Lake Sturgeon Regulations
Lake sturgeon harvest is limited to only 1 lake sturgeon per angler per year (April 1 - March 31). Harvest of lake sturgeon is limited to the waters of the state listed in the table below. Spearing for lake sturgeon is prohibited, except in Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.), during a special winter season; pre-registration is required. For more information, visit the Michigan Sturgeon page.
Mandatory Registration of Harvested Lake Sturgeon
Anglers are required to register Lake Sturgeon harvest within 24 hours. Harvests can be reported online, through the DNR Hunt Fish app, or by calling 888-636-7778, or in person at any DNR Customer Service Center (see General Information) during normal state business hours with advanced notice of arrival. EXCEPTION: Lake Sturgeon harvested from Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.) must be immediately registered on-site with DNR personnel.
Lake Sturgeon Hook & Line Fishing Only (except as indicated above)
| Waters | Seasons | Regulations and Size Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
Detroit River | Fishing Season: July 16 - March 15 | All Lake Sturgeon must be released immediately. |
Lake St. Clair and St. Clair R. | Fishing Season: July 16 – March 15 PossessionSeason: July 16 –Sep. 30 | Between 42" - 50". Lake Sturgeon less than 42" and greater than 50" must be released immediately. |
Otsego Lake (Otsego Co.) | Fishing and PossessionSeason: July 16 – March 15 | 50" minimum size limit. Lake Sturgeon less than 50" must be released immediately. |
Menominee River (see Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Water Regulations for more details) | Fishing and PossessionSeason: 1st Sat. in Sep. – Sep. 30 | 60" minimum size limit. Lake Sturgeon less than 60" must be released immediately. |
Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.) | Fishing and PossessionSeason: 1st Sat. in Feb. through the following Wed. or until the quota is reached (whichever comes first) | No size limit. All harvested Lake Sturgeon must be reported immediately to DNR on site. Contact DNR Gaylord office (989) 732-3541 for details. |
St. Marys River (Chippewa Co.)From the Soo Locks/Compensating Works downstream to the DeTour Village and Drummond Island ferry terminals to the south, and from Hay Point to Cherry Island then north to the international boundary for the northeast. | Fishing Season: July 16 - March 15 | All Lake Sturgeon must be released immediately. |
Portage and Torch Lakes (HoughtonCo.) This includes Portage River, Portage Canal and north and south entry. | Fishing Season: July 16 - March 15 | All Lake Sturgeon must be released immediately. |
Ontonagon River (Ontonagon Co.) from Lake Superior up to the Victoria Dam Road | Fishing Season: July 16 - March 15 | All Lake Sturgeon must be released immediately. |
All Other Waters | NO FISHING SEASON | It is unlawful to fish for Lake Sturgeon, except in the waters listed above. |
