt R. and between Dow Dam and
Gordonville Bridge, closed to fishing from Mar.
16 - Fri. before last Sat. in Apr. On the Chippewa,
Otsego:
Pine, Salt, and Tittabawassee R. and all their Otsego L. Pike Marsh closed to fishing
tributaries the following regulations apply from whenever marsh is in operation. Otsego L. see
Mar. 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in Apr.: unlawful lake sturgeon regulations (see p. 15).
to fish with artificial baits or minnows; natural
baits may be fished only on a single-pointed Presque Isle:
hook with not more than 1/2" between point
Clinton Cr. closed to fishing Apr. 1 - May 14.
and shank; weights may not be rigidly attached
Grand L. Pike Marsh unlawful for any person
to hooks; no hook may be attached to the line
other than state employee to use or operate a
between any weight and the rod except on an
motorized vehicle on the access road leading
unweighted dropper line at least 3" long; no
from US-23 to the Grand L. Pike Marsh during
beads, spinners or reflectors may be attached
Mar. - May, closed to fishing whenever marsh is
to the line within 6" of any hook.
operating. Rainy R. from confluence with Black
L. upstream to N. Allis Rd. Bridge (T35N, R2E,
Montmorency: S15) closed to fishing Apr. 1 - May 14. Shuberts
East Fish, West Fish, and Middle Fish Lks., Cr. (Monaghan Cr.) from Long L. upstream
Fuller Cr. Pond, Hunt Cr. (above Section Z to Clinton Cr. Rd. (T33N, R7E, S14), closed to
bulkhead T29N, R2E, S25), and Fuller Cr. (in fishing Apr. 1 - May 14. Swan R. from 300’ above
the Hunt Cr. Trout Research Station Area), no weir to mouth closed to fishing whenever weir
fishing. North and South Blue Lks., open season is in place.
is the last Sat. in Apr. - Sep. 30, catch-and-release
only, artificial lures only. Roscommon:
Backus Cr. from confluence with Cut R.
Newaygo: upstream to Little Mud L. Dam closed to fishing
Baptist L., no possession of walleye, channel Mar. 23 - Apr. 23. Cut R. from confluence with
catfish, flathead catfish or bullheads; Brush Backus Cr. upstream to outlet at Marl L. closed
and Sand Lks. no possession of channel catfish, to fishing Mar. 23 - Apr. 23.
flathead catfish or bullheads.
St. Joseph:
Oakland: Big Pleasant and Corey Lks. minimum size
Upper Bushman L. catch-and-release only for limit for largemouth bass is 10".
all species. No person shall take or attempt to
take minnows for personal use from Kent L. Saginaw:
including the Huron R. upstream to the Hubbell
On the Bad, Cass, Flint, Saginaw, Shiawassee
Millpond Dam in Milford.
and Tittabawassee Rivers and all their
tributaries the following regulations apply from
Mar. 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in Apr.: unlawful
to fish with artificial baits or minnows, except

that minnows may be used on the Saginaw Van Buren:
R., Swan Cr. and tributaries, and the Bad R.
S. Branch Black R. and all tributaries upstream
and tributaries upstream from confluence with
of Breedsville (Mill Str.) restricted to only one
Pickerel Cr. (T10N, R3E, S4); natural baits may
single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than
be fished only on a single-pointed hook with
3/8" from point to shank.
not more than 1/2" between point and shank;
weights may not be attached rigidly to hooks; no
hook may be attached to the line between any
Washtenaw:
weight and the rod except on an unweighted Huron R. from Mast Rd. Bridge in Dexter (T1S,
dropper line at least 3" long; no beads, spinners R5E, S32) downstream to Delhi Rd. Bridge (T2S,
or reflectors may be attached to the line within R5E, S2) catch-and-release only on largemouth
6" of any hook. and smallmouth bass. Horseshoe L. largemouth
bass possession limit is 1, minimum size is 14";
Schoolcraft: northern pike possession limit is 1, sunfish
(Note 5, p. 14) possession limit is 10.
Thompson Cr. closed to use of hand nets. Seney
National Wildlife Refuge waters have limited
fishing, contact Refuge office (906-586-9851). On
the Big Island Lakes Complex (Big Island,
Bluegill, Byers, Center, Cucumber, Coattail,
Farm (Blush), Jarr, Klondike, McInnes, Onega,
Pear, Mid, Nevilles, Townline, Upper, and
Vance lakes) no wheeled or motorized vehicles
(including electric or outboard motors) are
allowed; artificial lures only; no spearing,
no netting, and use of live bait prohibited;
muskellunge and northern pike open season
May 15 - Nov. 30, minimum size limit 42", and
possession limit is 1 northern pike; muskellunge
(including tiger muskellunge) is limited to
1 fish per year per angler and anglers must
have a muskellunge harvest tag to harvest
a muskellunge (see p. 9); bass fishing is
open from Sat. before Memorial Day - Nov. 30,
minimum size limit 18", and possession limit is
1; perch, bluegill, and pumpkinseed open season Stocking Public Waters
is from last Sat. in Apr. – Nov. 30, possession Find out if any fish have been stocked in your
limit is 5 fish in combination; all other fish no favorite spot with your favorite sport fish at
open season. Unlawful to launch or retrieve michigandnr.com/fishstock
motorized vessel (greater than 5 horsepower)
from state land on the E. Branch Fox R. from
M-28 to the mouth of Cold Cr.
EAT SAFE FISH – Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guide.

There are many health benefits to eating fish. However, to get the most benefits, the Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends eating fish that are low in
chemical contaminants. You can use the Eat Safe Fish Guide (ESF Guide) to find fish that have been
tested for chemicals and are safe for everyone to eat.
• MDHHS tests only the parts of the fish 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 fish is to use the MDHHS ESF Guide. Get yours today!
Chemicals can be in fish that you catch or buy from anywhere in the world, but
there are always good choices for eating. To get a free copy of the MDHHS ESF
Guide and other helpful information about choosing and eating safe fish, visit
michigan.gov/eatsafefish or call MDHHS at 1-800-648-6942.

A N G L E R R I G H T S O N P U B L I C S T R E A M S
Angler Rights On Public Personal Flotation Devices

Streams (PFD)
On fenced or posted property or farm property, When selecting a PFD, be sure to read the label
an angler wading or floating a navigable public to verify that it is appropriate for a person of
stream may, without written or oral consent, your size and weight. Try your PFD on to make
enter upon property within the clearly defined sure it fits properly and check to make sure it is
banks of the stream, or without damaging farm U.S. Coast Guard approved.
products, walk a route as closely proximate
to the clearly defined bank as possible when Craft under 16 feet long:
necessary to avoid a natural or artificial hazard
For Great Lakes and connecting waterways, the
or obstruction, including, but not limited to a
U.S. Coast Guard requires all vessels less than
dam, deep hole or fence or other exercise of
16 feet to carry one wearable approved Type I, II
ownership by the riparian owner.
or III PFD for each person on board. For inland
However, per the Michigan Penal Code
waters not connected to the Great Lakes, each
Section 552c, a person is prohibited from
person on board must have either a wearable
intentionally and without authority or
or throwable PFD.
permission from entering in or upon premises
or structures belonging to another person
that is a "key facility" if that key facility is
Craft 16 feet or longer:
completely enclosed by a physical barrier of If your boat is 16 feet or longer, you must have
any kind. A key facility includes: a chemical on board at least one throwable PFD (Type IV),
manufacturing facility; a refinery; an electric PLUS one of any of these wearable PFDs for
utility facility; a water intake structure or each person on board:
water treatment facility; a natural gas facility;
• Offshore Life Jacket (Type I)
gasoline, propane, liquid natural gas, or other
fuel terminal or storage facility; a transportation • Near-shore Bouyant Vest (Type II)
facility; a pulp or paper manufacturing facility;
• Flotation Aid (Type III)
a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility; a
hazardous waste storage, treatment or disposal
facility; and a telecommunication facility.
Michigan law requires:
• Everyone operating, riding or being towed
Railroad Rights-Of-Way by a personal watercraft must wear a non-
inflatable Type I, II or III PFD.
Railroad rights-of-way are private property.
• Persons less than 6 years old must wear a
Trespassing on railroad property, including the
Type I or Type II PFD when riding on the
trestles and bridges, is a misdemeanor. Written
open deck area of a boat.
permission must be obtained from the railroad
company to be exempt from railway trespass. Learn more at: www.boat-ed.com/michigan/
handbook/book.html
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
fishing as a legitimate form of recreation and
as a useful tool in the management of aquatic
resources. Michigan Conservation Officers
are committed to protecting anglers from the
intentional disruption of the fishing experience.
Individuals whose fishing is being obstructed
should promptly report the violation to the DNR
by calling a local conservation officer, the nearest
DNR office, or toll free at 800-292-7800 (Report
All Poaching hotline).

M A S T E R A N G L E R AWA R D S
Master Angler Awards

The Master Angler Patch is awarded to all entries meeting the established minimum length for
Catch-and-Keep and Catch-and-Immediate-Release entries. Please note there is no longer a weight
requirement for Catch-and-Keep entries. All fish must be taken by legal Michigan sportfishing
methods, during the open season, and in Michigan waters OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. DNR Fisheries
Division reserves the right to reject any application if the entry does not meet the established
criteria. Only 1 patch will be awarded for both Catch-and-Keep AND Catch-and-Immediate-
Release entries. No more than 1 patch per species will be awarded to each angler per year.
• The Master Angler Certificate is awarded

to anglers who catch one of the top 5 fish of Releasing a Fish
each species in both the Catch-and-Keep and When practicing catch-and-release, please
the Catch-and-Immediate-Release categories. follow these suggestions to reduce the risk
Anglers catching a State Record fish also of injury to the fish:
receive this award.
• Never use a gaff.
• Measuring the length of your fish: Measure
• Land your catch carefully and quickly.
your fish from the tip of the nose (or lower
Avoid handling the fish at all and remove
jaw) to tip of the tail in a straight line. Do NOT
the hook gently with pliers.
measure in a curve around the body from nose
to tail. Measure to the closest 1/8". Tail and • Use a landing net made of soft or knotless
jaw should be pinched together. mesh and always try to net your fish head
first.
• Applications are available at all Customer
Service Centers (see p. 59) and at michigan. • Try to keep the fish in the water and gently
gov/masterangler. The deadline for submitting cradle it while carefully removing the hook.
an entry is Jan. 10, 2017 and 2018. Each
• Leave your fish in the water until you are
application must have a photo submitted
ready to take a photo.
as well. Applications and photos may be
submitted either all electronically or via • Do not squeeze the fish and keep your
the mail. Electronic applications and photos fingers out of the fish’s gills since a torn gill
may be sent to [email protected]. could cause the fish to bleed to death.
Mailed applications and photos may be sent
• Touch your fish as little as possible. Always
to: Fisheries Division, Michigan Department
wet your hands when touching your fish.
of Natural Resources, PO Box 30446, Lansing,
MI 48909. • Cut the line near the hook if a fish is deeply
hooked. A steel hook will rust away leaving
• State Record fish are recognized by weight
the fish unharmed.
only. To qualify, your fish must exceed
the current listed State Record weight and • Release your fish, pointing it into a slow
identification must be verified by a DNR current or gently moving it back and forth
fisheries biologist. See the list of Customer until its gills are working properly and
Service Centers on p. 59. the fish regains its balance. Once fully
recovered, allow the fish to swim from your
hands (big fish may take longer to recover).
Length Pinch mouth closed

Measurement
Directions
Measure fish 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
1/8th". Tail and jaw should
be pinched together. Pinch tail to form a point

Minimum Entry Lengths/Weights and Current State Records
Catch-and-Immediate-Release and Catch-and-Keep Entries must meet minimum length.
Minimum Entry Current State

