Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Regulations

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

A fish disease called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) has been found in our state. You can help slow the spread of this and other fish diseases by following the regulations on this page. The regulations in effect focus on the use of fish species which are known to be susceptible to VHS. For more information, visit the Michigan VHS information page.

Baitfish Exclusion Zones

The following locations are vital to hatchery operations and require greater protection. Therefore, baitfish shall not be used or possessed on the following waters:

Benzie Co.: Brundage Cr. and tribs., Kinney Cr. and Stanley Cr., from its confluence with the Platte R. (T26N, R13W, S7), to their headwaters, including Brundage Spring Pond.

Chippewa Co.: Pendills L. (T47N, R4W, S25, 26) including tributary Pendills Cr. downstream to its confluence with L. Superior (T47N, R4W, S28). Sullivan Cr. from its headwaters (T46N, R4W, S32) downstream to its confluence with the N. Br. of the Pine R. (T45N, R4W, S23). Viddian Cr. from its headwaters (T47N, R4W, S32) downstream to its confluence with Pendills Cr. (T47N, R4W, S28).

Marquette Co.: Cherry Cr. from the location of the Cherry Creek Rd. (T47N, R24W, S18) to the headwaters at County Rd 480 (T47N, R25W, S22).

Wexford Co.: Slagle Cr. from M-37 upstream.

General Statewide Provisions

A person shall not stock baitfish, live fish or roe in public waters of the state prior to receiving a Fish Stocking Permit from the DNR and the permit must be in possession when transporting and stocking the fish.
It is unlawful to import any uncertified live, dead, preserved, frozen and cut baitfish species found on the list of VHS Fish Species (top right) that are not labeled with their scientific and common name, location of capture, and testing status including the testing certification number. You can view Fishing Order 245 on the Michigan Fishing website.
Fish caught in a waterbody should only be released into the waterbody where originally caught and not transferred into another location where the fish could not have freely moved to.
All baitfish or fish collected for personal use as bait or cut bait shall only be used for fishing purposes in the original waters of collection and must be used on a hook.
A person who trailers a boat over land shall drain all water from the live well(s) and the bilge of their boat upon leaving any body of water.
It shall be unlawful to purchase and use baitfish, crayfish, or other live organisms from any location not licensed under Part 487 of 1994 PA 451 including, but not limited to, pet shops and live fish markets.