The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on April 1 that the state’s new fishing season has begun, with updated regulations now in effect through March 31, 2027. Anglers are encouraged to review the latest rules before heading out to fish this spring.
The changes matter because they affect popular fishing areas and species across Michigan. The updates aim to conserve fish populations while allowing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Among the key changes, Stannard Rock and Big Reef in Lake Superior now have a daily possession limit of one lake trout or splake combined. In Marquette County’s Lake Independence and Teal Lake, new walleye regulations require a minimum size of 15 inches, protect all walleye between 18-23 inches from harvest, and allow no more than one walleye over 23 inches per day. A daily possession limit of five burbot has also been introduced.
Regulations for bead fishing have been clarified: beads fished on or near hooks are now considered artificial lures if attached within four inches above the hook’s eye. Underwater spearfishing is permitted in additional Great Lakes waters; however, monthly reporting is no longer required though anglers must still obtain a free license. An error in the print version regarding boundaries for Lake Michigan spearfishing was corrected in the digital edition.
A catch-and-immediate-release season for lake sturgeon has been added on the Menominee River from Grand Rapids Dam to Sturgeon Falls Dam from early June through early March. Other minor changes apply to several waters statewide.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online or via the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, which also provides regulation access and updates.
