2021 Michigan Fishing Guide Rules apply from April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Get the digital guide at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests MICHIGAN FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS License Items & Fees Purchase your fshing license (and more) online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Item Type Fee DNR Sportcard $1 All -Species Fishing Licenses Resident Annual $26* Nonresident Annual $76* Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally blind – see p. 6) $11* Daily Fish (Resident or Nonresident) $10/day Angler can buy from 1 to 6 consecutive days Voluntary Youth (16 and under) $2* Combo Hunt/Fish Licenses (Base, Annual Fishing, 2 Deer) Hunt/Fish Resident $76* Hunt/Fish Senior Resident $43* Hunt/Fish Nonresident $266* Lost Licenses Lost your license? See the gray box below for instructions on getting a replacement. Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military (see p. 6). All fshing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this Fishing Guide. A $1 surcharge is included in the combo hunt and fsh licenses, resident annual, nonresident annual, and senior annual fshing licenses, as noted with the asterisk (*). Revenue generated from these funds will be used to educate the public on the benefts of hunting, fshing 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. Who needs a Michigan fshing license? Any adult actively assisting a minor must have A license is required when targeting fsh, a fshing license. However, adults without a amphibians, crustaceans and/or reptiles in public fshing license may do the following: waters of the state. If you are 17 years of age or • Help land a fsh with a net or their hands older and fsh in Michigan you must purchase a fshing license. If you are under 17, you may fsh • Help unhook a fsh without a license, but you are required to observe • Set up the fshing rod with the appropriate gear all fshing rules and regulations. Turning 17 at any • Bait the hook point during the current season (April 1 - March 31) You'll need to buy a license once you do! • Fix tangles or snags • Cast the line for young anglers; however, it should The new youth fshing license is voluntary and not be stressed the young angler must be an active required for ages 16 and under. A fshing license is participant while the adult is only assisting not required for those under 17 years of age. If the individual assisting does have a fshing Where does the fshing license revenue go? license they would be in compliance and would For information concerning where fshing license be supporting Michigan's aquatic resources for funds are used please see p. 64. future generations. Where can you purchase a Michigan fshing license (or replace a lost one)? Option 1: Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses Option 2: At a License Agent (fnd the list at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents) Option 3: At a DNR Customer Service Center (fnd the one closest to you on p. 65) Need help? Problems buying your license online? Call the DNR's eLicense Help Desk: 517-284-6057 How to Use This Guide: 1. Decide what species you're fshing for, on what waterbody (Great Lakes, inland, rivers/streams), and in what county. 2. For fsh other than trout, check out the "General Fishing Regulations" on page 12. 3. Inland trout & salmon regulations can be found starting on page 38. It's also helpful to check the online maps (at Michigan.gov/Fishing). 4. Make sure to check the "Exceptions to General Fishing Regulations by County" content for special regulations (starting on page 28). 5. Make sure to read over the "Lawful Fishing Methods", "Unlawful Activities" and "Defnitions & Terms" sections. 6. Finally, be sure to check the Table of Contents (page 3) for other opportunities & important information. And don't forget to buy a fshing license! 11 2021 Michigan Fishing Guide MAJOR REGULAT ION CHANGES New regulations appear in red text throughout the guide. NOTE: Always call 888-367-7060 or check REPORT ALL online at Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most recent regulation information. POACHING Snagging Remains Unlawful (CALL OR TEXT): • The defnition for snagging has been updated. See p. 9. 800-292-7800 Betsie and Torch River Spawning Closures • Betsie River Homestead Dam (Benzie Co.) – Closed to fshing from Aug. 1 – Nov. 15 NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal within 300 ft of lamprey barrier and fsh notice or a complete collection of fshing passage facility. regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide • Torch River (Antrim & Kalkaska Cos) - issued for anglers’ convenience. Copies of Closed to fshing May 1 – June 15 from Michigan's regulations can be obtained from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge downstream Michigan.gov/DNR. to L. Skegemog including Rapid R. up to Aarwood Rd Bridge. Hook and Line Restrictions During Walleye Spawning Runs • Fishing regulations have been modifed in several streams in Bay, Genesee, Macomb, Midland, and Saginaw counties during the period of March 16 – the Friday before the last Saturday in April. Check the Exceptions to General Fishing Regulations by County pp. 28 – 31 for specifcs. Reptiles and Amphibians • The northern two-lined salamander, northern dusky salamander, and mink frog are now protected species. Possession and harvest is unlawful. See p. 22. New VHS Regulations - See p. 27 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. Michigan's Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species The DNR is taking action to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in our rivers, lakes, and streams to keep them world-class. We can’t do it alone – see below for ways to get involved. 1. The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program provides $3.6 million annually for projects that prevent, monitor, respond to and control invasive species. Visit Michigan.gov/MISGP. 2. Attention anglers and boaters! You can help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning your gear and properly disposing of bait. Go online to Michigan.gov/Invasives to learn more about what you can do. 3. If you see something strange – report it! Take a photo of the species in question and contact the DNR through Michigan.gov/Invasives. Learn more about aquatic invasive species on pages 60-61. 2 2021 Michigan Fishing Guide The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the 2021 conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural MICHIGAN and cultural resources for current and FISHING GUIDE future generations. • • • – CONTENTS – The Michigan Natural Resources Amphibians & Reptiles ..................................................... 22 Commission (NRC) is a seven-member public Angler Harassment Information...................................33 body whose members are appointed by Angler Rights On Public Streams .................................33 the Governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC oversees Aquatic Invasive Plants & Animals ....................... 60-61 the management of fsh and wildlife in Boat Registration Information .......................................62 the State of Michigan. The commission Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations ......................... 16-17 conducts monthly, public meetings in Common Fish Species ................................................36-37 locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are Customer Service Centers ...............................................65 encouraged to become actively involved in Defnitions & Terms........................................................... 8-9 these public forums. For more information Description of Inland Waters............................................ 7 visit Michigan.gov/NRC. Eat Safe Fish.........................................................................32 • • • Exceptions to General Regulations Cover photo of the Menominee River by County .........................................................................28-31 submitted by Lt. Terry Short, DNR Law Fishing Seasons Chart.......................................................... 4 Enforcement Division Great Lakes Fishing Tournament Information.................................62 Enforcement Unit. General Fishing Regulations ...................... 12-14 Have a photo you think would look General Netting Regulations ........................................ 23 great on the cover of the next GL Commercial Fishing & Research Nets ................19 Michigan Fishing Guide? GL Trout & Salmon........................................................ 18-21 We're seeking photos that focus on places Ice Shanties .............................................................................62 to fsh, instead of people or fsh species. Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations ...........38-57 Photos should be portrait orientation. If County Listing of Lakes and Streams ........... 44-57 you’ve got one, email it to Gear Restricted Streams .....................................40-42 [email protected]. Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations .......... 38 Inland Trout & Salmon Stream Regulations ......39 Lake Sturgeon Regulations .............................................15 A complete listing of regulations and legal descriptions are available