Exceptions to General Regulations by County
Alger:
Rock R. closed to fishing from dam to lower foot bridge downstream from M-28 April 1 - June 30. Duck and Echo Lks. (Grand Island), catch-and release on Smallmouth Bass. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (contact park for regulation specifics 906-387–3700).
Allegan:
Swan Cr. from mouth upstream to the dam on 118th Ave. restricted to only one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank.
Antrim:
Intermediate R. closed to all fishing from Bellaire Dam to M-88 Bridge April 1 - May 14. Torch R. from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge downstream to L. Skegemog including Rapid R. up to Aarwood Rd Bridge - From May 1 - July 1, it shall be unlawful to use other than one single-pointed unweighted hook measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank.
Arenac:
Saganing Cr. (upstream from State Rd.) and Pine R. (upstream from State Rd.) closed to fishing March 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April.
Baraga:
Lakes of Craig Lake State Park (Clair, Craig, Crooked, Keewaydin, Nelligan, Teddy, and Thomas Lks.) artificial lures only; Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass must be released, minimum size on Walleye is 15", no size limit on other species; possession limit on Walleye is 2; otherwise, all general rules apply. Motorboats of all types prohibited on all except Thomas and Keewaydin Lks.; Sturgeon R. from Prickett Dam downstream to mouth of Clear Cr. (T50N, R35W, S12) closed to all fishing April 1 - June 30.
Barry:
Williams L. open season is last Sat. in April - Dec. 15, catch-and-immediate-release only.
Bay:
Kawkawlin R. and all tributaries upstream of Euclid Ave., and Saganing Cr. (upstream from State Rd.) and Pine R. (upstream from State Rd.) closed to fishing March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April. On the Kawkawlin R. downstream from Euclid Ave. and the Saginaw R. from upstream of the West Center Street (Douglas G. Schenk) Bridge and all tributaries, the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or artificial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Benzie:
Platte R. restricted to only one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank; closed to fishing within 300 ft. of upper (hatchery) weir and lower weir whenever either weir is in place; closed to fishing from US-31 bridge at Veteran’s Park downstream to Platte L. Jan. 1 – March 31. Betsie R. Homestead Dam closed to fishing Nov. 16 - July 31 within 100 feet of lamprey barrier and fish passage facility (T25N, R15W, S2). Betsie River Homestead Dam closed to fishing from August 1 – November 15 within 300 feet of the lamprey barrier and fish passage facility (T25N, R15W, S2). On all waters of the Betsie R. special artificial lure regulations apply.
Berrien:
Townsend Cr. (T6S, R17W, S19), and the mouth area of L. Chapin, to a point 100 yards below the Townsend Cr. mouth into L. Chapin, it is unlawful to use other than one single-pointed, unweighted hook measuring 1/2" or less from point to shank.
Calhoun:
Harts L. catch-and-release only for all species.
Cass:
Corey, Little Crooked and Stone Lks. bass minimum size limit is 10". Indiana L. no possession of Cisco (Lake Herring).
Charlevoix:
Medusa Cr. and area of L. Michigan for a radius of 100’ of mouth closed to fishing when weir is in place. Boyne R. from mouth upstream to dam (T32N, R5W, S5) restricted to one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank. On L. Michigan, within one-half mile of the following islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago: Beaver, Garden, High and Hog the possession season for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is July 1 - Dec. 31 and open to bass catch-and-immediate-release all year.
Cheboygan:
Cheboygan R. from the south end of the outermost breakwall at Mullett L. downstream to Cheboygan Dam, and Black R. from Alverno Dam downstream to its confluence with the Cheboygan R. the possession season for Walleye shall be May 15 - March 15. Cheboygan R., Indian R., or Black R. unlawful to fish during April 1 - June 15 with spear, bow and arrow, crossbow, dip net or gaff. Black R. between Kleber Dam and Red Bridge (T35N, R1E, S5) unlawful to fish in any manner during April 1 - June 15. Lower Black R. from Alverno Dam down to Mograin Bridge, no fishing April 1 - May 14. Black L. and tributaries no commercial minnow take; Sturgeon fishing prohibited except under special season.
