Michigan has close to 150 species of fish and offers a multitude of fishing opportunities with its rivers, streams and over 11,000 inland lakes. Four of the five Great Lakes are located in Michigan and provide excellent fishing for trout, salmon and walleye. Ten of Michigan's lakes are 10,000 acres or more.
Locations
Some of the most popular lake fishing destinations include Lake Michigan, Lake Gogebic, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake, according to Michigan Fishing Online. Au Sable River, Duck Creek, Escanaba River, Johnson Creek, Manistee River and Pere Marquette River are just a few of the other possibilities.
Types of Fish
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), some of the fish available in the state include bluegill, channel catfish, brown bullhead, large and small mouth bass, pumpkinseed and green sunfish, rock bass, white and black crappies, sauger, walleye, northern pike, lake sturgeon, Chinook, Atlantic and pink salmon, lake herring, yellow perch, brown, brook, lake and steelhead trout, mud pickerel, whitefish, muskellunge and redhorse.
Licensing
Anglers that are 17 years of age or older are required to be in possession of a valid fishing license, according to the DNRE. Licenses are issued for 24 hours, 72 hours or for the season. A restricted license is also available that includes all species except for trout and salmon. Fishing regulations and limits vary by location, particularly in shared waters such as Michigan-Indiana bordering lakes and Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters.
Methods
Legal fishing methods include bait, bow fishing, dip nets, drop-shotting, hand nets, gaffs, hook and line, hoop nets and spearing. Some areas have restrictions on the methods that are permitted, according to the DNRE. Ice fishing is another option during the winter months.
Diseases/Nuisances
Anglers and boaters are encouraged to be diligent in helping to prevent spread of diseases among the fish and discouraging aquatic nuisances. Nonnative threats in Michigan include the round goby, sea lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water flea, zebra mussel and rusty crayfish. Preventive steps, according to the DNRE, include not moving fish among bodies of water, not releasing bait fish in any location and releasing fish as quickly as possible. In addition, boats, trailers, live wells and bilges should be cleaned, disinfected and allowed to thoroughly dry between trips. Large numbers of dying or dead fish should be reported to the DNRE.
Helpful Links
Charters are available to provide opportunities with experienced anglers. The Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council website (see Resources) provides links to a variety of charter services as well as information about bait and tackle shops, boat storage, fishing camps, campgrounds, resorts, repair services, fishing reports, fishing clubs and sites, taxidermy, launch ramps and marinas.
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