Because the 2018 harvest limit for lake trout in Grand Traverse Bay was exceeded, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking at some regulation changes for 2019. Before any changes are proposed to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, which has the authority for establishing most regulations, the DNR is inviting the public to learn about options during a meeting Wednesday, March 6, 6 to 8 p.m. at the DNR Customer Service Center in Traverse City, 2122 South M-37.
Each year, lake trout harvest limits in 1836 Treaty-ceded waters are determined by the treaty tribes, the United States and the state of Michigan. Last year, the state recreational harvest in Grand Traverse Bay (known as the Lake Trout Management Unit MM-4) reached 93,000 pounds – exceeding the set total allowable catch of 77,200 pounds.
“When either the state or the tribes exceed harvest limits by more than 15 percent, there is a penalty the following season,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “Under this scenario, recreational anglers on Grand Traverse Bay this year will be required to reduce their catch by nearly 32,000 pounds.”
To accommodate that required reduction for the 2019 lake trout fishing season, the DNR is considering three options:
Allow the Grand Traverse Bay fishery to be open June 15-Sept. 2 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a two-fish daily possession limit. (Estimated reduction: 30,900 pounds)
Allow the Grand Traverse Bay fishery to be open July 1-Sept. 30 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a two-fish daily possession limit. (Estimated reduction: 31,400 pounds)
Allow the Grand Traverse Bay fishery to be open May 25-Sept. 2 with a 15-inch minimum size limit, and a one-fish daily possession limit May 25-June 30 and a two-fish daily possession limit July 1-Sept. 2. (Estimated reduction: 27,400 pounds)
Grand Traverse Bay’s lake trout fishery is a popular opportunity for many anglers. In recent years, fishing methods have moved beyond trolling and now include casting and jigging, too.
According to Heather Hettinger, a DNR fisheries biologist who works out of the Traverse City Customer Service Center, this strong fishery, combined with increased interest in bass and cisco fishing, means more anglers are targeting lake trout. That increased effort and alternative methods for catching lake trout result in more fish being caught and released than in the recent past.
“Therein lies part of the problem,” Hettinger said. “Lake trout released by anglers do not survive well. In fact, research suggests that 41 percent of those returned to the water won’t live to be caught another day. That’s why catch-and-release data collected by DNR creel clerks and reported by charter captains is incorporated into ‘allowable catch’ calculations.”
Anglers can directly improve the state’s ability to stay within lake trout harvest limits in Grand Traverse Bay by targeting other readily available fish species or stopping their fish outing after reaching the daily possession limit of lake trout.
The March 6 meeting in Traverse City is open to everyone. Those unable to attend are encouraged to contact Scott Heintzelman, 231-775-9727 or Heather Hettinger, 231-922-6056 with questions or suggestions.
