This is the Official Michigan Fishing regulations and Information navigation page for the Michigan state rules and regulations guidebook overviews.
You can access each individual state regulation guidebook by clicking the links below.
These are just the overviews of the official state regulations.
The Actual state Michigan Fishing regulation guidebooks are accessible by clicking on the state you would like to see from the home page map then clicking on the Michigan state fishing regulations books.
They are also accessible by clicking on the Michigan fishing reg. books below and accessing the Michigan fishing regs link in the Michigan Guidebooks listed below.
Enjoy be safe and have a great time exploring the site and remember to check back often to keep updated on all the new laws, rules, and Michigan regulations pertaining to the hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife sports.
Weather its Michigan Trout fishing, Michigan bass fishing, Michigan Salmon fishing, Michigan Catfish fishing, Michigan steelhead fishing, Michigan Panfish fishing, Michigan pike/muskie fishing, Michigan Walleye fishing  We have the Michigan state fishing regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
If you need Michigan fishing maps, Michigan state fishing maps, or just some Michigan fishing reports to tell you were the bite is hot we have that too.

Michigan Fishing Report

If you’re planning a fishing trip to Michigan, you have some excellent choices for lakes and streams throughout the state including Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Crystal Lake, Elk Lake, Fletcher Pond, Grand Lake, Hamlin Lake, Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Hubbard Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Gogebic, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Long Lake, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake, Sanford Lake, Torch Lake, Wixom Lake and others. Many of the lakes in Michigan have camping facilities as well as other accommodations nearby. Michigan is well known for excellent Bass, Walleye and Trout fishing. Additionally, in waters around the state you’ll find populations of Salmon, Crappie, Catfish, Stripers, Musky, Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Sauger, Longnose Gar, Bowfin, Sturgeon and sunfish including Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Rock Bass, Warmouth, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch which are plentiful in some waters.

Fishing is regulated in Michigan by the Fish & Game Department. You can check their website for current fishing reports.

Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Michigan.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the Michigan area.

Bass Fishing Lakes In Michigan

While you can find bass in ponds, rivers and state park lakes, the vast majority of bass are caught out of major lakes including Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Elk Lake, Fletcher Pond, Grand Lake, Hamlin Lake, Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Hubbard Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Gogebic, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Long Lake, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake, Sanford Lake, Torch Lake and Wixom Lake.

The Michigan state record largemouth bass came from Bamfield Dam and the state record smallmouth bass was caught at Long Lake.

Trout Fishing in Michigan

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Trout Fishing Lakes In Michigan

Cold, clear water creates ideal conditions for trout. And, Michigan has lots of it. Aside from the rivers and streams containing trout there are quite a number of larger lakes with healthy trout populations. These lakes include Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Crystal Lake, Elk Lake, Higgins Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake and Torch Lake.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources stock trout in waters across the state. Visit their website for details and information regarding trout stockings in Michigan.

The Michigan state record brook trout was taken out of Clear Lake and the state record for brown trout and rainbow trout both came from Lake Michigan. Lake Superior gave up the state record for lake trout. The state record tiger trout came from North Branch Manistee River.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Salmon Fishing in Michigan

Salmon fishing in MI surrounds the big four lakes of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The rivers feeding into these lakes are migration routes for salmon spawning and during the spawn may contain large numbers of salmon.

The Michigan state record atlantic salmon was taken from Lake Michigan and the state record chinook (king) salmon came out of the Grand River. The Platte River gave up the state record coho salmon. For kokanee salmon the record came from the Clinton River.

Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar

Called by many "King of the game fishes", the Atlantic salmon has limited range in the northeastern seaboard states. It spends the first 2 or 3 years in the freshwater stream where it was hatched then ventures out into the ocean bulking up on shrimp, herring, smelt, crabs and small fishes. During its first or second spring (or early summer) it migrates back up the freshwater stream where it was hatched. In the fall they spawn and return to the ocean and repeat the cycle. Most atlantic salmon spawn 2 to 4 times during their lifetime.

