Fishing Regulations in Michigan
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Michigan fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Michigan requires a fishing license for anglers 17 and older. An all-species license covers both inland and Great Lakes fishing. Non-resident options include annual and 72-hour licenses. Michigan is a top fishing destination with access to four Great Lakes and over 11,000 inland lakes.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Last Saturday in April through Dec 31 (catch-and-release other times) | Regulations vary by water body. Always check current Michigan DNR regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Last Saturday in April through Dec 31 (catch-and-release other times) | Great Lakes regulations may differ from inland waters. |
| walleye | 5 per day | 15 inches minimum | Last Saturday in April through Mar 15 | Bag and size limits vary significantly by water body. |
| northern-pike | 5 per day | 24 inches minimum | Year-round on most waters | |
| musky | 1 per day | 42 inches minimum | First Saturday in June through Dec 15 | Some waters have special regulations. |
| yellow-perch | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day | Varies by water body | Last Saturday in April through Sep 30 on streams | Many streams have special gear restrictions. |
| brown-trout | 5 per day | Varies by water body | Last Saturday in April through Sep 30 on streams |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Last Saturday in April through Dec 31 (catch-and-release other times)
Notes: Regulations vary by water body. Always check current Michigan DNR regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Last Saturday in April through Dec 31 (catch-and-release other times)
Notes: Great Lakes regulations may differ from inland waters.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Last Saturday in April through Mar 15
Notes: Bag and size limits vary significantly by water body.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 24 inches minimum
Season: Year-round on most waters
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 42 inches minimum
Season: First Saturday in June through Dec 15
Notes: Some waters have special regulations.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Last Saturday in April through Sep 30 on streams
Notes: Many streams have special gear restrictions.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Last Saturday in April through Sep 30 on streams
Top Fishing Waters
Lake St. Clair
lakeSpecies: smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, walleye, musky, yellow-perch, northern-pike
Lake Erie
lakeSpecies: walleye, yellow-perch, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish
Pere Marquette River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, brook-trout
Burt Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, walleye, northern-pike, yellow-perch
Houghton Lake
lakeSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, northern-pike
Au Sable River
riverSpecies: brown-trout, brook-trout, rainbow-trout
Grand Traverse Bay
baySpecies: smallmouth-bass, brown-trout, walleye, yellow-perch
Muskegon River
riverSpecies: rainbow-trout, brown-trout, smallmouth-bass, walleye
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 11 lbs 15 oz | 1934 | Big Pine Island Lake |
| smallmouth-bass | 9 lbs 4 oz | 1906 | Long Lake |
| walleye | 17 lbs 3 oz | 1951 | Pine River |
| northern-pike | 39 lbs | 1961 | Dodge Lake |
| musky | 49 lbs 12 oz | 2009 | Lake Bellaire |
| yellow-perch | 3 lbs 12 oz | 1947 | Lake Mitchell |
| brown-trout | 36 lbs 8 oz | 2020 | Manistee River |
| rainbow-trout | 26 lbs 8 oz | 2017 | Manistee River |
| brook-trout | 7 lbs 13 oz | 2005 | Pine River |
| channel-catfish | 40 lbs | 1964 | Hodenpyl Pond |