The Michigan Department of Natural Resources would like to remind anglers to dust off their fishing gear and get ready for the opening of two fishing seasons Saturday, April 30. The statewide trout season and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye, northern pike and muskellunge seasons all open that day.In Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye, northern pike and muskellunge seasons open Sunday, May 15.
Don’t forget the catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing – check the Michigan Fishing Guide for specifics). The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 28, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 18.
Fishing is a major economic driver in many parts of the state. In Michigan, anglers typically spend 28 million days on the water and generate $4.4 billion in economic activity, which produces $623 million in local, state and federal tax revenue. On top of that, sportfishing in Michigan is estimated to support nearly 38,000 jobs.
The new license season began April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2016 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2017.
The 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online; visit the DNR website at michigan.gov/fishingguide for the most up-to-date information. Don’t forget this year’s guide covers two years of regulations (this season plus next season) so anglers should be sure to keep their printed copies through March 31, 2018.