5 Members of The Pacific Salmon Family

Pacific Salmon are born in and remain in freshwater streams for the early years of life. The number varies by specie. Afterward they migrate to the Pacific Ocean waters where they bulk up and prepare for their once in a lifetime spawning run up the freshwater stream where they were born. They will instinctively return to their birthplace, spawn and die. They are found in the streams which into the ocean and adjoining ocean waters of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. They have also been stocked in the Great Lakes with some success however the programs require continual stocking.

Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

The largest of the Pacific Salmon, the chinook lives for 5 to 7 years and reaches a size well over 100 pounds.

Chum Salmon
Oncorhynchus keta

One of the smaller of the group the chum lives 3 to 5 years and seldom exceeds 10 pounds.

Pink Salmon
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

The smallest of the Pacific Salmon the pink seldom tops 5 pounds and lives only 2 years.

Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka

The sockeye lives 4 or 5 years and top weights seldom get to 8 pounds.

Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch

Growing to a size in the 15 pound range, the coho salmon lives for three years in their journey to continue the propagation of their species. Average catch is in the 8 to 12 pound range.

Salmon Fishing

Salmon fishing is at it's best during the salmon runs which can occur as early as May in the north to July as you move southward. Often a late run may happen as late as October.

Once the water temperature drops to about 50 degrees in the fall the atlantic salmon begin their spawning rituals. Young salmon stay in the fresh water until their second or third spring when they make their way to the ocean.

The preferred method for catchin salmon is fly fishing. Depending on the activity level, salmon may be caught on wet or dry flies.

Walleye Fishing in Michigan

Walleye
Stizostedion vitreum

The walleye prefers moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in some warmer water impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting white, flaky flesh.

Walleye Fishing Lakes In Michigan

Residents in MI are blessed with plenty of water with populations of walleye. Some of the major impoundments include Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Grand Lake, Hamlin Lake, Houghton Lake, Hubbard Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Gogebic, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Long Lake, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake and Sanford Lake.

The Michigan state record walleye was landed out of Pine River.

Michigan walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Fish for Michigan walleye with live bait, crankbaits, spoons, small spinner baits as well as plastic worms and grubs.

Crappie Fishing in Michigan

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in all the continental states. They are known by many different names, typically based on geographic location. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch, just to name a few.

Crappie Fishing Lakes In Michigan

Locals are fortunate to have a number of lakes with healthy schools of crappie. They include Brevoort Lake, Fletcher Pond, Hamlin Lake, Houghton Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Gogebic, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Wixom Lake. In addition you will find crappie in private ponds, a few rivers, park lakes and some of the smaller lakes across Michigan.

The Michigan state record white crappie came from Stony Creek Metro Park and the state record black crappie was taken from Lincoln Lake.

Catfish Fishing in Michigan

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In Michigan

Many rivers in Michigan have catfish. They can also be found in ponds and small lakes across the state. The larger schools tend to come from major bodies of water including Brevoort Lake, Fletcher Pond, Hamlin Lake, Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Hubbard Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.

Sunfish Fishing in Michigan for Bluegills, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Rock Bass, Warmouth, White Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch and Other MI Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Michigan and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Lakes In Michigan

If you find water suitable for fish, it probably contains one or more types of panfish. Ponds, rivers, streams and lakes all make good homes for panfish. Aside from making a great fish fry, these sunfish are a significant part of the diet for all predator fish.

The larger bodies of water in Michigan generally serve up the biggest stringers of panfish. These lakes include Black Lake, Brevoort Lake, Burt Lake, Crystal Lake, Elk Lake, Fletcher Pond, Grand Lake, Hamlin Lake, Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Hubbard Lake, Indian Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Gogebic, Lake Huron, Lake Michigamme, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Long Lake, Manistique Lake, Mullett Lake, Sanford Lake, Torch Lake and Wixom Lake.

