New Rules Take Effect Across State Waters
Michigan's 2026 fishing season officially began April 1, bringing a series of new regulations approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission that will remain in effect through March 31, 2027.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources updated possession limits, size requirements and gear definitions for various species to manage state fisheries. The changes impact popular fishing spots including Lake Superior, the Menominee River and specific lakes in the Upper Peninsula.
Lake Superior Limits Tightened
New daily possession limits are now in place for Lake Superior. At Stannard Rock and Big Reef, the daily limit is restricted to one lake trout or splake combined.
In Marquette County, the DNR implemented new walleye regulations for Lake Independence and Teal Lake. These waters now have a 15-inch minimum size limit. Walleye between 18 and 23 inches are part of a protected slot limit and must be released, though anglers may keep one walleye larger than 23 inches as part of their five-fish daily possession limit.
Expanded Burbot and Sturgeon Opportunities
A new daily possession limit of five fish has also been established for burbot across the state. Specific details regarding this change are located on page 12 of the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations.
A new catch-and-immediate-release season for lake sturgeon on the Menominee River is scheduled to begin the first Saturday in June. This season will apply to the waters between the Grand Rapids Dam and the Sturgeon Falls Dam and will run through the first Sunday in March.
Spearfishing and Equipment Clarification
The department provided clarification on equipment used for trout and salmon. 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.
Underwater spearfishing opportunities have expanded to additional Great Lakes waters, though some areas remain excluded. While anglers no longer need to submit monthly reports for this activity, they are still required to obtain a free spearfishing license.
License Purchase and Contact Information
Anglers can purchase 2026 fishing licenses through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or the department's website. The app also provides tools for reporting harvests and accessing the full text of current regulations.
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.
Print Guide Correction
The DNR issued a correction regarding the print version of the 2026 fishing guide. On page 16, the print manual incorrectly describes 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.
Season Overview
Michigan's 2026 fishing season officially begins April 1, bringing new regulations for anglers. These updated rules affect possession limits and popular fishing locations across the state, with the goal of ensuring sustainable fish populations and providing quality experiences for anglers throughout Michigan waters.