Lawful Fishing Methods

Lawful Fishing Methods

Artificial Lights: Artificial lights may be used for fishing; however, artificial lights may not be used to spear frogs (see Amphibians & Reptiles).

Bait: Baitfish may only be used in the waters where collected. Any fish and frogs may be used as bait when legally taken and possessed, EXCEPT lampreys, live carp or Goldfish. Wigglers (mayfly nymphs) and other aquatic nymphs and larvae also may be used for bait, but may not be taken from any trout stream except for personal use on the same stream. Crayfish may be taken for bait and personal use (see below). See exceptions on the Michigan Wisconsin Boundary Waters. To help reduce the spread of invasive species, anglers are reminded to properly dispose of all bait containers including worms and soil, crayfish and minnows in a trash receptacle.

Bow Fishing: Bow and arrow and crossbow may be used on certain waters for certain species. See Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations table.

Crayfish: Native crayfish may be harvested in all waters as long as the water body is open to fishing. In designated trout waters, crayfish may only be taken during the fishing season for trout. Anglers may use traps, nets, hook-and-line or hands to harvest crayfish. All crayfish traps must bear the owners name and address. There is no minimum size limit or possession limit. Crayfish species not native to Michigan waters, including (but not limited to) Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) may not be used for bait, whether alive or dead, on any waters of this state whether those waters are public or private. However, Rusty Crayfish may be harvested live for personal consumption, or harvested and used as bait if they are dead. On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, crayfish may not be possessed or used for bait, whether alive or dead.

Dip Nets: Dip nets may be used for Bowfin, carp, Longnose Gar, Smelt and suckers in waters that are not designated trout streams. A permit is required if equipment is to be left overnight. See General Netting Regulations table.

Drop-Shotting: The practice of having a weight suspended below a single-pointed hook that is tied directly to the main fishing line is lawful on inland lakes, drowned river mouths (see Great Lakes Trout & Salmon Regulations), Great Lakes and Great Lakes Connecting Waters only. This gear may not be used on rivers or streams.

Gaffs: Gaffs may be used to help land lawfully hooked fish on all waters EXCEPT on a designated trout stream. Never use a gaff on fish that are not legal to harvest or fish you plan to release.

Hand Nets: Hand nets of any handle length may be used to help land lawfully hooked fish. Hand nets may also be used to take Bowfin, carp, Longnose Gar, Smelt and suckers. See General Netting Regulations table.

Hook-and-Line Fishing: Fish not hooked in the mouth must be returned to the water immediately. No more than 3 lines per person (including tip-ups) or more than 6 hooks or lures may be used. All hooks attached to an artificial bait or “night crawler harness” are counted as 1 hook (EXCEPTION: for crappie/perch rigs and umbrella rigs each hook is counted separately as part of total allowed). Hooks must be baited or attached to an artificial bait. All tip-ups and other similar devices must be marked with the name and address of the owner in legible English, either directly on the object or securely fastened to it by a plate or tag. All lines must be under immediate control. Hook and size regulations exist on certain streams (see Exceptions to General Regulations by County).

Hoop Nets: May be used for Burbot only on certain waters Dec. 15 – last day of Feb. A permit is required through a local DNR office. See General Netting Regulations table. Hoop nets shall be no larger than 36" in diameter, and no longer than 7' in length.

Minnows for Personal Use: Minnows for personal use may only be taken with hook-and-line, seines, dip nets, hand nets and traps with a valid fishing license and may only be used in the waters where they are collected. In designated trout lakes and streams, minnows may only be taken during the open season for trout by hook-and-line or minnow traps. NOTE: Minnows may not be taken from Leelanau Co.: Hatlem’s Cr. Gear restrictions are as follows: seines must not be over 12 feet by 4 feet; hand nets not over 8 square feet and without sides or walls; and minnow traps not over 24" long and need to have a funnel opening no larger than 1 1/2". Minnow traps must bear the owner's name and address. Cast nets may be used to take minnows, Alewife, Smelt and shad in the Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, and the Detroit R., St. Clair R., and St. Mary’s R.

Spearing: Hand, rubber or spring-propelled spears may be used for certain species. See Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations table.