Chippewa:
Potagannissing R. from Potagannissing Dam downstream to Maxton Rd. (T42N, R6E, S15) closed to fishing March 16 - May 14.
Crawford:
Wakeley L. open season last Sat. in April – Sept. 30, catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures only. It shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead bait or organic or processed food at any time on the shore or water. Jones L. open season last Sat. in April – Sept. 30, catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures only. It shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead bait or organic or processed food at any time on the shore or water.
Delta:
Rapid R. Borrow Pit (Stockyard Pond, T40N, R21W, S5) closed to fishing all year.
Dickinson:
See Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations (see pp. 24-25). Fumee L. county ordinance currently prohibits access for the purpose of fishing.
Emmet:
Bear R. from northern edge of foot bridge north of Lake Street upstream to Lake Street Dam (T34N, R5W, S6) restricted to one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank.
Genesee:
Flint R. downstream from Holloway Dam and all tributaries, the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or artificial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Gogebic:
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for Yellow Perch is 25 with no more than 5 Yellow Perch 12" or greater. See Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations and Sylvania Wilderness Area regulations.
Grand Traverse:
Boardman R. closed to fishing whenever weir is in place from the downstream side of the Front Street Bridge to the upstream side of the pedestrian bridge in the vicinity of the Boardman R. weir in Traverse City. Arbutus and Spider Lks. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Ionia:
Woodard L. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Iosco:
Au Gres R. from 50’ upstream of Allen Rd. bridge to 500’ downstream closed to all fishing March 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April. E. Br. Au Gres R. between DNR lamprey barrier and Legget Rd. closed to fishing Dec. 1 - Fri. before last Sat. in April. Au Sable R. from Foote Dam downstream to the downstream edge of the apron of the dam closed to fishing all year.
Iron:
See Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations (see pp. 24-25). L. Ottawa no possession of bass. Fire and Indian Lks. bass possession limit is 1 fish and minimum size limit is 18".
Kalkaska:
Cub L. (T27N, R5W, S19) bass minimum size limit is 10". Torch R. from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge downstream to L. Skegemog including Rapid R. up to Aarwood Rd Bridge - From May 1 - July 1 - it shall be unlawful to use other than one single-pointed unweighted hook measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank.
Kent:
Pratt L. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Keweenaw:
Isle Royale National Park: Michigan fishing laws apply and state license required on L. Superior waters of park. On L. Superior, within 4.5 miles of Isle Royale, no possession of Brook Trout. (Contact the park at 906-482-0984 or visit the Isle Royale fishing information page for specific regulations.)
Lake:
Little Manistee R. 300’ above and below the DNR weir is closed to fishing all year; from 300’ above DNR weir to Spencers Bridge closed to fishing Jan. 1 - March 31; also from 300’ below DNR weir to mouth closed to fishing Sep. 1 - Nov. 14 and Jan. 1 - March 31. On all waters of the Pere Marquette R. and Little Manistee R. an artificial lure is defined as a body bait, plug, spinner or spoon. Big Bass L. (T20N, R14W, S34) bass minimum size limit is 10".
Leelanau:
North Manitou L. bass minimum size limit is 18", the possession limit is 1; fishing restricted to artificial lures only; live bait, dead or prepared bait or organic or processed food may not be possessed on the water or the shore. Florence L. (S. Manitou Is.) fishing restricted to artificial lures only; live bait, dead or prepared bait or organic or processed food may not be possessed on the water or the shore. Hatlem's Cr., it is unlawful to take or attempt to take minnows for personal use.
Livingston:
Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area) March 15 - March 31 no fishing; April 1 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April, catch-and-immediate-release of trout with artificial lures only; last Sat. in April - March 14 statewide regulations apply.
Luce:
Unlawful to launch or retrieve motorized vessel (greater than 5 horsepower) from state land on the E. Br. Fox R. from M-28 to the mouth of Cold Cr.
