Michigan Fishing Season 2026 Brings New Regulations for Walleye, Lake Trout, and Burbot
Michigan's 2026 fishing season brings new walleye slot limits in Marquette County, reduced lake trout possession limits in Lake Superior, and expanded spearfishing waters across the Great Lakes.
New Sportfishing Rules Take Effect April 1
New sportfishing regulations for the 2026 fishing season are in effect April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved multiple regulation changes for the season, which runs through March 31, 2027. Among the most significant changes are new walleye regulations for Lake Independence and Teal Lake in Marquette County.
Anglers must release all walleye measuring 18 to 23 inches, creating a protected slot limit. The minimum size limit is 15 inches, and the daily possession limit is five walleye, with no more than one exceeding 23 inches allowed per day.
Lake Superior Faces Stricter Limits
Lake Superior anglers will face new possession limits at Stannard Rock and Big Reef, where the daily limit has been reduced to one lake trout or splake combined.
The state has also established a five-fish daily possession limit for burbot.
Expanded Spearfishing and Sturgeon Season
Other changes include an expansion of underwater spearfishing waters in the Great Lakes.
Monthly reporting is no longer required, though anglers must still obtain a free license.
A new catch-and-immediate-release season for lake sturgeon has been added to the Menominee River from Grand Rapids Dam to Sturgeon Falls Dam. The season runs from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March.
Regulatory Corrections and Clarifications
The print version of the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations incorrectly listed the Lake Michigan southern boundary, but the digital version has been corrected to reflect "waters north of the MI/IN border."
Bead fishing for trout and salmon has been clarified in the regulations. A bead fished on the hook or attached to the line no further than 4 inches above the eye of a single-pointed hook is now defined as an artificial lure.
How to Get Your License
Fishing licenses can be purchased online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app allows anglers to buy licenses, report harvests, access regulations, and receive updates.
The 2026 Michigan fishing season began Wednesday, April 1 in Michigan, bringing with it several regulation changes that anglers should review before heading to the water.
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