Species
Length (inches) Record (lbs.-oz.)
Bass, Largemouth 22" 11-15
Bass, Rock 11.5" 3-10
Bass, Smallmouth 21" 9-5
Bass, White 16" 6-7
Bluegill 10" 2-12
Buffalo, Bigmouth 32" 24-12
Buffalo, Black 26" 44-9
Bullhead, Black 14" 3-7
Bullhead, Brown 14" 3-12.3
Bullhead, Yellow 14" 3-9.6
Bowfin 27" 14-0
Burbot 26" 18-4
Carp (Note 1) 30" 61-8* / 45-0**
Carpsucker, Quillback 19" 8-8
Catfish, Channel 29" 40-0
Catfish, Flathead 29" 52-0
Cisco (Lake Herring) 16" 5-6
Crappie, Black 14" 4-2
Crappie, White 14" 3-6
Freshwater Drum 25" 28-10
Gizzard Shad 16" 4-2
Lake Sturgeon 50" 193-0
Longnose Gar 32" 18-0
Muskellunge, Great Lks. 42" 58-0
Muskellunge, Northern 42" 49-12
Muskellunge, Tiger 42" 51-3
Northern Pike 40" 39-0
Perch, White 10" 2-0
Perch, Yellow 14" 3-12
Salmon, Atlantic 32" 32-10
Salmon, Chinook 39" 46-1
Salmon, Coho 31" 30-9
Salmon, Pink 21" 8-9
Smelt 10" 12"
Splake 25" 17-8
Sucker, Longnose 17" 6-14
Sucker, N. Hog 13" 2-8
Sucker, Redhorse 22" 12-14.2
Sucker, White 20" 7-3
Sunfish, Green 9" 1-8
Sunfish, Hybrid 10" 1-7
Sunfish, Pumpkinseed 9" 2-2.4
Sunfish, Redear 10" 2-5.8
Sunfish, Warmouth 9" 1-6
Trout, Brook 15" 9-8
Trout, Brown 32" 41-7.2
Trout, Lake 34" 61-8
Trout, Rainbow (Steelhead) 32" 26-8
Walleye 29" 17-3
Whitefish, Lake 23" 14-4.5
Whitefish, Menominee 15" 4-0
Note 1: *State record Carp; **Largest hook & line Carp

K N O W YO U R F I S H CO M M O N F I S H S P E C I E S
Lake Trout Brook Trout wormy marks on back Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
spotted back white mouth
well forked tail black and white 10–12 anal fin rays spotted tail
tail slightly forked
edges on fins
Splake wormy marks on back Rainbow Trout Pink Salmon black spots on upper
back and adipose fin
usually pink streak

tail slightly forked spotted tail with
13–19 anal fin rays black spots on tail
definite fork
Brown Trout Atlantic Salmon Smallmouth Bass vertical bars

red or orange spots
boxy shaped body torpedo shaped body on sides
upper jaw extends

beyond rear of eye square tail upper jaw extends upper jaw
black “x” marks
Abdomen usually yellow to rear of eye does not extend beyond back of eye
on upper body
Coho Salmon small spots on Chinook “King” Salmon Largemouth Bass

upper portion of tail large black spots over tail dark horizontal band
and upper portion of body
dark mouth with

whitish gums 13–15 anal fin rays dark mouth and gums upper jaw extends
15–17 anal fin rays beyond back of eye
Northern Pike Rock Bass

bean shaped yellowish spots on green background
five or less sensory red eye

pores per side on lower jaw cheek fully scaled but only
upper half of gill cover scaled six spines
Muskellunge Black Crappie

dark bars or spots on light background seven or more
dorsal spines
six or more sensory

pores per side on lower jaw only upper half of cheek and
gill covers are scaled

Species images courtesy of Joseph R. Tomelleri
Pumpkinseed (Sunfish) Bluegill Redear Sunfish (female)

dark spot black ear flap
red or scarlet spot black flap with red border
turquoise and yellow bands pointed pectoral fin
Yellow Perch 6 to 8 dark bands Walleye dark blotch and fins not connected
no sharp
canine teeth eyes are very reflective white tip
Flathead Catfish square tail fin Channel Catfish forked tail fin
lower jaw extends upper jaw extends

beyond upper jaw beyond lower jaw
Cisco adipose fin Burbot split dorsal fin Bowfin black spot at base of tail
pelvic fins close

pointed snout long, cylindrical barbel to gills and long anal fin pelvic fins set back from short anal fin
with long lower jaw body pectoral fins gills and pectoral fins
Marked and Tagged Fish

In evaluating fish stocks, the DNR often marks fish with a visible tag, an internal tag or fin clips. If
you catch a tagged fish, please record the tag number and as much of the following information
as possible: species, length, weight, sex and the date and location caught. Enter the data online at
michigan.gov/taggedfish or take it to the nearest drop off location (see michigan.gov/taggedfish,
“Coded Wire Tags”). If releasing the fish, carefully remove and retain the tag from all species
EXCEPT lake sturgeon. This will allow for more accurate recording of the tag number.
Many Great Lakes trout or salmon have been marked with a microscopic coded-wire tag implanted
in the head of the fish. Fish with these tags
can be identified by the absence of the
adipose fin. If you catch and keep a trout or
salmon with ONLY its adipose fin missing,
that fish could have such a tag. Please
record the species, length, weight, sex and
the date and location caught; freeze only
the head and take it to your nearest drop Jaw Adipose Fin
site location as indicated above. Tag

I N L A N D T R O U T & S A L M O N R E G U L AT I O N S
Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations

The information in this section (pages 38-58) provides fishing regulations that pertain only to
the taking of trout and salmon from inland waters. Check the county listings, arranged by county, on
pages 44-58 for specific 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. 39), or the gear restricted streams section (pages 40-43). 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/fishingguide. During closed season dates on inland trout and salmon
waters, fishing 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 (pages
28-32) for other restrictions.
Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations

The following regulations pertain only to inland lake Types A - F as listed on pages 44-58.
R E G U L AT I O N S
Maps are available online at: michigan.gov/fishingguide
Atlantic Salmon
Coho, Chinook,
Fishing Season
Rainbow Trout,
& Pink Salmon

Brown Trout,
Brook Trout
Possession
Possession
Lake Trout
Lake Type
& Splake
Season
Tackle
Limit
Daily
Minimum Size Limit (inches)

Last Sat. in Last Sat. in All except
A 5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
Apr. - Sep. 30 Apr. - Sep. 30 minnows
S A L M O N
B Open All Year Open All Year All 5/3* 10" 12" 15" 10" 15"
C Open All Year Open All Year All 5/3* 8" 8" 8" 10" 15"
Last Sat. in Last Sat. in Artificial
D 1 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
Apr. - Sep. 30 Apr. - Sep. 30 lures only**
E Open All Year Open All Year All 3+ 15" 15" 15" 10" 15"
&
F Open All Year Open All Year All 5/3^ 10" 10" 10" 10" 10"
T R O U T
* 5 fish, 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, organic or processed food or scented material
on any of the waters or on shore.
^ 5 fish in any combination, but no more than 3 fish of any one species, except up to 5 salmon (Chinook or coho) may be retained.
I N L A N D
+ 3 fish in combination
Designated Trout Lakes:

All Type A and all Type D lakes are designated trout lakes (see p. 8).
Regulations for Lakes Not Classified as Lake Type:

Except for lakes in the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters and Sylvania Wilderness Area,
any other inland lake not classified by Type is open all year to the taking of trout with an 8-inch
minimum size limit and 5 fish daily possession limit, no more than 3 of which may be 15" or
greater. Artificial lures and all types of natural bait may be used. See pages 24-25 and 26 for
Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters and Sylvania Wilderness Area regulations, respectively.

Inland Trout & Salmon Stream Regulations
The following regulations pertain only to inland stream Types 1 - 4, Research Areas (RA), and Brook Trout
Restoration Areas (BTRA) as listed on pages 44-58. Maps are available online at: michigan.gov/fishingguide.
All types of natural and artificial baits may
Daily
be used on stream Types 1-4 Minimum Size Limit
Possession
Note: chumming is prohibited on stream (inches)
Limit
Types 1-4 (p. 8).
Atlantic,
Chinook,
Coho
Stream Type & Pink
(Colors below Salmon,
Fishing Possession Brook Brown All Trout
are indicated Lake
Season Season Trout Trout and Salmon
accordingly on the Trout,
maps online.) Rainbow
I N L A N D
Trout
(Steelhead),
Splake
1
Last Sat. in Last Sat. in Apr. -
(Approx. 1,400 7" 8"
Apr. - Sep. 30 Sep. 30
streams)
2 Last Sat. in Last Sat. in Apr. -
10" 12"
T R O U T
(14 streams) Apr. - Sep. 30 Sep. 30
3
Open All Year Open All Year 15" 15" 5 fish,
(60 streams)
Last Sat. in but no more
10"
Apr. - Sep. 30 than 3 trout
for Brook Trout, 15" or greater
4 Brown Trout, and
&
Open All Year Atlantic Salmon 7" 10"
(130 streams)
Open all year for
S A L M O N
all other Trout and
Salmon
Research Areas: Portions of the Bryan Creek (Marquette and Dickinson Counties), East Branch Huron
River (Baraga and Marquette Counties), East Branch Tahquamenon River (Chippewa County), East
Branch Ontonagon River (Houghton and Iron Counties), Dead River (Marquette County), Driggs River
(Schoolcraft County), Presque Isle River and tributaries (Gogebic County), Rock River and tributaries
Research Areas (Alger County), and Salmon-Trout River (Marquette County) allow for possession of 5 additional brook t rout.
(RA) Spring Mill Pond (Livingston County) is under special regulations as indicated on p. 52. We apologize for
this confusion, the printed version of the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide does not reflect this description.
All of these waters are indicated on the online maps (michigan.gov/fishingguide) with gray shading. Please
see the county listings for specific regulations on these waters.
The following locations have more restrictive Brook Trout regulations. Fishing regulations on these
waters shall supersede those in other sections which in any way conflict with the following: the harvest
season for Brook Trout is from the last Saturday in April - September 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. Click here for color-coded maps.
ig Garlic River and tributaries (Marquette
1. B 5. Pilgrim River (Houghton County), from
County), from County Road 550 (T50N, R26W, Paradise Road (T54N, R33W, S5) downstream
S33) downstream to Lake Superior (T50N, to mouth at Portage Lake (T54N, R33W, S7).
R26W, S21). 6. Portage/Torch Lake system (including the
Brook Trout 2. B
ig Huron River (Baraga and Marquette Portage River, Portage Canal, North Entry and
Counties), from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, South Entry, Houghton County).
Restoration S35) downstream to Lake Superior (T52N, 7. Ravine River (Baraga County), from Sicotte
Areas (BTRA) R29W, S18). Road (T51N, R31W, S2) downstream to Huron
3. Iron River (Marquette County), from Lake Bay (T51N, R31W, S4).
Independence Dam (T51N, R27W, S13) 8. Silver River (Baraga County), from Silver River
downstream to Lake Superior (T51N, R26W, Falls (T51N, R32W, S26) downstream to Huron
S18). Bay (T51N, R31W, S18).
4. L ittle Huron River (Marquette County), from 9. Slate River (Baraga County), from Slate River
unnamed bridge crossing located at the Falls (1/2 mile upstream from Skanee Road
southern border of section 20 (T52N, R29W, T51N, R31W, S9) downstream to Huron Bay
S20) downstream to Lake Superior (T52N, (T51N, R31W, S8).
R29W, S17).
Designated Trout Streams:

All Type 1, all Type 2, all Gear Restricted Streams, all Research Areas (RA), and all Brook Trout
Restoration Areas (BTRA) are designated trout streams. Most Type 3 and most Type 4 streams
are designated trout streams (check the online maps for more information).
Regulations for Streams Not Classified as Stream Type or

Listed as a Gear Restricted Stream
Except for streams in the Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters, any other inland stream not
classified by Type is open to trout fishing all year with an 8-inch minimum size limit and a 5
fish 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.
Artificial lures and all types of natural bait may be used. Please see pages 24-25 for Michigan-
Wisconsin Boundary Waters regulations.
Gear Restricted Streams

The following streams have regulations that differ from those in Types 1–4 as listed on Inland Trout
& Salmon Regulations. On all streams managed under gear restrictions, it shall be unlawful to use
or possess live bait, dead or preserved bait, organic or processed food, or scented material on any of
the waters or on shore (this restriction does not apply when a stream is under Type regulations). Gear
Restricted Streams are indicated in red color on the maps online at michigan.gov/fishingguide.
Au Sable River North Branch (Crawford County) from Sheep

