Break out that rod and tacklebox: Michigan's trout and Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons open Saturday, April 25. Mark your calendar, find your fishing spot and invite an old fishing buddy — or a new one — to enjoy some spring fishing!
With the Department of Natural Resources' new, interactive Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations map, it's easier than ever to check the regulations for the areas you plan to fish. Find the map online at Michigan.gov/FishingMaps or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, so you always have it on hand.
Anglers should be aware that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open May 15, which falls on a Friday this year. Michigan's muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 6 (catch-and-immediate-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).
The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing — check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics). The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 23, except for on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 20.
Know before you go
Many areas of Michigan are experiencing high water levels and flooding due to spring rain and snowmelt. Exercise caution when navigating, wading in or walking near swollen streams and avoid fishing in floodwaters, as there may be new hazards in the waterway. For the latest information about DNR facility closures, including boating access sites, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures and search "recent flooding."
Protect our waters
Michigan's trout streams are under increasing threat from harmful species that affect habitat and food sources for trout and other fish. Both didymo (rock snot) and New Zealand mudsnail can unintentionally be moved to new locations on waders, nets and gear. To protect our waters, be prepared and take the time to decontaminate before moving to a new river or stream.
Learn more about actions anglers and boaters can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Fishing licenses
The new license season began April 1, so make sure you've purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season before you hit the water. The 2026 annual fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2027. If you need assistance with your fishing license, contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-6057.
The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing, along with a lot of other helpful fishing information. Buy your license online or download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to purchase your licenses, report harvests, access regulations and get the latest hunting and fishing updates.