New Rules for Lake Trout, Walleye, Burbot, and Sturgeon

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan's 2026 fishing season officially begins April 1, bringing with it a suite of new regulations designed to manage the state's fisheries across the Great Lakes and inland waters. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved changes to possession limits, size requirements, and gear definitions that will impact anglers throughout the state.

The new rules, approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, will remain in effect through March 31, 2027. These changes focus on several key species and fishing methods, including lake trout in Lake Superior, walleye in the Upper Peninsula, burbot across the state, and an expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities.

Lake Superior Lake Trout and Splake Limits

One of the most significant changes affects Stannard Rock and Big Reef in Lake Superior, where new daily possession limits have been implemented. Anglers can now keep only one lake trout or splake combined in these areas, with a minimum size requirement of 15 inches for both species.

This restriction comes as the DNR works to sustainably manage the lake trout population in Lake Superior, which has seen significant changes in recent years due to environmental factors and overharvesting concerns.

Walleye Regulations in Upper Peninsula Waters

In Marquette County, new walleye regulations have been implemented for Lake Independence and Teal Lake. These waters now feature a 15-inch minimum size limit, and walleye between 18 and 23 inches are now part of a protected slot limit that must be released.

Anglers may keep five walleye per day as part of their daily possession limit, with no more than one fish greater than 23 inches allowed per day. This slot limit is designed to protect the breeding population while still allowing for recreational harvest.

New Burbot Possession Limits

Perhaps the most notable statewide change is the implementation of a new daily possession limit of five burbot. This represents a significant shift in how one of Michigan's coldwater species can be harvested and is part of ongoing efforts to better understand and manage this relatively unknown fish species.

The burbot population has faced challenges from overharvesting and invasive species, making the introduction of catch limits a crucial step in conservation efforts.

Spearfishing Expansion

The DNR has also expanded underwater spearfishing opportunities to additional Great Lakes waters, though some areas remain excluded. Anglers no longer need to submit monthly reports for this activity, though they must still obtain a free spearfishing license.

Currently, those who spearfish in Michigan can only do so in limited parts of the Great Lakes and can only harvest three game fish. A looming decision in October could greatly expand these opportunities, but that remains uncertain at this time.

Equipment Clarifications

The DNR issued clarification on equipment used for trout and salmon fishing. A bead used on a hook, or attached to the line no more than 4 inches above a single-pointed hook, is now officially defined as an artificial lure. This clarification helps ensure consistent enforcement of fishing regulations across the state.

Menominee River Sturgeon Fishing

A new catch-and-immediate-release fishing opportunity for lake sturgeon has been added to the Menominee River. This season will apply to waters between the Grand Rapids Dam and the Sturgeon Falls Dam and will run from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March.

Regulatory Corrections

The department also issued a correction regarding the print version of the 2026 fishing guide. On page 16, the print manual incorrectly described the Lake Michigan southern boundary as the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. The boundary is actually the border between Michigan and Indiana, which has been corrected in the digital version of the regulations.

How to Get Licensed

Anglers can purchase 2026 fishing licenses through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or the department's website. The app provides tools for reporting harvests and accessing the full text of current regulations, making it easier for anglers to stay informed about fishing rules.

For questions regarding the new rules, the DNR has designated Lucas Nathan at 517-599-9323 and Christian LeSage at 517-449-7073 as primary contacts.

Season Kickoff

The fishing season kicks off on April 1, and the DNR is encouraging anglers to ensure they have the proper licenses before heading out. The department continues to monitor fishing pressure and population levels across Michigan's waters, with potential for additional regulation changes in the future as needed.

The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app remains the primary resource for anglers to purchase licenses, report harvests, and access the full text of current regulations.