Ranch (T28N, R2W, S12; 44° 49’ 40.470" N/ 84°
Mainstream (Crawford County) from
29’ 25.933" W) to confluence with Mainstream:
Burton’s Landing (T26N, R3W, S11) to South
Fishing Season: open all year; Possession
Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley Bridge):
Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30 for brook trout
S A L M O N

and brown trout; open all year for rainbow trout;
Season: closed all year; except for children under
Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily Possession
12 the possession season is open all year; Tackle:
Limit: 2 trout with no more than 1 trout 18" or
artificial flies only; Daily Possession Limit:
greater; Size Limits: minimum size limit: brook
zero trout; except children under 12 may keep
trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown trout — 18".
1 trout; Size Limits: for children under 12 there
Mileage: 20.7 miles
is an 8-inch minimum size limit and a 12-inch
maximum size limit for trout. Mileage: 9.0 miles. South Branch (Crawford County) from Chase
&
Bridge Rd. (Chase Bridge) to Lower High

Mainstream (Crawford County) from South
Banks (T25N, R2W, S13; 44° 33’ 49.735" N/
Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley Bridge) to
T R O U T
84° 29’ 59.107" W): Fishing season: open all

McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters Bridge):
year; Possession Season: closed all year; except
for children under 12 the possession season is
open all year; Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily
Possession Limit: zero trout; except children
Tackle: artificial lures only; Daily Possession
under 12 may keep 1 trout; Size Limits: for
children under 12 there is an 8-inch minimum
I N L A N D
size limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit for

trout. Mileage: 4.3 miles.
Mileage: 8.0 miles.
South Branch (Crawford County) from Lower
Mainstream (Oscoda County) from Mio power
High Banks (T25N, R2W, S13; 44° 33’ 49.735"
line (T26N, R3E, S7; 44° 39’ 40.550" N/ 84° 7’
N/ 84° 29’ 59.107" W) to confluence with
24.280" W) to Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge):
Mainstream: Fishing Season: open all year;
Possession Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30 for
brook trout and brown trout; open all year for
rainbow trout; Tackle: artificial flies 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";
trout – 7"; brown trout – 18"; rainbow trout – 10".
brown trout — 18". Mileage: 11.5 miles.
Mileage: 15.0 miles.

Black River Possession Limit: zero trout; except children
(Otsego and Montmorency counties) from Tin
Shanty Bridge Rd. to the Town Corner Lake
size limit and a 12-inch the maximum size
Stairs (T32N, R1E, S31 SE/SE; 45° 6’ 50.872" N/
limit for all trout. Mileage: 4.5 miles.
84° 21’ 0.488" W): Fishing Season: open all year;
brook trout; open all year for brown trout and
Duck Creek
rainbow trout; Tackle: artificial lures only; Daily (Gogebic County) from Railroad Bridge (T44N,
Possession Limit: 5 trout; with no more than 2 R39W, S16) to confluence with Middle Branch
brook trout; Size Limits: minimum size limit: Ontonagon River: Fishing Season: open all
brook trout and rainbow trout — 10"; brown year; Possession Season: last Sat. in Apr. - Sep. 30
trout — 8". Mileage: 4.4 miles. for brook trout and brown trout; open all year for
rainbow trout; Tackle: artificial lures only; Daily
Cooks Run Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size limits: minimum
size limit: all trout – 10". Mileage: 6.5 miles.
(Iron County) from US Forest Hwy 16 to
confluence with South Branch Paint River:
Escanaba River
I N L A N D
• From the last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30, this reach
(Delta County) from Boney Falls Dam to Mouth
of stream shall be managed under Type 2
of Silver Creek: Fishing Season: open all year;
regulations, except the minimum size limit
for brook trout is 7".
brook trout and brown trout; open all year for
• From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in rainbow trout; Tackle: artificial lures only; Daily
Apr., this reach of stream shall be managed Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size Limits: minimum
under gear restricted regulations as follows: size limit: brook trout — 10"; brown trout and
Fishing Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last rainbow trout — 12". Mileage: 14.2 miles.
T R O U T
Sat. in Apr.; Possession Season: closed; except
for children under 12 the possession season
is open; Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily
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Fox River Little Manistee River
(Schoolcraft County) from Fox River State (Lake County) from North Peacock Trail
Forest Campground (T46N, R14W, S11; 46° (Spencer’s) to Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge):
24’ 1.668" N/ 86° 1’ 50.271" W) to M-28: Fishing Season: Apr. 1 – Dec. 31; Possession
Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30 for brook
• From the last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30, this reach
trout and brown trout; open Apr. 1 – Dec. 31
for all other trout and salmon; Tackle: artificial
regulations.
flies only; Daily Possession Limit: 2 fish, any
• From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in combination of trout and salmon; Size Limits:
Apr., this reach of stream shall be managed minimum size limit: brown trout — 15"; all other
under gear restricted regulations as follows: trout and salmon — 10". Mileage: 7.5 miles.
Fishing Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last
Sat. in Apr.; Possession Season: closed; except Manistee River
for children under 12 the possession season
(Crawford County) from CO. Rd. 612 to M-72:
is open; Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily
Possession Limit: zero trout; except children

size limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit
Limit: 2 trout; with no more than 1 trout 18" or
for all trout. Mileage: 7.6 miles.
Huron River Mileage: 9.2 miles.
(Oakland County) from the Sign below Moss
(Crawford and Kalkaska counties) from M-72 to
Lake Outlet to the Signs 100 Yards below
Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge): Fishing Season:
Wixom Road:
open all year; Possession Season: last Sat. in Apr.
• From the last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30, this reach – Sep. 30 for brook trout and brown trout; open all
of stream shall be managed under Type 1 year for rainbow trout; Tackle: artificial flies only;
regulations. Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; with no more
than 1 trout 18" or greater; Size Limits: minimum
• From Apr. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
size limit: brook trout and rainbow trout — 10";
S A L M O N
Apr., this reach of stream shall be managed

brown trout — 18". Mileage: 16.7 miles.
under gear restricted regulations as follows:
Fishing season: Apr. 1 – the Fri. before the last
Sat. in Apr.; Possession Season: closed; except
Paint Creek
for children under 12 the possession season (Oakland County) from Gunn Rd. to Tienken
is open; Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily Rd.: Fishing Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30
Possession Limit: zero trout; except children for all trout; Possession Season: last Sat. in Apr.
under 12 may keep 1 trout; Size Limits: for – Sep. 30 for all trout; Tackle: artificial lures only;
&
children under 12 there is an 8-inch minimum Daily Possession Limit: 2 trout; Size Limits:
size limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit minimum size limit: all trout — 14". Mileage:
T R O U T
for all trout. Mileage: 2.0 miles. 5.0 miles.
Good Fishing Depends on Clean Water

Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite
fishing spots with green slime and cause fish kills and “dead zones” where no aquatic life can
I N L A N D
survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that comes from farm and lawn
fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Here’s what you can do to
keep the water clean:
• Take care not to over fertilize and closely • Use green practices such as rain barrels, rain
follow package instructions gardens, and permeable pavements
• Pick up pet waste and properly manage waste • Maintain septic systems
from livestock
• Encourage your community to invest in its
wastewater infrastructure
Supporting water quality protection

supports great fishing!
Learn more at: www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/

Paint River trout, and rainbow trout – 8"; except that the
harvest of fish greater than 14" and less than
South Branch (Iron County) from the Mouth of
18" shall be prohibited for brook trout, brown
Cooks Run to the Mouth of the North Branch
trout, and rainbow trout. Mileage: 10.5 miles.
of the Paint River:
• From the last Sat. in Apr – Sep. 30, this reach Pigeon River
(Cheboygan and Otsego counties) from Elk
regulations, except the minimum size limit
Hill Campground Horse Trail (T32N, R1W,
for brook trout is 7".
S10; 45° 10’ 50.753" N/ 84° 25’ 27.866" W) to
• From Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in Pine Grove Campground Stairs (T33N, R1W,
Apr., this reach of stream shall be managed S17; 45° 14’ 38.497" N/ 84° 26’ 47.983" W):
under gear restricted regulations as follows: Fishing Season: open all year; Possession
Fishing Season: Oct. 1 – the Fri. before the last Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Sep. 30 for brook trout
Sat. in Apr.; Possession Season: closed; except and brown trout; open all year for rainbow trout;
for children under 12 the possession season Tackle: artificial lures only; Daily Possession
is open; Tackle: artificial flies only; Daily Limit: 2 trout; with no more than 1 brown trout;
Possession Limit: zero trout; except children Size Limits: minimum size limit: brook trout
I N L A N D
under 12 may keep 1 trout; Size Limits: for and rainbow trout — 10"; brown trout — 12".
children under 12 there is an 8-inch minimum Mileage: 5.3 miles.
size limit and a 12-inch maximum size limit
for all trout. Mileage: 10.0 miles.
Pere Marquette River

(Lake County) from M-37 to the Downstream
Edge of the Boat Ramp/Slide at Gleason’s
T R O U T
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: artificial flies 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
S A L M O N
maximum size limit for all trout and salmon.
Mileage: 8.5 miles.
(Lake County) from the Downstream Edge
of the Boat Ramp/Slide at Gleason’s Landing Trout Trails
(T17N, R14W, S13; 43° 52’ 14.521" N/ 85° 55’ Michigan is nationally known as a trout
21.752" W) to the Upstream Edge of the Boat fishing destination with nearly 20,000 miles
Ramp at Rainbow Rapids (T18N, R14W, S27; of cold, quality trout streams and hundreds
43° 55’ 5.321" N/ 85° 58’ 30.719" W): of trout lakes accessible to anglers. But how
do you decide where to go? Visit Michigan’s

• From Sep. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in
Trout Trails – Michigan.gov/trouttrails – for a
Apr., this reach of stream shall be managed
detailed list of biologist-verified trout waters
under Type 4 regulations, with the following
that are perfect for your next trip!
exceptions: Fishing Season: Sep. 1– the Fri.
before the last Sat. in Apr.; Possession Season:
Sep. 1 – the Fri. before the last Sat. in Apr.;
Daily Possession Limit: 1 rainbow trout; Size
Limits: rainbow trout — 10".
• From the last Sat. in Apr. – Aug. 31, this
reach of stream shall be managed under
gear restricted regulations as follows:
Fishing Season: last Sat. in Apr. – Aug. 31;
Possession Season: last Sat. in Apr. –Aug. 31;
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

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 pages 38-39 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 or the abbreviation GR which stands
for Gear Restricted Streams or RA for Research Area or BTRA for Brook Trout Restoration Area,
see p. 39) and any upstream/downstream boundaries that apply to that section of stream. Type
1 streams are not listed in the text. For a complete listing of all trout streams, check online or
contact any DNR Fisheries Office. An SC indicates a fishing closure for the area and time period
mentioned. Maps are available online at michigan.gov/fishingguide.
Alcona County
Lakes Type Streams Type
O’Brien Lake A Anna River
from Railroad Bridge (T46N, R19W, S14) 4
Reid Lake B
downstream to Lake Superior.

