Michigan offers world-class freshwater fishing across four Great Lakes, over 11,000 inland lakes, and thousands of miles of cold-water trout streams. Known for its premier walleye, salmon, and bass fisheries, the state provides year-round opportunities for both open-water and ice fishing.
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Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Walleye
Inland waters typically open the last Saturday in April; Great Lakes and connecting waters are generally open year-round with a 15-inch minimum size limit.
Chinook Salmon
Best targeted in the Great Lakes during summer months or in major tributaries during peak spawning runs from late August through October.
Smallmouth Bass
Catch-and-release is available year-round on most waters; the possession season typically begins the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Steelhead
Available year-round in the Great Lakes; major river runs peak in the spring (March-April) and fall (October-November).
Brook Trout
The official state fish; the season for most designated trout streams runs from the last Saturday in April through September 30.
Yellow Perch
Open year-round in most waters, including the Great Lakes; highly sought after during winter ice fishing seasons.
Muskellunge
The possession season typically opens the first Saturday in June; a mandatory harvest tag is required for all kept fish.
Top Waters
Lake St. Clair
A world-renowned destination for trophy smallmouth bass and one of the finest muskellunge fisheries in North America.
Au Sable River
A premier blue-ribbon trout stream famous for its prolific insect hatches and classic fly fishing opportunities for brown and brook trout.
Saginaw Bay
Widely recognized as a top-tier walleye fishery providing excellent catch rates throughout the summer and winter months.
Lake Michigan
Provides elite offshore trolling for Chinook and Coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead from numerous port cities.
Grand Traverse Bay
Known for its exceptionally clear water and high-quality fishing for smallmouth bass, lake trout, and whitefish.
Pere Marquette River
A designated Wild and Scenic River celebrated for its spring steelhead runs and fall Chinook salmon migrations.
Houghton Lake
Michigan's largest inland lake, offering productive habitat for walleye, northern pike, and various panfish species.
St. Marys River
Offers unique opportunities to catch Atlantic salmon, whitefish, and walleye in the waters connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Michigan's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Walleye Choice Charters
Charter/GuideMonroe, MI
Specializing in Western Basin Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch excursions.
Mega Bite Charters
Charter/GuideLudington, MI
Professional big water salmon and trout fishing on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Daybreak Charters
Charter/GuideFrankfort, MI
Guiding anglers to salmon and trout in the deep waters of Northwest Michigan.
Superior Sport Fishing
Charter/GuideMarquette, MI
Offering Lake Superior charters for lake trout, salmon, and steelhead.
Prowler Charters
Charter/GuideSouth Haven, MI
Specializing in multi-species Great Lakes trips for salmon and trout since 1988.
Riverside Charters
Charter/GuideManistee, MI
Offering year-round river and lake charters for salmon, steelhead, and trout.
The Fishin' Hole
Bait & Tackle ShopSt. Joseph, MI
Full-service bait and tackle shop serving Southwest Michigan anglers for decades.
KD Outdoors
Bait & Tackle ShopWaterford, MI
Local shop providing premium tackle, live bait, and archery supplies for Oakland County.
Lakeside Fishing Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopSt. Clair Shores, MI
Located near Lake St. Clair, offering a vast selection of bass and musky gear.
Jays Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle ShopClare, MI
A massive outdoor retailer offering one of the largest selections of fishing gear in the state.
The Fish & Hunt Shop
Bait & Tackle ShopCurtis, MI
Supplying Upper Peninsula anglers with bait, tackle, and local expertise.
Jefferson Beach Marina
MarinaSt. Clair Shores, MI
A premier Great Lakes marina facility on the Nautical Mile of Lake St. Clair.
Eldean Shipyard
MarinaMacatawa, MI
Full-service marina and resort located on Lake Macatawa with access to Lake Michigan.
Duncan Bay Boat Club
MarinaCheboygan, MI
Providing high-quality dockage and facilities for boaters in Northern Lake Huron.
Irish Boat Shop
MarinaHarbor Springs, MI
Premier marina offering dockage, storage, and repair services in Little Traverse Bay.
Pier 33
MarinaSt. Joseph, MI
Full-service marina and boat dealership serving the Southwest Michigan coast.
Baldwin Creek Lodge
Fly ShopBaldwin, MI
A classic fly fishing lodge and shop located on the banks of the Pere Marquette River.
Gates Au Sable Lodge
Fly ShopGrayling, MI
Legendary fly shop and lodging serving the Holy Waters of the Au Sable River.
Schultz Outfitters
Fly ShopYpsilanti, MI
Specializing in southeastern Michigan river fly fishing for bass, trout, and pike.
Nomad Anglers
Fly ShopEast Lansing, MI
Comprehensive fly shop offering gear, classes, and guided trips across Michigan.
West Michigan Fly Shop
Fly ShopRockford, MI
Providing equipment and local knowledge for fishing the Rogue and Grand Rivers.
D&R Sports Center
Boat DealerKalamazoo, MI
One of Michigan's largest fishing boat dealers specializing in major marine brands.
Wilson Marine
Boat DealerHowell, MI
Multiple-location dealer offering a huge selection of fishing boats and pontoons.
Hall's Sport Center
Boat DealerMuskegon, MI
Serving West Michigan boaters with sales and service for fishing and pleasure craft.
Walstrom Marine
Boat DealerHarbor Springs, MI
Luxury boat dealer and service provider for the Northern Michigan Great Lakes.
Bee's Sports
Boat DealerSt. Johns, MI
Family-owned dealership specializing in Lund and Crestliner fishing boats.
Great Lakes Rod and Reel
Rod BuilderHolland, MI
Crafting custom high-performance fishing rods for freshwater and Great Lakes use.
CJ's Custom Rods
Rod BuilderDavison, MI
Building personalized, high-quality fishing rods for enthusiasts and professionals.
Northview Custom Rods
Rod BuilderGrand Rapids, MI
Specializing in custom fly and spinning rods tailored to specific river conditions.
Adams Custom Rods
Rod BuilderAuburn, MI
Dedicated to creating custom fishing rods with precision craftsmanship.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.