Michigan Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
With over 11,000 inland lakes and shorelines on four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is a freshwater fishing paradise. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleye or casting for acrobatic bass, our guide cuts through the complexity. We break down the 2025-2026 fishing dates, bag limits, and license details you need for a successful trip.
From the Great Lakes’ vast waters to hidden inland streams, a new season of angling adventures awaits. Let’s get you ready to hit the water.
📅 Quick Reference Table for 2025-2026
Get your gear ready! Here’s a quick look at the key opening dates for popular species in Michigan’s 2025-2026 season.
| Species | General Season Opening Dates | Key Daily Possession Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Trout | April 26, 2025 | Varies by waterbody; check regulations |
| Walleye & Northern Pike (Lower Peninsula) | April 26, 2025 | Walleye: 5 (many waters), Pike: 2 |
| Walleye & Northern Pike (Upper Peninsula) | May 15, 2025 | Walleye: 5 (many waters), Pike: 2 |
| Muskellunge Possession | June 7, 2025 | 1 fish per license year (Mandatory Registration) |
| Bass Possession | May 24, 2025 (varies) | 5 in combination |
⚠️ Important Note: This table is a general guide. Always check the official 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations for specific water bodies, as many have special rules. The new regulations are in effect from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.
🐟 Popular Sport Fish in Michigan
Knowing when and where to find your target species is key. Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after fish in Michigan’s waters.
Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth)
The catch-and-immediate-release season for bass is open all year on nearly all waters, allowing for action in every month. The possession season—when you can keep fish—opens Saturday, May 24, 2025, for most of the state. For the legendary smallmouth fisheries of Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, the possession season opens a bit later, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The general daily creel limit is 5 fish in any combination, with a 14-inch minimum size limit.
Walleye
Walleye seasons and limits vary by region. A general daily bag limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum size is common on many inland lakes. The season opener for Lower Peninsula inland waters is April 26, 2025, while the Upper Peninsula season opens May 15, 2025. Some waters have special, more generous regulations. On Lake Erie, the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River, the season is open all year with a daily limit of 6 walleye and a 15-inch size limit.
Trout and Salmon (Inland & Great Lakes)
The statewide trout opener is Saturday, April 26, 2025. Michigan’s trout waters are classified into types, each with its own specific regulations. For the 2025 season, note that steelhead (inland stream rainbow trout) regulations on several Type 3 and Type 4 streams have been modified, with some streams no longer having a 20-inch minimum size limit. Always consult the Inland Trout & Salmon Maps for the specific waterbody you plan to fish.
Muskellunge (Muskie)
The possession season for these apex predators opens June 7, 2025, on all Great Lakes and inland waters. The general minimum size limit is 42 inches, but new for 2025, Thornapple Lake and Lake Hudson now have a 50-inch minimum size limit to protect valuable broodstock. Anglers are reminded that harvesting a muskie requires mandatory registration within 24 hours, online or by phone.
Northern Pike
The season for northern pike coincides with the walleye opener. It opens April 26, 2025, in the Lower Peninsula and May 15, 2025, in the Upper Peninsula. Anglers are typically allowed a daily bag limit of 2 fish with a 24-inch minimum size limit.
🦞 Specialty Species & Regulations
Some species in Michigan require extra attention due to their unique management.
- Lake Sturgeon: This prehistoric giant is highly protected. If you are ever fortunate enough to harvest a lake sturgeon (during a very limited, designated season), you must report it within 24 hours online or by phone.
- Steelhead Regulation Changes: For the 2025 season, be aware of slight modifications to steelhead regulations on several Type 3 and Type 4 streams. Some streams no longer have a 20-inch minimum size limit.
- New Hook and Spearing Restrictions: From November 1-30, the ports of Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Whitehall/Montague now have single-pointed hook regulations. Spearing or possessing spearing gear is also prohibited in these waters during that period.
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
For a relaxing day or introducing newcomers to angling, panfish are a perfect target. The following table outlines the general statewide regulations for these species:
| Species | Daily Possession Limit |
|---|---|
| Yellow Perch | 25 |
| Sunfish (Bluegill, etc.) | 25 in any combination |
| Rock Bass | No possession limit |
🎟️ Your Michigan Fishing License Guide
Before you wet a line, you need the right license. Here’s what you need to know for the 2025-2026 season.
Who Needs a License?
All anglers 17 years of age and older must purchase a fishing license. Those under 17 may fish without a license but must follow all fishing rules and regulations.