South Hoist Lake B Au Train River
Streams Type from Powerhouse below M-94 4
Au Sable River Mainstream downstream to Lake Superior.
from Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge) 2 Hurricane River
downstream to 4001 Bridge. 4
Au Sable River Mainstream Laughing Whitefish River
4
from Alcona Dam to South Branch River. from Forks (T47N, R22W, S22) 4
Black River downstream to Lake Superior.
from confluence with North Branch Black 4 Miner’s River
River downstream to Lake Huron. from Miner’s Falls downstream to Lake 4
Pine River Superior.
S A L M O N
3
from F-41 downstream to Lake Huron. Rock River
from Railroad Bridge (T47N, R21W, S22)
Alger County downstream to Lake Superior. SC —
Lakes Type Closed to Fishing — Apr. 1 – Jun. 30 4
Ackerman Lake B between dam and its downstream-most
Addis Lakes A foot bridge located downstream from
M-28 in T47N, R21W, S15.
Bette’s Pond A
Rock River
&
Brian’s Pond A and tributaries from bridge crossing in

Cheryl’s Pond (T44N, R19W, S25) B T46N, R21W, S15 downstream to railroad
T R O U T
Cole Creek Pond (T46N, R20W, S24) A bridge (T47N, R21W, S22), Research RA
Cox Pond A Area: Type 1 regulations apply, EXCEPT 5
additional brook trout may be retained as
Grand Marais Lake A part of daily possession limit.
Grand Sable Lake E Sable Creek 4
Hike Lake A Sucker River
I N L A N D
Irwin Lake A upstream limit is old Grand Marais/Seney 4

Johns Lake West A Road Bridge.
Kay’s Pond B
Mirror Lake B
Allegan County
Lakes Type
North (Upper) Shoe Lake B
Kalamazoo Lake/Silver Lake
Rock River Pond A F
from US-31 down to Lake Michigan.
Rock Lake A Streams Type
Sawaski Pond (T44N, R19W, S14) B Black River Mainstream
Sitka Lake A from confluence of North and South 3
Sullivan Lake A branches down to Lake Michigan.
Trueman Lake A

Gun River Mainstream Streams Type
from 122nd Ave. (T2N, R11W, S12) Elk River
4
downstream to US 131 Bridge (T1N, from Power Dam below Elk Lake 3
R11W, S18). downstream to Lake Michigan.
Kalamazoo River Elk River Bypass
from Calkins Dam (T2N, R14W, S15) 3 from Bypass Dam downstream to Lake 4
downstream to US-31. Michigan.
Middle Branch Black River Grass River (inc. Clam River)
from confluence of Spring Brook Creek 4
4 from Lake Bellaire downstream to Torch Lake.
(T1N, R15W, S22) downstream to Intermediate River
confluence of Main Branch Black River. from Intermediate Dam downstream to
North Branch Black River Lake Bellaire. 4
from 111th Ave. (T1N, R16W, S3) SC- Closed to Fishing - Apr. 1 - May 14
3
downstream to confluence with Bellaire Dam to Highway M-88 Bridge.
Mainstream. Jordan River
Pine Creek Tributary from Graves Crossing (T31N, R6W, S32) 4
I N L A N D
from 101st Ave. to confluence with Pine 4 downstream to Lake Charlevoix.
Creek. Manistee River
Rabbit River Mainstream 2
from headwaters downstream to CO. Rd. 612.
from US-131 Bridge (T4N, R11W, Torch River
4
S31) downstream to confluence with from Torch Lake downstream to Lake 4
Kalamazoo River (T3N, R15W, S16). Skegemog.
Silver Creek
from M-89 Bridge (T1N, R11W, S26) Arenac County
T R O U T
2
downstream to confluence with Streams Type
Kalamazoo River.
East Branch Au Gres River (Whitney Drain)
Swan Creek 3
from M-55 downstream to Saginaw Bay.
from 109th Ave. (T1N, R14W, S7)
Rifle River
downstream to confluence with
from Sage Lake Road (T23N, R3E, S22) 3
Kalamazoo River (T2N, R14W, S9).
downstream to Saginaw Bay.
&
Note: On the Swan River from mouth
upstream to the dam at 118th Ave. it shall
4 Baraga County
S A L M O N
be unlawful to use other than one single-
pointed unweighted hook measuring 3/8" Lakes Type
or less from point to shank. Lake Alice D
SC - Closed to Fishing - Sep. 1 – Nov. 30 Roland Lake B
from mouth upstream to Diversion Dam Streams Type
(“The Tubes”), T2N, R14W, S9.
East Branch Huron River and tributaries,
Alpena County upstream of confluence with West
Branch Huron River, Research Area:
Streams Type RA
Type 1 regulations apply, EXCEPT 5
Devils River additional brook trout may be retained as
from US-23 Bridge downstream to Lake 4 part of daily possession limit.
Huron.
Falls River
Long Lake Creek 3
4 from US-41 to Lake Superior.
downstream limit is Lake Huron.
Big Huron River
Thunder Bay River
from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, S35) 4
from Ninth Street Dam downstream to 3
downstream to Lake Superior (T52N, BTRA
Lake Huron.
R29W, S18).
Antrim County Otter River
Lakes Type from confluence of North and West Branch 3
Otter River downstream to Sturgeon River.
Bellaire Pond C
Ravine River
Elk Lake E 4
from Sicotte Road (T51N, R31W, S2)
Green Lake B BTRA
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W, S4).
Torch Lake E

Silver River Streams Type

from Silver River Falls (T51N, R32W, S26) 4 Betsie River
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W, BTRA from Kurick Rd. downstream to M-22.
S18). SC-Closed to fishing year-round within 100
Slate River feet of the lamprey barrier and fish passage
from Slate River Falls (1/2 mile upstream 4 facility at T25N, R15W, S2.
from Skanee Road T51N, R31W, S9) BTRA NOTE: On all waters of the Betsie R., an
downstream to Huron Bay (T51N, R31W, S8). artificial lure is defined as a body bait,
Sturgeon River plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial lure is
2 4
from US-41 downstream to Prickett Dam. not a device primarily constructed of lead.
From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, terminal
Sturgeon River
fishing gear is restricted to single-pointed,
from Prickett Dam downstream to Lake
un-weighted hooks, measuring 1/2-inch
Superior.
3 or less from point to shank or treble hooks
SC- Closed to Fishing - Apr. 1 - Jun. 30
3/8-inch or less from point to shank ONLY
from the Prickett Dam downstream to
when attached to a body bait, plug, spinner
mouth of Clear Creek (T50N, R35W, S12).
or spoon.
Barry County Otter Creek

Lakes Type from Otter Lake outlet (T27N, R15W, S13) 4
downstream to Lake Michigan.
Deep Lake B
Platte River
Gull Lake E
from US-31 bridge at Veteran’s Park
Streams Type downstream to Lake Michigan.
Bassett Creek Note: The daily possession limit shall be 1
from Baker Lake downstream to 4 rainbow trout from Upper Hatchery Weir to
confluence with Thornapple River. Lake Michigan.
Cedar Creek Note: On the Platte River, Benzie County,
from sources downstream to M-37 (T2N, 4 it shall be unlawful to use other than one
R8W, S9). single-pointed unweighted hook measuring
4
S A L M O N
Coldwater River 3/8" or less from point to shank.

from M-43 Bridge (T4N, R8W, S16) 2 SC – Closed to Fishing – within 300 ft. of
downstream to Freeport Road Bridge. the upper (hatchery) weir infrastructure
whenever weir is in place.
Coldwater River SC – Closed to Fishing – whenever weir is
from Freeport Rd. downstream to 4 in place within 300 ft. of the lower weir.
confluence with Thornapple River. SC – Closed to Fishing – Jan 1 – Mar 31
Turner Creek from US-31 bridge at Veteran’s Park
from (T3N, R10W, S23) downstream to
&
4 downstream to Platte Lake.

confluence with Baker Creek (T3N, R10W,
Berrien County
T R O U T
S9).
Unnamed Tributary on North Bank of Lakes Type
2
Coldwater River (T4N, R7W, S18). Singer Lake C
Bay County Streams Type
Streams Type Blue Creek 4
Saginaw River 3 Dowagiac River
I N L A N D
from Niles Dam at Pucker Street (T7S,

3
Benzie County R17W, S13) downstream to confluence
with St. Joseph River.
Lakes Type
Galien River Mainstream
Betsie Lake 4
F downstream limit is Lake Michigan.
from M-22 down to Lake Michigan. South Branch Galien River
Crystal Lake E Mainstream only,
4
downstream limit is the confluence with
Galien River.
St. Joseph River
from Indiana state line downstream to 3
Lake Michigan.

Branch County Jordan River
Lakes Type from Graves Crossing (T31N, R6W, S32) 4
Cary Lake C downstream to Lake Charlevoix.
Lake Lavine C Medusa Creek
SC - Closed to Fishing - whenever weir
Streams Type is in place. Tributary to Lake Michigan
Prairie River Mainstream (T34N, R8W, S28) and including an area
from Bowers Road (T8S, R7W, S4) 4 of Lake Michigan in a radius of 100 feet
downstream to McKale Road (T7S, R9W, S8). from the mouth of Medusa Creek.
Calhoun County Cheboygan County
Streams Type Lakes Type
South Branch Rice Creek Hemlock Lake D
from Concord Rd. downstream to 4 Silver Lake B
confluence with Kalamazoo River.
Twin Lake #1 B
Nottawa Creek 4
Tower Pond (from dam to M-68) E
I N L A N D
Cass County Weber Lake B
Lakes Type Streams Type
Birch Lake B Black River
Harwood Lake C SC- Closed to Fishing - Apr. 1 - May
Hemlock Lake B 14 from Alverno Dam downstream to
Mograin Bridge (T37N, R1W, S26). 1
Streams Type SC- Closed to Fishing - Oct. 1 - Jun. 15
T R O U T
Dowagiac Creek between Kleber Dam and Red Bridge
from Mckenzie Street (T5S, R14W, S31) 2 (T35N, R1E,S5).
downstream to M-62. Cheboygan River
Dowagiac Drain 4 from Cheboygan Dam downstream to 3
Dowagiac River Mainstream (including Lake Huron.
Dowagiac Drain) Maple River
4
&
from source downstream to Pucker from dam (T36N, R4W, S10) in Emmet 4
Street (T7S, R17W, S13). County downstream to mouth.
S A L M O N
Charlevoix County Mill Creek
Pigeon River
4
Lakes Type
from Old Vanderbilt Rd. downstream to
Lake Charlevoix E 2
Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail (T32N,
Thumb (Louise) Lake B R1W, S10).
Walloon Lake B Pigeon River
Streams Type from Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail to GR
Pine Grove Campground Stairs.
Bear River
from Walloon Lake downstream to Lake Pigeon River
Michigan. from Pine Grove Campground Stairs 4
Note: On the Bear River, from the mouth (T33N, R1W, S17) to mouth at Mullet Lake.
upstream to Lake Street Dam (T34N, 4 Sturgeon River
R5W, S6) it shall be unlawful to use other from Afton Rd. (Also called Webb Rd. or
4
than one single-pointed unweighted Wolverine Rd.) downstream to mouth at
hook measuring 3/8" or less from point Burt Lake.
to shank.
Boyne River Chippewa County
from P. H. Dam downstream to Lake Lakes Type
Charlevoix. Dukes Lake A
Note: On the Boyne River, from the mouth Highbanks Lake A
4
upstream to dam (T32N, R5W, S5) it shall
be unlawful to use other than one single- Naomikong Lake A
pointed unweighted hook measuring 3/8" Naomikong Pond A
or less from point to shank. Trout Brook Pond A

Streams Type South Branch Au Sable River

Albany Creek from Lower High Banks downstream to GR
from bridge below lamprey weir to Lake 4 confluence with Mainstream.
Huron. South Branch Au Sable River
Carp River, Mainstream 4 from Chase Bridge Rd. (Chase Bridge) to GR
Lower High Banks.
East Branch Tahquamenon River and
tributaries, upstream of M-123 Bridge,
Research Area: Type 1 regulations apply, RA
Delta County
EXCEPT 5 additional brook trout may be Lakes Type
retained as part of daily possession limit. Bear Lake A
Halfaday Creek Carr Lake A
from Lakeshore Drive downstream to 4 Carr Ponds A
Lake Superior. Kilpecker Pond A
Pendill’s Creek Norway Lake A
from Second Dam (T47N, R4W, S28) 4
Wintergreen Lake A
Zigmaul Pond A
Pine River
from H-40 Bridge downstream to Lake 4 Streams Type
Huron. Bark River
from 9 Road (Section Line Between T38N,
Crawford County R24W, S20 & 29) downstream to Lake
4
Lakes Type Michigan.
Bright Lake A Big Fishdam River
Kneff Lake A from County Road 2222 Bridge (T41N, 4
R18W, S9) downstream to Lake Michigan.
Shupac Lake A
Days River
Streams Type
from Highway M-35 Bridge downstream 4
Au Sable River Mainstream to Lake Michigan.
S A L M O N
from Business Loop 75 (James St.)