Macomb:
Clinton R. cut-off channel (T2N, R13E): from spillway weir to the Harper Rd. Bridge: the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or artificial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Manistee:
Little Manistee R. 300’ above and below the DNR weir is closed to fishing all year; from 300’ above DNR weir to Spencers Bridge closed to fishing Jan. 1 - March 31; also from 300’ below DNR weir to mouth closed to fishing Sep. 1 - Nov. 14 and Jan. 1 - March 31. On all waters of the Betsie R., all waters of Bear Cr. (Manistee Co.), all waters of the Little Manistee R., and the Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T21N, R16W, S6), special artificial lure regulations apply.
Marquette:
Deer L. Basin, Carp R./Carp Cr. downstream from M-28 (T47N, R27W, S4), and all other tributaries to Deer L. Basin fishing restricted to artificial lures, catch-and-release only; live bait, dead or prepared bait or organic or processed food may not be possessed on the water or the shore. Fish L. bass minimum size 18" and possession limit is 1 bass only. Salmon-Trout R., from Lower Falls to mouth closed to fishing Aug. 15 - Fri. before last Sat. in April.
Mason:
On the Sable R. from mouth upstream to Hamlin Lake Dam, all waters of the Little Manistee R., all waters of the N. Br. Pentwater R., and on all waters of the Pere Marquette R. special artificial lure regulations apply. Gun L. bass minimum size limit is 10".
Menominee:
See Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations.
Midland:
Tittabawassee R. between Sanford Dam site and mouth of the Salt R. and between Dow Dam and Gordonville Bridge, closed to fishing from March 16 - Fri. before last Sat. in April. Tittabawassee R. downstream from Sanford Dam site, Chippewa, Pine, Salt and all their tributaries the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or artificial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Monroe:
Crystal Waters State Game Area for all waters - the fishing season is open all year and no possession allowed, catch-and-immediate-release fishing only.
Montmorency:
East Fish, West Fish, and Middle Fish Lks., Hunt Cr. (above Section Z bulkhead T29N, R2E, S25), and Fuller Cr. (in the Hunt Cr. Trout Research Station Area), no fishing. North and South Blue and Walled Lks., open season is the last Sat. in April - Sep. 30, catch-and-immediate-release only, artificial lures only.
Muskegon:
On all waters of the White R. (from mouth upstream to Hesperia Dam) and all waters of the N. Br. White R. and Muskegon R. (upstream to Croton Dam) special artificial lure regulations apply (see p. 8). From Nov. 1 - Nov. 30: It shall be unlawful to use other than one single-pointed unweighted hook measuring ½-inch or less from point to shank at the port of Muskegon from the westernmost pier head extending into L. Michigan (excluding break walls) to the easternmost pier head extending into Muskegon L. and at the port of Whitehall/ Montague from the westernmost pier head extending into L. Michigan to the easternmost pier head extending into White L.
Newaygo:
Baptist L., no possession of Walleye, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish or Bullheads; Brush and Sand Lks. no possession of Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish or Bullheads. Crystal L., no possession of Walleye. On all waters of the Pere Marquette R. and Muskegon R. (upstream to Croton Dam) special artificial lure regulations apply (see p. 8).
Oakland:
Upper Bushman L. catch-and-immediate-release only for all species.
Oceana:
On all waters of the Pere Marquette R., White R. (from mouth upstream to Hesperia Dam) and all waters of the N. Br. White R. and all waters of the N. Br. Pentwater R. and S. Br. Pentwater R. (upstream to Hart Dam) special artificial lure regulations apply.
Ontonagon:
L. Gogebic the daily possession limit for Yellow Perch is 25 with no more than 5 Yellow Perch 12" or greater. W. Br. Ontonagon R. from its confluence with the Victoria Hydro station tailrace (T50N, R39W, SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of S29) upstream to Victoria Dam, including the trailrace canal closed to fishing April 1 - Jun. 10. Lake of the Clouds (Carp Lake) fishing restricted to artificial lures only. It shall be unlawful to use or possess live bait, dead bait or organic or processed food at any time on the shore or water. No spearing, no possession of Smallmouth Bass.
