The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday, Sept. 10, lifted a spawning closure on the Betsie River in Benzie County. The lift went into effect immediately.
In 2012, the closure was put in place when the Betsie River experienced historically low water levels that left migrating Chinook salmon and steelhead vulnerable to illegal harvest. Recent weather patterns have resulted in water levels returning to normal conditions, so the spawning closure placed on the Betsie River mouth is no longer necessary.
Previously, the lower portion of the Betsie River from the Betsie Valley Trail Bridge west to a line in Betsie Bay between the westernmost dock of the Northstar Marina and the westernmost dock of the Eastshore Marina was closed to fishing. All areas are now open.
New restrictions on artificial lures have been implemented on the Betsie River and a few other locations, so be sure to check online for the most up-to-date regulations information. Other spawning regulations are in effect in various parts of the state at certain points of the year. For a complete list, review the Exceptions to General Regulations by County in the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide.