2 Escanaba River
downstream to Burton’s Landing (T26N,
from Boney Falls Dam downstream to GR
R3W, S11).
mouth of Silver Creek (T40N, R23W, S11).
Au Sable River Mainstream
Ford River
from Burton’s Landing downstream to
GR from Northland Truck Trail (T43N, R27W, 4
South Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley
S35) downstream to Lake Michigan.
Bridge).
Rapid River
from County Road S-15 (T42N, R21W, 4
&
from South Wakeley Bridge Rd. (Wakeley

GR S19) downstream to Lake Michigan.
Bridge) to McMasters Bridge Rd.
T R O U T
(McMasters Bridge). Sturgeon River

from County Road 442 Bridge (T42N, 4
from McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters
4 Tacoosh River
Bridge) downstream to Rainbow Bend
power line (T26N, R2E, S4). from 29th Lane (County Road G-24) 4
Manistee River
Whitefish River
I N L A N D
from headwaters downstream to CO. Rd. 2

612. from 38th Road (U.S.F.S. 2236) 4
Manistee River
GR
from CO. Rd. 612 to M-72. Dickinson County
Manistee River Lakes Type
from M-72 downstream to Sunset Trail GR
Bass Lake B
Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, R6W, S26).
North Branch Au Sable River
from Sheep Ranch downstream to GR
confluence with Mainstream.

Streams Type Black River
2
Bryan Creek from US-2 downstream to Rainbow Falls.
from Spear Lake (T45N, R27W, S7) Duck Creek
downstream to confluence with West from Railroad Bridge (T44N, R39W,
GR
Branch of the Escanaba River (T44N, R26W, RA S16) to confluence with Middle Branch
S28), Research Area: Type 1 regulations Ontonagon River.
apply, EXCEPT 5 additional brook trout may Little Carp River
be retained as part of daily possession limit. from Traders Fall (T50N, R45W, S2) 3
Ford River downstream to Lake Superior.
from Northland Truck Trail (T43N, R27W, 4 Maple Creek
S35) downstream to Lake Michigan. from Bridge in (T49N, R46W, S18) 3
Eaton County Middle Branch Ontonagon River
Streams Type 2
downstream limit is Agate Falls.
Sebewa Creek and Tributaries 4 Omans Creek
Emmet County from County Road 505 downstream to 3
I N L A N D
Lake Superior.
Lakes Type
Presque Isle River
Walloon Lake B 3
from Manabezho Falls to Lake Superior.
Streams Type Presque Isle River
Bear River and its tributaries from the headwaters
from Walloon Lake downstream to Lake at the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary
Michigan. line downstream to Manabezho Falls
RA
T R O U T
Note: On the Bear River, from the mouth (T50N, R45W, S30), Research Area: Type
4
upstream to Lake Street Dam (T34N, 1 regulations apply, EXCEPT 5 additional
R5W, S6) it shall be unlawful to use other brook trout may be retained as part of
than one single-pointed unweighted hook daily possession limit.
measuring 3/8" or less from point to shank.
Carp Lake River Grand Traverse County
from Bridge in (T39N, R4W, S32) 3 Lakes Type
&
downstream to Lake Michigan. Duck Lake B
Maple River
S A L M O N
Elk Lake E
from dam (T36N, R4W, S10), Emmet 4 Green Lake B
County downstream to mouth.
Sand Lake #1 C
Gogebic County Streams Type
Lakes Type Boardman River
Beatons Lake B from Sabin Dam downstream to Lake
Michigan.
Black River Lake B 3
SC - Closed to Fishing - Whenever weir
Castle Lake A is in place within 300 feet upstream or

Cornelia Lake A downstream of weir in Traverse City.
Finger Lake B
Imp Lake B
Hillsdale County
Lakes Type
Little Duck Lake B
Bear Lake C
Mishike Lake A
Bird Lake C
Moon Lake B
Hemlock Lake C
Redboat Lake D
Streams Type Houghton County
Big Carp River Portage/Torch Lake system
from a point 100 yards downstream of (including the Portage River, Portage BTRA
3
Bathtub Falls (T50N, R45W, S1) to Lake Canal, North Entry and South Entry.
Superior. Lakes Type
Black River Clear Lake D
from Rainbow Falls (T49N, R46W, S10) 3
Emily Lake B

Lake Gerald B Pigeon River 3

Lake On Three B Pinnebog River 3
Penegor Lake A
Perrault Lake D
Ionia County
Streams Type
Roland Lake B
Dickerson Creek 4
Streams Type
Fish Creek
Big Traverse River from Sidney Rd. downstream to 4
3
upstream limit is Gay-Lake Linden Road. confluence with Maple River.
East Branch Ontonagon River Prairie Creek 4
3
upstream limit is Hwy. M-28.
Sebewa Creek and Tributaries 4
East Branch Ontonagon River and
tributaries, upstream of M-28 Bridge Iosco County
at Kenton, Research Area: Type 1 Lakes Type
RA
regulations apply, EXCEPT 5 additional
brook trout may be retained as part of Buck Creek Pond D
daily possession limit. Streams Type

Elm River Au Sable River Mainstream
from Road Bridge between (T53N, R36W, 4 from Foote Dam downstream to Lake Huron.
S3 &10) downstream to Lake Superior. SC- Closed to Fishing - Year-round, the 3
Graveraet River portion below the Foote Dam including the
from mouth of Deer Creek (T54N, R36W, 4 apron to 175 feet downstream from the dam.
S2) downstream to Lake Superior. Au Sable River Mainstream
4
Little Elm River Alcona Dam to South Branch River.
from Agate Beach Road (T53N, R36W, 4 East Branch Au Gres River (Whitney Drain)
S6) downstream to Lake Superior. from M-55 downstream to Saginaw Bay
Otter River SC- Closed to Fishing - Dec. 1 - Friday
3
from confluence of North and West Branch 3 before last Saturday in Apr. between DNR
lamprey weir and Legget Road (T21N,
S A L M O N
Otter River downstream to Sturgeon River.

R6E, S10).
Pilgrim River 3
upstream limit is Hwy US-41. BTRA Tawas River 3
Pilgrim River Van Etten Creek
from Paradise Road (T54N, R33W, S5) from Van Etten Lake downstream to 3
BTRA mouth.
downstream to mouth at Portage Lake
(T54N, R33W, S7).
Iron County
Salmon Trout River
&
Lakes Type
from Redridge Dam downstream to Lake 3
Superior. Camp Lake B
T R O U T
South Branch Elm River Caspian Pond B

from bridge (T54N, R36W, S29 & S32) 4 Chicagon Lake B
downstream to Lake Superior. Deadman’s Lake A
Sturgeon River Ellen Lake B
2
from US-41 downstream to Prickett Dam. Forest Lake D
Sturgeon River
I N L A N D
Fortune Lake B
from Prickett Dam downstream to Lake
Superior. Fortune Pond A
3 Golden Lake B
SC- Closed to Fishing - Apr. 1 - Jun. 30
from the Prickett Dam downstream to Hannah-Webb Lake A
mouth of Clear Creek (T50N, R35W, S12). Killdeer Lake A
Trap Rock River Long Lake B
upstream limit is Cemetery Road (T56N, 4
R32W, S29). Madelyn Lake A
Lake Ottawa B
Huron County Skyline Lake A
Streams Type Spree Lake A
Bird Creek 3 Timber Lake D

Streams Type Streams Type
Cooks Run Manistee River
from US Forest Hwy 16 to confluence from M-72 downstream to Sunset Trail GR
GR
with South Branch Paint River (T44N, Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, R6W, S26).
R36W, S28). Manistee River
East Branch Ontonagon River and from Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, 4
tributaries, upstream of M-28 Bridge R6W, S26) downstream to M-115.
at Kenton, Research Area: Type 1 Rapid River
RA
regulations apply, EXCEPT 5 additional from Antrim (Rugg) Pond downstream to 4
brook trout may be retained as part of Torch River.
daily possession limit. Torch River
Paint River, South Branch from Torch Lake downstream to Lake 4
from the Mouth of Cooks Run (T44N, Skegemog.
GR
R36W, S28) to the Mouth of the North
Branch of the Paint River (T44N, R35W, S8). Kent County
Lakes Type
Isabella County
I N L A N D
Lime Lake C
Streams Type
Marjella Lake C
Chippewa River
from Outlet of Lake Isabella, (T15N, Streams Type
R6W, S35) Isabella Co. downstream to 3 Ball Creek
confluence with the Tittabawassee River, downstream limit is confluence with 4
(T14N, R2E, S21), Midland Co. Rogue River.
Buck Creek
Jackson County
T R O U T
downstream limit is confluence with 4
Lakes Type Grand River.
Farwell Lake C Coldwater River
Swains Lake C from Freeport Rd. downstream to 4
Streams Type confluence with Thornapple River.
South Branch Rice Creek Nash Creek
&
from Concord Rd. downstream to 4 downstream limit is confluence with 4
confluence with Kalamazoo River. Rogue River.
S A L M O N
Rogue River
Kalamazoo County downstream limit is confluence with 4
Lakes Type Grand River.
Gull Lake E Keweenaw County
Little Paw Paw Lake B Lakes Type
Ruppert Lake C Lost Lake D
Streams Type
No Name Pond (T57N, R31W, S8) A

Augusta Creek Streams Type
from Little Gilkey Lake and Fair Lakes 4
outlets downstream to Knappen Mills Dam. Eagle River
4
upstream limit is dam at Eagle River Village.
Portage Creek
downstream limit is Kilgore Rd. (T3S, 4 Fanny Hooe River
4
R11W, S3). upstream limit is Lake Fanny Hooe.
Gratiot River
Kalkaska County from Bridge (T57N, R32W, S19,20) 4
Lakes Type downstream to Lake Superior.
Bear Lake B Silver Creek
4
upstream limit is Falls (T58N, R32W, S26).
Big Blue Lake B
Silver River
Big Guernsey Lake C 4
upstream limit is Hwy M-26.
Big Twin Lake C
Tobacco River
North Blue Lake B upstream limit is mouth of Black Brook 4
Starvation Lake C Creek.

Lake County Livingston County

Little Manistee River Spring Mill Pond, (Island Lake
from North Peacock Trail (Spencer’s Recreation Area):
Bridge T19N, R13W, S5) to Johnson’s Road No fishing Mar. 15 - Mar. 31. Catch-and-
(Johnson’s Bridge T20N, R14W, S24). GR release fishing for trout - artificial lures
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 - only - Apr. 1 - the Fri. before the last Sat.
from a point 300 feet upstream of the DNR in Apr.; from the last Sat. in Apr. - Mar.
weir to Spencer’s Bridge. 14, 5 fish limit, 8-inch minimum size
Little Manistee River limit, no more than 3 fish 15" or larger,
from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge) artificial and natural baits may be used.
downstream to Manistee Lake.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
4 Luce County
- from a point 300 feet upstream of the Lakes Type
DNR weir to Spencer’s Bridge. Belle Lake 1 E
Pere Marquette River Bennett Springs Lake A
from M-37 to the downstream edge of GR Brockies Pond (T46N, R11W, S1) A
the boat ramp/slide at Gleason’s Landing.
Bullhead Lake A
Pere Marquette River
Camp 8 Lake B
from the downstream edge of the boat
ramp/slide at Gleason’s Landing to the GR Dairy Lake A
upstream edge of the boat ramp at Deer Lake D
Rainbow Rapids. Dillingham Lake A
Pere Marquette River Holland Lake A
from the upstream edge of the boat ramp Jack Lake A
4
at Rainbow Rapids (T18N, R14W, S27)
downstream to Reek Rd. (Indian Bridge). Little Whorl Lake A
Pine River Moon Lake D
S A L M O N
from Elm Flats Public Access Site to 2 Peanut Lake E

confluence with Tippy Dam backwaters. Pratt Lake A
Pretty Lake B
Leelanau County Sid Lake D
Lakes Type
Silver Creek Pond A
Big Glen Lake E
Spring Creek Pond A
Lime Lake C
Syphon Lake A
North Lake Leelanau E
&
Tank Lake B
Streams Type
Trout Lake A
T R O U T
Crystal River
from Fisher Dam downstream to Lake 3 Ward Lake A
Michigan. Wolverine Lake A
Leland River 3 Youngs Lake A
Shalda Creek Streams Type
from Little Traverse Lake outlet (T29N, 4 Blind Sucker River
R13W, S10) downstream to Lake Michigan. 4
I N L A N D
upstream limit is Blind Sucker Flooding Dam.

