Fishing Season Opens

Michigan’s new fishing license year began April 1, 2026, and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved several species- and area-specific regulation changes that take effect through March 31, 2027. (michigan.gov 1) (michigan.gov 2) On Lake Superior, the daily possession limit at Stannard Rock and Big Reef is now one lake trout or splake total (combined), and walleye rules were adjusted in parts of the Upper Peninsula — a statewide daily possession limit of five walleye applies, but no more than one walleye over 23 inches may be kept per day. (michigan.gov) (mlive.com) Two specific size-rule changes were put in place to protect growing and spawning fish: on Lake Independence and Teal Lake (Marquette County) the minimum walleye length is 15 inches and any walleye measuring 18–23 inches — the “protected slot” — must be released; a protected slot means fish within that size range cannot be harvested to conserve fish that are often at prime reproductive age. (michigan.gov 1) (michigan.gov 2) The department also set a new five-fish daily possession limit for burbot, clarified that a bead fished on a single-pointed hook or attached within four inches above the hook eye now counts as an artificial lure for trout and salmon rules, and expanded which Great Lakes waters are open to underwater spearfishing while removing the prior monthly reporting requirement (spearfishers still must obtain a free spearfishing license). (michigan.gov) (michigan.gov) Regional spring reports show active early-season bites elsewhere on the East Coast: Connecticut reports improving holdover striped bass and tautog (blackfish) activity as herring and other baitfish arrive, New Jersey reports better striper action in Raritan Bay after warming, and Rhode Island notes tautog openings and good largemouth bass action in ponds and salt ponds — anglers should consult the April 2, 2026 local reports for details by waterbody. (onthewater.com) (onthewater.com) (onthewater.com)