Ottawa:
From Nov. 1 - Nov. 30: It shall be unlawful to use other than one single-pointed unweighted hook measuring ½-inch or less from point to shank at the port of Grand Haven from the westernmost pier head extending into L. Michigan to the US-31 bridge (North bound Beacon Blvd.).
Otsego:
Otsego L. Pike Marsh closed to fishing March 16 - June 15. Otsego L. for Lake Sturgeon regulations.
Presque Isle:
Clinton Cr. closed to fishing April 1 - May 14. Grand L. Pike Marsh it is unlawful for any person other than state employee to use or operate a motorized vehicle on the access road leading from US-23 to the Grand L. Pike Marsh during March - May, closed to fishing whenever marsh is operating. Rainy R. from confluence with Black L. upstream to N. Allis Rd. Bridge (T35N, R2E, S15) closed to fishing April 1 - May 14. Shuberts Cr. (Monaghan Cr.) from Long L. upstream to Clinton Cr. Rd. (T33N, R7E, S14), closed to fishing April 1 - May 14. Swan R. from 300’ above weir to mouth closed to fishing whenever weir is in place.
Roscommon:
Denton Cr. from the Lake James Dam downstream to Houghton L. closed to fishing March 23 - April 23. Cut R. from confluence with Backus Cr. upstream to outlet at Marl L. closed to fishing March 23 - April 23.
St. Joseph:
Pleasant (Big Pleasant) and Corey Lks. minimum size limit for bass is 10".
Saginaw:
Bad R., Cass R., Flint R., Saginaw R. from upstream of the West Center St. (Douglas G. Schenk) Bridge, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee Rivers and all their tributaries the following regulations apply from March 16 - Fri. before the last Sat. in April: Anglers are limited to using unweighted single-pointed hooks, natural bait, and sinkers or weights or artificial lures with unweighted single-pointed hooks.
Schoolcraft:
Thompson Creek is closed to the use of hand nets. Fishing is limited in Seney National Wildlife Refuge waters—contact the refuge office at 906-586-9851 or visit the Seney National Wildlife Refuge website for details. On the Big Island Lakes Complex (Big Island, Bluegill, Byers, Center, Coattail, Cucumber, Farm [Blush], Jarr, Klondike, McInnes, Mid, Neville, Onega, Pear, Townline, Upper and Vance) no wheeled or motorized vehicles (including electric or outboard motors) are allowed; artificial lures only; no spearing, no netting, and use of live bait prohibited; Muskellunge (including Tiger Muskellunge) fishing season is May 15 - Nov. 30, possession season is 1st Sat. in June - Nov. 30, minimum size limit 42", possession limit is 1 fish per angler per season, anglers must register all harvested Muskellunge; Northern Pike open season May 15 - Nov. 30, minimum size limit 24", and possession limit is 2 Northern Pike; bass fishing is open from Sat. before Memorial Day - Nov. 30, minimum size limit 18", and possession limit is 1; perch, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed open season is from last Sat. in April – Nov. 30, possession limit is 5 fish in combination; all other fish no open season. Unlawful to launch or retrieve motorized vessel (greater than 5 horsepower) from state land on the E. Branch Fox R. from M-28 to the mouth of Cold Cr.
Van Buren:
Crooked and Little Crooked Lks. bass minimum size limit is 10". S. Br. Black R. and all tributaries upstream of Breedsville (Mill Str.) restricted to only one single-pointed, unweighted hook no larger than 1/2" from point to shank.
Washtenaw:
Huron R. from Mast Rd. Bridge in Dexter (T1S, R5E, S32) downstream to Delhi Rd. Bridge (T2S, R5E, S2) catch-and-immediate-release only on bass. Horseshoe L. bass possession limit is 1, minimum size is 14"; Northern Pike possession limit is 1, sunfish possession limit is 10.