Lenawee County Two-Hearted River
from Co. Rd. 407 (High Bridge) 4
Lakes Type downstream to Lake Superior.
Allens Lake C
Deep Lake C Mackinac County
Lakes Type
Castle Rock Pond A
Millecoquins Pond A
Streams Type
Black River
upstream limit is Peters Truck Trail 4
Footbridge.

Brevoort River Betsie River
4
upstream limit is Brevoort Lake. from Kurick Rd. downstream to M-22. NOTE:
Carp River, Mainstream 4 On all waters of the Betsie R., an artificial
lure is defined as a body bait, plug, spinner or
Crow River
4 spoon. An artificial lure is not a device primarily
upstream limit is outfall of Amadon Pond.
constructed of lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15,
Milakokia River 4
inclusive, terminal fishing gear is restricted to
Inland-Limstone Co. Railroad Bridge (T41N, 4 single-pointed, un-weighted hooks, measuring
R13W, S1) downstream to Lake Michigan. 1/2-inch or less from point to shank or treble
Millecoquins River hooks 3/8-inch or less from point to shank
from H-40 bridge downstream to Lake 4 ONLY when attached to a body bait, plug,
Michigan. spinner or spoon.
Pine River Little Manistee River
from H-40 Bridge downstream to Lake 4 from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge)
Huron. downstream to Manistee Lake.
SC - Closed to Fishing - Sep. 1 - Nov. 14
Macomb County and Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 from a point 300 feet
I N L A N D
Streams Type downstream from the DNR weir in T21N,
Clinton River R16W, S25 to Manistee Lake.
from Yates Dam above Dequindre Rd. 4 SC - Closed to Fishing - Year-round within 4
downstream to Lake St. Clair. 300 feet of the DNR weir, T21N, R16W, S25.
North Branch Clinton River SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
from 32 Mile Rd. downstream to confluence 4 from a point 300 feet upstream of the DNR
with Clinton River. weir to Spencer’s Bridge.
Note: The daily possession limit shall be
T R O U T
Manistee County 1 rainbow trout from 300’ downstream of
Little Manistee River Weir to Manistee Lake.
Lakes Type
Manistee River
Arcadia Lake
F from Hodenpyl Res. downstream to Red 4
from inlet of Bowens Creek to Lake Michigan.
Bridge.
Manistee Lake
Manistee River
&
from Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N,
from Tippy Dam downstream to Railroad
R16W, S6) to Lake Michigan.
Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6).
S A L M O N
SC - Closed to Fishing - Sep. 6 - Oct. 15 or
NOTE: On the Manistee R. from Tippy
whenever the established quota of Chinook
Dam downstream to Railroad Bridge
eggs are taken - The southern end of
below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6), an
Manistee Lake in the vicinity of the mouth of
artificial lure is defined as a body bait,
the Little Manistee River, being that area of F
plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial lure
Manistee Lake south of a line drawn from a 3
is not a device primarily constructed of
squared red post, located 100 feet southeast
lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive,
of the launch ramp at the DNR Public
terminal fishing gear is restricted to
Access Site on the east shore, extending
single-pointed, un-weighted hooks,

southwesterly to a squared red post on the
measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to
west shore located near the southern end of
shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less
the Packaging Corporation of America plant.
from point to shank ONLY when attached
Portage Lake F to a body bait, plug, spinner or spoon.
Streams Type Pine River
Bear Creek from Elm Flats Public Access Site to 2
from County Road 600 (T23N, 14W, S6) confluence with Tippy Dam backwaters.
downstream to confluence with Manistee
River. NOTE: On all waters of Bear Cr. Marquette County
(Manistee Co.), an artificial lure is defined as a Lakes Type
body bait, plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial Bass Lake B
lure is not a device primarily constructed of 3
Bedspring Lake A
lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, terminal
fishing gear is restricted to single-pointed, un- Brocky Lake B
weighted hooks, measuring 1/2-inch or less Cedar Lake B
from point to shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or Clear Lake A
less from point to shank ONLY when attached Cranberry Lake A
to a body bait, plug, spinner or spoon.

Crooked Lake B Dead River and tributaries, from Silver

Forestville Basin B Lake Dam to Hoist Dam, Research Area:
Island Lake (T45N, R30W, S14) A
additional brook trout may be retained as
Just Lake A part of daily possession limit.
Keyhole Lake, East D Note: Deer L. Basin, Carp R.
Lake Arfelin E downstream from M-28 (T47N, R27W, RA
Little Brocky Lake B S4), and all other tributaries to Deer L.
Basin fishing restricted to artificial lures,
Little Shag Lake B catch-and-release only; live bait, dead
Log Lake A or prepared bait, organic or processed
Moccasin Lake A food, or scented materials may not be
Pauls Lake, North D possessed on the water or the shore.
Pauls Lake, South D East Branch Huron River and tributaries,
upstream of confluence with West
Perch Lake B
Branch Huron River, Research Area:
Rockingchair Lake, North D RA
Rockingchair Lake, South D additional brook trout may be retained as

Section 13 Lake A part of daily possession limit.
Silver Lake Basin B Ford River
Silver Lake A from T43N, R27W, S33 (Dickinson 4
County) downstream to Lake Michigan.
Slough Lake A
Harlow Creek
South Kidney Lake (T45N, R26W, S28) D from Railroad Bridge (T49N, R26W, S24) 4
Sporley Lake E downstream to Lake Superior.
Squaw Lake B Big Huron River
Strawberry Lake D from Big Eric’s Bridge (T52N, R30W, S35) 4
Swanzy Lake A downstream to Lake Superior (T52N, BTRA
R29W, S18).
S A L M O N
Twin Lake (T45N, R30W, S23) B

Iron River
Streams Type
from Lake Independence Dam (T51N, 4
Big Garlic River R27W, S13) downstream to Lake Superior BTRA
from Forks (T49N, R27W, S12) 4 (T51N, R26W, S18).
Little Huron River
Big Garlic River and tributaries from unnamed bridge crossing located
from County Road 550 (T50N, R26W, at the southern border of section 20 BTRA
BTRA
S33) downstream to Lake Superior
&
(T52N, R29W, S20) downstream to Lake

(T50N, R26W, S21).
Superior (T52N, R29W, S17).
Bryan Creek
T R O U T
Salmon-Trout River, Research Area:

from Spear Lake (T45N, R27W, S7)
from the last Saturday in Apr.-Aug. 14,
downstream to confluence with West
Type 2 stream regulations apply, EXCEPT
Branch of the Escanaba River (T44N, R26W, RA
brook trout regulations are as follows:
S28), Research Area: Type 1 regulations
18" minimum size limit, daily harvest/
apply, EXCEPT 5 additional brook trout may
possession is (1) fish.
be retained as part of daily possession limit. RA
From Aug. 15 - Friday before the last
I N L A N D
Carp River Saturday in Apr., the river is closed to

from Deer Lake Dam (T48N, R27W, S27) 2 fishing. These regulations apply to that
downstream to Morgan Creek. portion of the Salmon-Trout River from
Carp River Lower Falls (T51N, R28W, S13) down to
from Morgan Creek downstream to Lake 3 Lake Superior.
Superior.
Chocolay River Mason County
from confluence of Big Creek (T47N, 3 Lakes Type
R24W, S9) downstream to Lake Superior. Pere Marquette Lake
F
from Old 31 Highway to Lake Michigan.

Streams Type Walton Creek (River)
Big South Branch Pere Marquette River from Westmann Dam (T35N, R25W, S18) 4
from confluence of Beaver/Winnepesaug down to Lake Michigan.
4
creeks downstream to confluence with
Pere Marquette River. Midland County
Lincoln River Streams Type
from confluence of North and South Chippewa River
3 from outlet of Lake Isabella, (T15N,
Branches of Lincoln River, (T19N, R17W,
S32) downstream to Lake Michigan. R6W, S35) Isabella Co. downstream to 3
Little Manistee River confluence with the Tittabawassee River,
from Johnson Rd. (Johnson’s Bridge) (T14N, R2E, S21), Midland Co.
downstream to Manistee Lake. Tittabawassee River
4 from Sanford Dam downstream to
SC - Closed to Fishing - Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
from a point 300 feet upstream of the confluence with the Saginaw River.
DNR weir to Spencer’s Bridge. SC - Closed to Fishing - Mar. 16 - Fri. before
Pere Marquette River last Sat. in Apr. between Sanford Dam and
3
the mouth of the Salt River (T15N, R1W,
I N L A N D
from the upstream edge of the boat ramp
4 S24).
at Rainbow Rapids (T18N, R14W, S27)
downstream to Reek Rd. (Indian Bridge). SC - Closed to Fishing - Mar. 16 - Fri. before
last Sat. in Apr. between the Dow Dam and
Pere Marquette River Gordonville Bridge (T13N, R2E, S1).
from Reek Rd. (Indian Bridge) 3
downstream to Old US-31. Montcalm County
Sable River Lakes Type
from Bridge Crossing (T19N, R15W, S3) 4
T R O U T
Marl Lake C
downstream to Hamlin Lake.
Nevins Lake C
Sable River
from Hamlin Lake Dam downstream to Streams Type
Lake Michigan. Dickerson Creek 4
NOTE: On the Sable R. from mouth Fish Creek
upstream to Hamlin Lake Dam, an from Sidney Rd. downstream to 4
&
artificial lure is defined as a body bait, confluence with Maple River.
plug, spinner or spoon. An artificial lure Little Muskegon River 4
S A L M O N
is not a device primarily constructed of 3
lead. From Aug. 1 - Nov. 15, inclusive, Prairie Creek 4
terminal fishing gear is restricted to Tamarack Creek 4
single-pointed, un-weighted hooks,
measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to Montmorency County
shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less Lakes Type
from point to shank ONLY when attached Avalon Lake B
to a body bait, plug, spinner or spoon. Clear Lake B
Mecosta County Lake Fifteen B

Streams Type McCormick Lake B
Little Muskegon River 4 Streams Type
Muskegon River Black River
from US-10 downstream to River Bend 4 from Tin Shanty Bridge Rd. downstream
GR
Bluffs Public Access Site (T15N, R9W, S31). to the Town Corner Lake Stairs (T32N,
R1E, S31).
Menominee County Thunder Bay R.
Streams Type from Atlanta dam to Sucker Cr. 4
Big Cedar River confluence upstream of Hillman Pond
from Veterans Memorial Park Dam (T38N,
4
Muskegon County
Lakes Type
Ford River
from T43N, R27W, S35 (Dickinson 4 Duck Lake
F
County) downstream to Lake Michigan. from Nestrom Rd. to Lake Michigan.
Half Moon Lake C

Mona Lake
F
Oceana County
from US-31 to Lake Michigan. Lakes Type
Muskegon Lake Pentwater Lake
F
from M-120 to Lake Michigan. from Long Bridge Rd (B15) to Lake F
White Lake Michigan.
from Business Route US-31 (in Whitehall) F Silver Lake
to Lake Michigan. F
downstream limit is Lake Michigan.
Streams Type Stony Lake
F
Cedar Creek from inlet of Stony Creek to Lake Michigan.
from River Rd. (T11N, R15W, S33) Streams Type
3
downstream to confluence with North Branch Pentwater River
Muskegon River. from Oceana Dr. downstream to
Muskegon River 4
confluence with mainstream of
from Bridge Street (new bridge T12N, R13W, 3 Pentwater River.
S24) Garfield Twp., downstream to M-120. North Branch White River
North Branch Crockery Creek from Arthur Rd. downstream to 4
mainstream from Kenowa Ave. (T10N, confluence with White River.