📑 2025-2026 Michigan Fishing License Fees & Info
Before you hit the water, you’ll need a valid license. The following table breaks down the costs and key details for the 2025-2026 season, which runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
| License Type | Fee | Details & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual All-Species (Resident) | $26 | Required for anglers 17+ |
| Annual All-Species (Nonresident) | $76 | – |
| Senior All-Species (65+, MI Resident) | $11 | Available to legally blind residents as well |
| Daily Fishing License | $10/day | Resident or nonresident; you set the start date/time |
| Voluntary Youth (Under 17) | $2 | Not required; youth may fish without a license but must follow all rules |
| Sportcard | $1 | Required for certain activities like spearfishing |
Where to Buy 🛒: You can purchase your license online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. You can also buy them in person at DNR offices and licensed agents like many sporting goods stores.
Free Fishing Weekend 🎣: Mark your calendars! Michigan waives the requirement for a fishing license on June 7-8, 2025, for both residents and visitors.
How and Where to Buy
The easiest way to get your license is online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. You can also purchase them in person at various licensed agents, including many DNR offices and sporting goods stores. For a different kind of fishing adventure, check out our guide to the Minnesota fishing season.
📢 Major Regulation Changes for 2025-2026
Every season brings updates. Here’s a quick guide to some of the key changes Michigan anglers need to know about.
| Change | Details & Locations |
|---|---|
| Inland Steelhead Regulations | Regulations on several Type 3 and 4 streams have been modified. Some streams no longer have a 20-inch minimum size limit; always check the specific stream regulations . |
| New Hook & Spearing Restrictions | The ports of Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Whitehall/Montague now have single-pointed hook regulations from November 1-30. Spearing or possessing spearing gear is also prohibited in these waters during this period . |
| Muskellunge Size Limits | New, more protective regulations are in place for important broodstock lakes. Thornapple Lake (Barry & Eaton) and Lake Hudson (Lenawee) now have a 50-inch minimum size limit . |
📞 Mandatory Harvest Registration
For certain sensitive species, simply catching them isn’t the end of the process. Michigan requires mandatory harvest registration to help manage these valuable fisheries.
| Species | Registration Requirement | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Muskellunge | Must be reported within 24 hours of harvest . | Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by phone at 888-636-7778. |
| Lake Sturgeon | Must be reported within 24 hours of harvest . | Exception: Sturgeon harvested during the Black Lake season must be registered immediately on-site with DNR personnel . |
Why is this required? 🧐
Registration provides critical data for biologists. These species are often late-maturing and long-lived, and knowing harvest numbers and sizes is essential for maintaining healthy populations and understanding the success of stocking programs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids need a fishing license in Michigan?
No, anglers under the age of 17 are not required to have a license. However, any adult actively assisting them must have a valid fishing license.
Are there any free fishing days?
Yes! Michigan offers a Free Fishing Weekend where everyone can fish without a license. For 2025, it is scheduled for June 7-8.
How do I report a harvested muskellunge or sturgeon?
Mandatory harvest registration is required for muskellunge and lake sturgeon. You must report your harvest within 24 hours online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by phone at 888-636-7778.
Can I use two or three fishing rods?
In many waters, yes. For example, on the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, and Lake Erie, anglers are permitted to use three rods per angler. However, regulations can vary, so always check the specific rules for the water you are fishing.
Where can I find the most up-to-date fishing regulations?
The complete 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations guide is available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing. You can also access this information through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app.
🗺️ Michigan Fishing Hotspots for 2025
Ready to explore? Here are a few top destinations to consider:
- Lake St. Clair: A world-class smallmouth bass fishery with tremendous numbers of trophy-sized fish. It also offers fantastic muskie and walleye opportunities.
- Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron): Known as the walleye capital of Michigan, this shallow bay provides incredible action, especially from spring through fall.
- Western Lake Erie: Offers year-round walleye fishing with a high chance of landing a true trophy. The basin’s fertile waters produce fast-growing fish.
- Torch Lake: Michigan’s deepest inland lake, it provides a unique Great Lakes-like experience for lake trout and other cold-water species in a stunning setting.
✅ Wrap-Up and Get Fishing!
Michigan’s 2025-2026 fishing season is packed with potential. The incredible diversity of public lakes, rivers, and Great Lakes access means an unforgettable experience is always close by.
Grab your license, double-check the latest regulations for your target catch dates, and get ready to make some memories. Share the joy by bringing family or friends, and always practice good stewardship to help keep Michigan’s waters healthy for seasons to come. For more regional inspiration, see what’s biting in the Wisconsin fishing season.