The Michigan state record bluegill was taken from Vaughn Lake. The state record green sunfish came from Kirkwood Lake. The state record tie for hybrid sunfish came out of Arbutus Lake and Doans Lake. The state record for pumpkinseed sunfish came out of Baw Beese Lake. Thompson Lake yielded the state record for redear subfish. The state record warmouth was given up by Great Bear Lake. Independence Lake was home to the state record yellow perch and the record white perch came from Huron Lake.

Fishing for Musky, Tiger Musky, Northern Pike, Sauger, Longnose Gar, Bowfin, Sturgeon in Michigan.

Musky - Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
World Record: 69.9 lbs
The largest of the pike family, they are found in about half the states, primarily the northern and northeastern states. They prefer clear water with temperatures from 60 to 70 degrees. Also known as musky, muskie and great pike, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures (salt-water sizes) and heavy line when fishing for muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Tiger Musky - Muskellunge
Esox lucius ~ Esox masquinongy
USA Record: 51.2 lbs.
The tiger muskellunge is a cross of the musky and northern pike. Male Tiger Muskellunge are most often sterile yet some females are fertile. Tiger muskies tend to be smaller than non-hybrid muskies but grow very fast. The body is often quite silvery with brownish fins and tail, without spots but displays broken vertical markings. Like their parent, they eat any fish they can catch and prefer to ambush their prey. They also eat crayfish, frogs and birds. Use large lures and stout line when fishing for tiger muskellunge. They will hit lures and fresh cut bait. They are known for their speed and are exceptionally strong for short runs.

Northern Pike
Esox Lucius
IFGA Record: 55.1 lbs
The northern pike is a valient fighter and prefers water temperatures from 58 to 70 degrees. Also known as jack, jackfish, great northern pike and pickerel. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the north-eastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. Use spinners, fish-immitating lures, jerk-baits or cutbait and fish close to cover.

Sauger
Stizostedion canadense
World Record: 17.7 lbs.
Excellent eating fish which typically runs a bit smaller than its cousin the walleye. The sauger prefers cold and cloudy, moving water in the 60s to low 70s. They spawn in the low to mid 40s. You can tell them from a walleye by the dark spotting on the dorsal fin, darker coloring and the rough covering of the gill area. Due to their resembelance to pickerel, they are also known as gray pickerel spotfin pike, gray pike, river pike and others. When the water turns cold and other fish are hard to come by, this is the time to fish for sauger.Fish with jigs, spoons and crankbaits imitating crayfish or baitfish. Fish near the bottom and experiment with presentation action and speed.

Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
World Record: 25 lbs
The Longnose Gar can be found in lakes and rivers and prefers quiet backwaters with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees. Also referred to as gar and garfish, It has a long, sword-like mouth loaded with sharp teeth. They are nocturnal feeders and eat most smaller fish. They can be taken on live bait, fish-imitating lures and nylon string "gobs designed to entangle in their teeth. Most longnose gar are taken by bowfishing or spear fishing. The meat is somewhat tasty but quite bony.

Bowfin
Amia calva
World Record: 21.5 lbs.
Found in waters around Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, the bowfin prefers water temperatures of the warmer climates. It has an exceptionally long dorsal fin which extends back to the tail, made of about 50 spines or rays. Near the upper tail is an eye spot. They have very sharp teeth and a nasty disposition when hooked. Handle with caution. They are most often caught on cut bait and crayfish. They put up quite a fight and are not considered good eating. The bowfin is also known as dogfish, mud pike, mudfish, grindle, swamp bass and others.

Sturgeon
Sturgeon have been captured weighing over 2,000 lbs at length in excess of 18 feet. They have been reported by divers to exist on the Columbia River up to 30-foot long. They are a prehistoric fish and have an exceptionally long life for a fish, commonly reaching sexual maturity at the age of 120 years. They are not sought for their meat, it's their egg roe which is made into caviar. They are found in major rivers feeding into the ocean and can be caught with cut bait, giant hooks, heavy weights and stout line. The larger ones can fight an angler for days and not tire out.

Michigan Fishing Regulations Info Page     Michigan Fishing Regulations Guidebook