4
R13W, S36) downstream to confluence with Pentwater River
Crockery Creek mainstream at Ravenna. from Hart Dam downstream to
White River 4
confluence with Pentwater Lake (Long
from Hesperia Dam downstream to White 4 Bridge Rd. or B15).
Lake (Business Route US-31 in Whitehall) White River
Newaygo County from Hesperia Dam downstream to Lake
Michigan.
4
Lakes Type
Condon Lake C Ogemaw County
Big South Branch Pere Marquette River Lake George B
S A L M O N
from confluence of Beaver/Winnepesaug Streams Type

4
creeks downstream to confluence with Rifle River
Pere Marquette River. from Sage Lake Road (T23N, R3E, S22) 3
Little Muskegon River 4 downstream to Saginaw Bay.
Muskegon River
from Croton Dam downstream to Bridge Ontonagon County
4
Street (New Bridge T12N, R13W, S24) Lakes Type
&
Garfield Twp. Courtney Lake B

Muskegon River Mirror Lake B
T R O U T
from Bridge Street (new bridge T12N, Trout Creek Pond C

3
R13W, S24) Garfield Twp., downstream
to M-120. Streams Type
Tamarack Creek 4 Big Iron River
from Koshak Rd. Bridge (T49N, R43W, 3
Oakland County S2) downstream to Lake Superior.
East Branch Ontonagon River
I N L A N D
Lakes Type 3
Maceday Lake C upstream limit is Hwy. M-28.
Streams Type East Sleeping River
from railroad trestle (T53N, R38W, S25) 3
Huron River downstream to Lake Superior.
from the Sign below Moss Lake Outlet
GR Firesteel River
to the Signs 100 yards below Wixom Rd.
(T2N, R7E, S13). (including East & West Branch) 3
upstream limit is Hwy. M-26.
Paint Creek
GR Little Iron River
from Gunn Rd. to Tienken Rd.
upstream limit is Nonesuch Falls (T50N, 3
R43N, S1).

Middle Branch Ontonagon River Ford Lake D
2
downstream limit is Agate Falls. Heart Lake B
Middle Branch Ontonagon River Lost Lake D
3
Agate Falls is upstream limit. North Twin Lake D
Misery River
3 Pickerel Lake A
upstream limit is bridge in T53N, R37W, S15.
Section Four Lake D
Ontonagon River 3
South Twin Lake D
Union River
from South Boundary Rd. (T51N, R42W, 4 West Lost Lake D
S22) downstream to Lake Superior. Streams Type
West Branch Big Iron River Black River
from Burnt Dam Bridge (T50N, R44W, from Tin Shanty Bridge Rd. downstream
3 GR
S36) downstream to confluence with Big to the Town Corner Lake Stairs (T32N,
Iron River. R1E, S31).
West Branch Ontonagon River Manistee River
upstream limit is confluence with Victoria from headwaters downstream to Co. Rd. 2
I N L A N D
Hydro Station tail race (T50N, R39W, S29). 612.
SC- Closed to Fishing - Apr. 1 - Jun. Pigeon River
3
10 from its confluence with the Victoria from Old Vanderbilt Rd. downstream to 2
Hydro Station tail race in the SE1/4 of the Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail.
SW1/4 of T50N, R39W, S29 upstream to Pigeon River
Victoria Dam. from Elk Hill Campground Horse Trail to GR
Osceola County Pine Grove Campground stairs.
T R O U T
Lakes Type Ottawa County
Center Lake C Lakes Type
Streams Lake Macatawa
F
Muskegon River from River Ave. to Lake Michigan.
from US-10 downstream to River Bend Pigeon Lake
4 F
Bluffs Public Access Site (T15N, R9W,
&
from Lakeshore Drive to Lake Michigan.
S31). Streams Type
S A L M O N
Oscoda County Crockery Creek Mainstream
from Moore Rd. (T10N, R13W, S4) in
Lakes Type
Muskegon County downstream to 4
Crater Lake A confluence with Grand River (Ottawa
Loon Lake B County).
Streams Type North Branch Crockery Creek
Au Sable River Mainstream mainstream from Kenoa Ave. (T10N, R13W,
4
from McMasters Bridge Rd. (McMasters S36) downstream to confluence with
4 Crockery Creek mainstem at Ravenna.

Bridge) downstream to Rainbow Bend
power line (T26N, R2E, S3). Sand Creek 4
from Mio Dam down to the Mio power line 4 Presque Isle County
at (T26N, R3E, S7). Lakes Type
Au Sable River Mainstream Bear Den Lake (T33N, R2E, S32) B
from Mio power line (T26N, R3E, S7) Trout Creek Pond (T35N, R5E, S17) C
GR
downstream to Evans Rd. (McKinley Streams Type
Bridge).
Ocqueoc River
Au Sable River Mainstream from Barnhart Lake downstream to Lake 4
from Evans Rd. (McKinley Bridge) 2 Huron.
downstream to 4001 Bridge.
Otsego County
Lakes Type
Big Chub Lake B
Bridge Lake B

Swan River St. Joseph County

from US-23 Bridge downstream to Lake Streams Type
Huron. Curtis Creek and Tributaries 2
3
SC- Closed to Fishing - Whenever weir
Mill Creek and Tributaries
is in place - from 300 feet above weir to
from Preston Road (T7S, R12W, S7)
mouth (T35N, R6E, S20 & S29). 4
downstream to impoundment at T7S,
Trout River R12W, S32.
from dam (T35N, R5E, S17) downstream 3
Prairie River Mainstream
to Lake Huron.
from Bowers Road (T8S, R7W, S4) 4
Roscommon County downstream to McKale Road (T7S, R9W, S8).
Lakes Type Unnamed Tributary
4
(T6S, R10W, S26).
Higgins Lake E
Saginaw County Van Buren County

Lakes Type
Streams Type
Shafer Lake C
Saginaw River 3
Streams Type
Tittabawassee River
from Sanford Dam downstream to 3 Black River Mainstream
confluence with the Saginaw River. from confluence of North and South 3
branches down to Lake Michigan.
Schoolcraft County Brush Creek Except Reynolds Lake Drain
Lakes Type from 63rd Ave. downstream to confluence 4
Banana Lake B with Paw Paw River.
Bear (Nineteen) Lake B Dowagiac River Mainstream (including
Dowagiac Drain)
Kings Pond A 4
from source downstream to Pucker
Lost Lake A Street (T7S, R17W, S13).
Ned’s Lake D Pine Creek
S A L M O N
Spring Pond A downstream limit is 101st Ave. (T1N, 4

Twilight Lake D R12W, S32).
Streams Type South Branch of the Black River
from Hamilton Street Bridge (T2S, R16W,
Driggs River and tributaries, upstream S1) downstream to confluence with
of M-28 Bridge, Research Area: Type 1 mainstream (T1S, R17W, S2). Type 1 from
regulations apply, EXCEPT 5 additional RA Hamilton St. Bridge up to Bangor City Dam.
brook trout may be retained as part of 3
Note: South Branch Black River and all
&
daily possession limit. Tributaries upstream of Breedsville (Mill

Fox River
T R O U T
Str.) - it shall be unlawful to use other

from Fox River State Forest Campground GR than one single-pointed unweighted hook
(T46N, R14W, S11) to M-28. measuring 3/8" or less from point to shank.
Manistique River South Branch Paw Paw River (aka Gates
4 4
upstream limit is Papermill Dam. Drain or West Branch) and Tributaries
Milakokia River
Inland-Limstone Co. Railroad Bridge Wayne County
I N L A N D
4
(T41N, R13W, S1) downstream to Lake Streams Type
Michigan. Huron River
from Belleville Lake Dam in Wayne Co. 4
St. Clair County downstream to Lake Erie.
Streams Type
Belle River 4 Wexford County
Black River Streams Type
from private dam in Port Huron State Manistee River
3
Game Area downstream to confluence from Sunset Trail Rd. (CCC Bridge T26N, 4
with St. Clair River. R6W, S26) downstream to M-115.
Mill Creek Pine River
downstream limit is confluence with 4 from Elm Flats Public Access Site to 2
Black River. confluence with Tippy Dam backwaters.

C U S T O M E R S E R V I C E C E N T E R S
The Customer Service Centers shown below are open

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RAP (Report All Poaching) – 800-292-7800
Weekly Fishing Report: 855-777-0908 or online at
michigan.gov/fishingreport
Baraga
427 US-41 North
Baraga, MI 49908 Marquette
906-353-6651 1990 US-41 South
Marquette, MI 49855
Western 906-228-6561
Lake Superior
Management Eastern Lake Superior Newberry
Unit Management Unit 5100 M-123
Newberry, MI 49868
906-293-5131
Northern Lake Huron
Management Unit
Gaylord
1732 W M-32
Northern Lake Michigan Gaylord, MI 49735
Management Unit 989-732-3541
Escanaba Roscommon
6833 Hwy 2, 41 & M-35 Traverse City 8717 N. Roscommon Rd.
2122 South M-37
Gladstone, MI 49837 Traverse City, MI 49685 Roscommon, MI 48653
906-786-2351 231-922-5280 989-275-5151
Southern
Central Lake Michigan Lake Huron
Management Unit Management Unit
Cadillac
Bay City
8015 Mackinaw Trail
3580 State Park
Cadillac, MI 49601
Drive
231-775-9727
Bay City, MI 48706
989-684-9141
Southern Lake Michigan
Management Unit Lake Erie
Plainwell Management Unit
621 N. 10th St. Lansing Detroit
Plainwell, MI 49080 4166 Legacy Pkwy 1801 Atwater St.
269-685-6851 Lansing, MI 48911 Detroit, MI 48207
517-284-4720 313-396-6890
Fisheries Division’s organizational structure is based on Great Lakes Basins using watersheds as the
fundamental ecological management unit. Check www.michigan.gov/fishing for possible changes.

AQ U AT I C I N VA S I V E P L A N T S A N D A N I M A L S
Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals

Michigan’s waters are threatened by numerous nonnative aquatic invasive plants and animals.
Species such as the zebra mussel, round goby, sea lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, European frog-bit,
Eurasian watermilfoil, rusty crayfish, and spiny water flea are causing significant damage to
Michigan’s natural resources. A number of species also are knocking at the door, including
bighead carp and silver carp coming up the Illinois River and Chicago Area Waterway that
could potentially enter Lake Michigan and snakehead fish that are found in other Midwest
states. Aquatic invasive species are harmful to recreational fishing and do extensive economic
and natural resource damage. To help reduce the spread of invasive species, anglers are reminded to
properly dispose of all bait including worms, crayfish and minnows in a trash receptacle.
The following illustrations show a few of the most serious aquatic nuisance species threatening Michigan:
Snakehead Red Swamp Crayfish

tan with dark
brown mottling
sharp teeth
long anal fin raised
Photo courtesy to Joseph R. Tomelleri bright red
spots cover
body and
claws
Round Goby
fin may be tinged black spot
frog-like in green body mostly slate gray,
raised eyes mottled with black to
brown spots
thick lips
single scallop-
Image courtesy of
Brome McCreary, USGS
2-5"
shaped pelvic in length
(bottom) fin
European Frog-Bit
approx. 7-1/2"
Floating leaves: round or heart-shaped, the
size of a silver dollar coin
New Zealand Mudsnail
Images courtesy of MN Sea Grant & USGS

Average length: 1/8"
Brown with 5 whirls
Typically found in coldwater streams

Invasive Carp Identification
Adult bighead and silver carp are large fish that can be easily identified 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 find one in your bait bucket.
If you believe you have seen or caught an invasive carp, DO NOT RELEASE IT. Please visit
michigan.gov/asiancarp to fill out an online invasive carp reporting form, or call the DNR at
517-284-5830.
Adult Bighead Carp Juvenile Bighead Carp

Eyes sit below
the mouth
A noticeable keel (ridge on the underbelly) with no

scales that extends from the pelvic fin to the anal fin
Eyes are positioned below the line extending from
Up to 5 feet the tail to snout
Adult Silver Carp Juvenile Silver Carp

Eyes sit below
the mouth
A noticeable keel (ridge on the underbelly) with no

scales that extends from the gills to the anal fin
Eyes are positioned below the line extending from
Up to 3 feet tail to snout
Adult Invasive Carp illustrations by Joseph R. Tomelleri. Juvenile Invasive Carp illustrations by Emily Damstra.
Help Stop the Spread!

Anglers and boaters can help prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic invasive
species by taking the following steps:
• Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers, waders • Do not move fish or fish parts from one body
and other equipment thoroughly between of water to another.
fishing trips to keep from transporting
• Only purchase live bait from a retailer.
undesirable fish pathogens and organisms
from one water body to another with special • Do not release live bait into any water body.
care to clean fishing equipment when you are Dispose of them properly in the trash.
done fishing.
• Report unusual fish or unusual numbers of
• A light bleach solution is an excellent dead or dying fish to the local DNR Customer
disinfectant for cleaning your equipment. Service Centers (see p. 59).
You may also want to use a coarse bristled
• Educate other anglers about measures they
brush and a heated pressure washer.
can take to prevent the spread of fish diseases
• Allow boats, trailers and other equipment to and other aquatic nuisance species.
fully dry for at least 5 days in the sun before use.
Natural resource managers are concerned about the introduction of new species and emphasize
the importance of reporting any discoveries. Anglers should save and report unidentified fish to
contacts listed at michigan.gov/invasivespecies. You can also report to the Midwest Invasive
Species Information Network at www.misin.msu.edu.
If you have any questions, contact a Customer Service Center or visit michigan.gov/invasivespecies.

G E N E R A L B U L L E T I N S
Lead Alternatives temporary shelters must be removed from the

ice each day and do not require identification.
The DNR would like to remind anglers that Persons placing a shanty on the waters of the
lead can cause mortality when ingested by Upper Peninsula shall remove the shanty by
mammals and birds. There are nontoxic midnight of Mar. 31 each year. Persons placing
alternatives to lead such as tin, bismuth, steel a shanty on Michigan-Wisconsin boundary
and tungsten-nickel alloy for use in jigs, sinkers waters shall remove the shanty by midnight of
and other gear. These materials can be found at Mar. 15 each year (see pages 24-25).
established sporting goods retailers and online. Persons placing a shanty on waters in the
counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac,
Fishing Tournament Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare,
Information Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse,
Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau,
All bass fishing tournaments (as defined Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland,
on p. 9) held in 2016 and thereafter shall be Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana,
registered online using the DNR’s Michigan Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque
Fishing Tournament Information System at Isle, Roscommon, or Wexford shall remove the
the following website: www.mcgi.state.mi.us/ shanty by midnight of Mar. 15 each year. Persons
fishingtournaments/. Tournament directors placing a shanty upon the waters of the remaining
shall verify all tournament participants and portion of the Lower Peninsula shall remove
provide a unique registration receipt to all the shanty by midnight on Mar. 1 each year.
participating anglers. Tournament directors Shanties placed on L. St. Clair shall be removed
shall report tournament results to the DNR by before sunset on the first Sunday after Feb. 20
December 31, annually. each year. In all areas, a shanty must be removed
if ice conditions become unsafe, regardless of
Boat Registration the date. After the above dates, a shanty must be
removed at the end of each day’s fishing activity.
For information about boat registration, please
see “The Handbook of Michigan Boating
Laws & Responsibilities” available online at Parasites and Diseases of Fish
michigan.gov/boating. Boat registrations are
Occasionally anglers catch fish with black,
handled through the Secretary of State.
pinhead-size spots which cause the fish to
Ice Shanties have a peppered appearance, or a fish may be
caught which has white-to-yellow-colored grubs
A person placing a shanty on the ice for fishing under the skin or in the flesh. Yellow perch
shall permanently affix their name and address taken from the shallower waters of the Great
on ALL SIDES of the shanty in legible letters Lakes often contain red worms coiled within
at least 2" in height. The letters shall be readily the body cavity. These conditions are caused by
visible and consist of material not soluble in water. common fish parasites. Fish with these parasites
The name and address must be on the shanty and are safe to eat because the parasites are killed by
may not be placed on a board or other material cooking. Black spot and yellow grub parasites
that is then attached to the shanty. Tents or other are most common in bass, sunfish (all species)
Michigan Wildlife Council

Did you know…
• Hunting, fishing and trapping contribute billions of dollars
to Michigan’s economy every year?
• Future generations will enjoy Michigan’s words, waters
and wildlife thanks to funds raised by hunting, fishing
and trapping licenses?
One dollar from your license purchase is creating an educational

campaign that will inform the public about the importance of
hunting and fishing in Michigan.
Check out www.MichiganWildlifeCouncil.org to find out more.

and northern pike, and red worm is specific to be infectious to other animals or man; however,
yellow perch. These parasites may be found in affected fish are not aesthetically pleasing and
other species of fish as well. should not be eaten. Affected fish (of legal size)
It is not unusual for anglers to catch walleye should be kept for disposal because a fish that is
with pink, whitish or yellowish wart-like growths released may spread the infection to other fish.
on their bodies and fins. These markings are Please note, if you keep a fish for disposal it is still
caused by fish viruses, the most common of part of your daily possession limit.
which is called lymphocystis. This is primarily
a skin disease, and the flesh is usually not
affected. Lymphocystis is harmless to humans
Seasonal Fish Mortalities
and affected fish are safe to eat. Skinning the fish Throughout the year, it is not uncommon to
usually removes all diseased tissue. If a legal-size witness dead or dying fish in ponds and lakes
fish is heavily affected and appears aesthetically across the state. Many incidents stem from natural
unpleasing, it should be kept for disposal because causes such as winter kill, brought about by a
a fish that is released will only spread more virus. depletion of oxygen supplies coincident with
Please note, if you keep a fish for disposal it is heavy snow and ice cover; stress (brought about
still part of your daily possession limit. by low oxygen levels); periods of unusually
Northern pike from some waters occasionally rapid temperature increase or natural stresses
are caught with various size and colors of external associated with spawning. The deaths may be
tumors which may be whitish, creamy, pink or viewed as nature’s way of reducing the fish
red. In advanced stages, the tumors are ugly open population and selecting those fish which are
sores tinged with red and often are referred to as most fit for survival. If you suspect a fish kill is
red sore. These tumors are caused by a naturally caused by non-natural causes, please call your
occurring virus which is specific to northern pike nearest DNR location (see p. 59) or Michigan’s
and muskellunge. The disease is not known to Pollution Emergency Alert System (800) 292-4706.
M I C H I G A N M A R K E T P L AC E
FISHING PRODUCTS FISHING CHARTERS
Share your
exciting ZUBOK’S
product or Bait & tacKle
service
with the Michigan
Marine
ServiceS
www.ITILDOCHARTERS.com
fishing community! 269-214-6934 • South Haven
313-295-2230 Fixin’ to Fish Bait ‘n’ Tickle
2016 -2017
M I C H I G A N
The Biggest Little Bait Shop in Town!
FISHING GUIDE
— Rules apply from April 1, 2016 through March
31, 2018 —
22985 Van Born Rd 675 W. Walton, Pontiac, MI

248-499-9844
Taylor, MI FIXINTOFISH [email protected]
ATTENTION
ANGLERS!
Please note this is a two-year guide.
RETAILER LAND MANAGEMENT
The regulations in this guide cover 2016 and
2017.
This guide is available online at michigan.gov/fishingguide

SPORTS BARN
989-821-9511 ABILITY
For advertising Marine Decking Sporting Goods
DURABILITY. RELIABILITY. AFFORDABILITY.
SINCE 1957, GRANBERG INTERNATIONAL HAS BEEN
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FOR A FREE CATALOG
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G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N
Thank you for purchasing a Michigan Fishing License

Each year an estimated two million Michigan residents and nonresidents fish Michigan waters.
Recreational fishing is the largest and highest-valued use of the state’s fishery resources. The economic
impact of sport fishing 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 benefit of current and future generations.
Revenue from fishing 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 fishing and hunting license each year. Learn more at michigan.gov/itsyournature.
Fisheries Division Other sources of

Appropriation Budget: Game and Fish
60%
information:
Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Great Lakes Fishery
($31,814,300) Federal
35%
Commission:
Other www.glfc.org
Funding Sources 5%
Great Lakes Fishery Trust:
Game and Fish Protection Fund: www.glft.org
$19,152,000 (60%) Great Lakes Sport Fishing
The funds are mainly derived from fishing and hunting license Council:
revenues and all monies are earmarked for fishing- and hunting- www.great-lakes.org
related operations. Great Lakes Council of the
Federal Funds: $11,047,700 (35%) Federation of Fly Fishers:
Our primary federal funding source is the Sport Fish Restoration www.fffglc.org
fund program, which comes from a federal excise tax on fishing Michigan Charter Boat
equipment and a portion of the federal fuel tax revenue attributed Association:
to motorboats. Michigan received $11 million in fiscal year 2015 www.micharterboats.com
(seventh highest in the nation) based on a distribution formula Michigan Council of
of land/water area and number of state fishing license holders. Trout Unlimited:
Of this amount, $9.3 million was used for Fisheries Division www.mctu.org
programs. The remaining $1.7 million was used by Parks and
Recreation Division for projects in support of fishing and boating. Michigan Steelhead
and Salmon Fishermen’s
Other Funds: $1,614,600 (5%) Association:
State general fund/general purpose, litigation settlement and www.michigansteelheaders.org
private funds. Michigan Sea Grant:
www.miseagrant.umich.edu
Appropriations by Program (Total: $31,814,300)
Michigan United
Fisheries Resources Management and Cormorant Population Conservation Clubs:
Mitigation Programs: $20,696,600 (65%) www.mucc.org
Expenditures are for the protection and maintenance of healthy Recreational Boat and
Great Lakes and inland waters and fish communities and for Fishing Foundation:
the rehabilitation of those species and habitats that have been www.takemefishing.org
degraded.
Chippewa Ottawa
Fish Production Program: $10,141,700 (32%) Resource Authority:
Expenditures are for the hatching, rearing and transportation www.1836cora.org
of fish required for management of both the Great Lakes and Great Lakes Indian Fish
inland fisheries. & Wildlife Commission:
Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program: $976,000 (3%) www.glifwc.org
Expenditures are for the mitigation of damages from development Michigan Department of
projects in Michigan waters. Funds are used for fish habitat Health & Human Services' Eat
rehabilitation, for the protection of intact habitat as compensation Safe Fish Information:
for damages, and to improve fishing access. www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish

EVERY BOAT NEEDS A PROTECTOR.
1.800.PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE.COM
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates.

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2016 -2017

This guide is available online at michigan.gov/fishingguide

With 94 stores and counting throughout Michigan,

Master Angler Information.......................................34-35

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 1

Major Regulation Changes -

About this Guide

Designers: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay,

2 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

License Items & Fees

June 11 & 12, 2016

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 3

May 15 - March 15 (2016 & 2017) Pages 12, 14

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

The following special

6 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 7

8 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Where every season

Stock With Coupon Norris

Coupon Expires March 31, 2017

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 9

10 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

It Is Unlawful To: • Possess more than the Michigan daily

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 11

Table 1: General Hook & Line Regulations

Open All Year

All others No possession

12 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Note 2 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Experience

the daily possession limit is 1 walleye and

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 13

14 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Table 2: Lake Sturgeon

Great Lakes and Connecting

Fishing Season: Between 42" - 50", inclusive.

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 15

Table 3: Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations

Season Gear Waters* Species

ALL WATERS except:

16 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Regulations (Note 1)

18 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Great Lakes Commercial Usually set in gangs 300' to 5 miles

depending on the licensing entity.

of fishing gear or boat propellers.

� Please EXERCISE CAUTION while boating in these areas. Visibility will

� WARNING: Tampering with these or any other legally set nets is a

For more information contact: Report unmarked nets:

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 19

20 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide

Lake Trout Lake Trout

Lake Superior: map color coded by unit regulations

MI 1-3: Windigo, Ontonagon,

Lake Huron: map color coded by unit regulations

MH 1-6: DeTour, Cedarville,

Lake Michigan: map color coded by unit regulations

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide 21

Regulations for Frogs, Toads, Salamanders,

Frogs, toads, Last Sat. in 10 in any 10 in any

Designers: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay,

Note 2 - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Experience