Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters (except as noted below). Open for red eye seven or more dorsal spines. Largemouth Bass dark horizontal band.
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future generations. -MICHIGAN FISHING LICENSE INFORMATIO N & REQUIREMENTS License Items & Fees Purchase your ˜shing license (and more) online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses . Item Type Fee DNR Sportcard $1 All Species Fishing Licenses Resident Annual $26* Nonresident Annual $76* Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally blind Œ see p. 6) $11* Daily Fish (Resident or Nonresident) Angler can buy from 1 to 6 consecutive days $10/day Voluntary Youth (16 and under) $2* Combo Hunt/Fish Licenses (Base, Annual Fishing, 2 Deer) Hunt/Fish Resident $76* Hunt/Fish Senior Resident $43* Hunt/Fish Nonresident $266* Lost Licenses Lost your license? See the gray box below for instructions on getting a replacement. Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military (see p. 6). All ˜shing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this Fishing Guide. A $1 surcharge is included in the combo hunt and ˜sh licenses, resident annual, nonresident annual, and senior annual ˜shing licenses, as noted with the asterisk (*). Revenue generated from these funds will be used to educate the public on the bene˜ts of hunting, ˜shing and trapping in Michigan, and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the state™s natural resources in accordance with statute. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNR . Who needs a Michigan ˜shing license? A license is required when targeting ˜sh, amphibians, crustaceans and/or reptiles in public waters of the state. If you are 17 years of age or older and ˜sh in Michigan you must purchase a ˜shing license. If you are under 17, you may ˜sh without a license, but you are required to observe all ˜shing rules and regulations. Turning 17 at any point during the current season (April 1 – March 31) You’ll need to buy a license once you do! The new youth ˜shing license is voluntary and not required for ages 16 and under. A ˜shing license is not required for those under 17 years of age. Where does the ˜shing license revenue go? For information concerning where ˜shing license funds are used please see p. 64. Any adult actively assisting a minor must have a ˜shing license. However, adults without a ˜shing license may do the following: Ł Help land a ˜sh with a net or their hands Ł Help unhook a ˜sh Ł Set up the ˜shing rod with the appropriate gear Ł Bait the hook Ł Fix tangles or snags ŁCast the line for young anglers; however, it should be stressed the young angler must be an active participant while the adult is only assisting If the individual assisting does have a ˜shing license they would be in compliance and would be supporting Michigan’s aquatic resources for Where can you purchase a Michigan ˜shing license (or replace a lost one)? Option 1: Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses Option 2: At a License Agent (˜nd the list at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents ) Option 3: At a DNR Customer Service Center (˜nd the one closest to you on p. 65) Need help? Problems buying your license online? Call the DNR’s eLicense Help Desk: 517-284-6057
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How to Use This Guide: 1. Decide what species you’re ˜shing for, on what waterbody (Great Lakes, inland, rivers/streams), and in what county. 2. For ˜sh other than trout, check out the “General Fishing Regulations” on page 12. 3. Inland trout & salmon regulations can be found starting on page 38. It’s also helpful to check the online maps (at Michigan.gov/Fishing ). 4. Make sure to check the “Exceptions to General Fishing Regulations by County” content for special regulations (starting on page 28). 5. Make sure to read over the “Lawful Fishing Methods”, “Unlawful Activities” and “De˜nitions & Terms” sections. 6. Finally, be sure to check the Table of Contents (page 3) for other opportunities & important information. And don’t forget to buy a ˜shing license! 11
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2 MAJOR REGULAT ION CHANGES New regulations appear in red text throughout the guide. NOTE: Always call 888-367-7060 or check online at Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most recent regulation information. Snagging Remains Unlawful Ł The de˜nition for snagging has been updated. See p. 9. Betsie and Torch River Spawning Closures Ł Betsie River Homestead Dam (Benzie Co.) Œ Closed to ˜shing from Aug. 1 Œ Nov. 15 within 300 ft of lamprey barrier and ˜sh passage facility. Ł Torch River (Antrim & Kalkaska Cos) -Closed to ˜shing May 1 Œ June 15 from the Crystal Beach Rd Bridge downstream to L. Skegemog including Rapid R. up to Aarwood Rd Bridge. REPORT ALL POACHING ˚CALL OR TEXT˛: 800˚292˚7800 NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal notice or a complete collection of ˜shing regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide issued for anglers™ convenience. Copies of Michigan’s regulations can be obtained from Michigan.gov/DNR . Hook and Line Restrictions During Walleye Spawning Runs Ł Fishing regulations have been modi˜ed in several streams in Bay, Genesee, Macomb, Midland, and Saginaw counties during the period of March 16 Œ the Friday before the last Saturday in April. Check the Exceptions to General Fishing Regulations by County pp. 28 Œ 31 for speci˜cs. Reptiles and Amphibians Ł The northern two-lined salamander, northern dusky salamander, and mink frog are now protected species. Possession and harvest is unlawful. See p. 22. New VHS Regulations – See p. 27 The State of Michigan allows appropriate advertising in its annual regulations to reduce costs of printing. Many states have adopted a similar strategy. Promotional advertising does not constitute endorsement by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Michigan’s Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species The DNR is taking action to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in our rivers, lakes, and streams to keep them world-class. We can™t do it alone Œ see below for ways to get involved. 1. The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program provides $3.6 million annually for projects that prevent, monitor, respond to and control invasive species. Visit Michigan.gov/MISGP . 2. Attention anglers and boaters! You can help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning your gear and properly disposing of bait. Go online to Michigan.gov/Invasives to learn more about what you can do. 3. If you see something strange Œ report it! Take a photo of the species in question and contact the DNR through Michigan.gov/Invasives . Learn more about aquatic invasive species on pages 60-61.
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3 Ł Ł Ł Ł Ł Ł FISHING GUIDE The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state™s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the Governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC oversees the management of ˜sh and wildlife in the State of Michigan. The commission conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums. For more information visit Michigan.gov/NRC . Cover photo of the Menominee River submitted by Lt. Terry Short, DNR Law Enforcement Division Great Lakes Enforcement Unit. Have a photo you think would look great on the cover of the next Michigan Fishing Guide? We’re seeking photos that focus on places to ˜sh, instead of people or ˜sh species. Photos should be portrait orientation. If you™ve got one, email it to [email protected] . A complete listing of regulations and legal descriptions are available at: Michigan.gov/DNR The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan™s natural resources. Both state and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire additional information, please write: Human Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528 or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, Suite 3-600, 3054 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 or the Division of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP -4020, Arlington, VA 22203. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. 2021 MICHIGAN FISHING GUIDE ˝ CONTENTS ˝ Amphibians & Reptiles .. 22 Angler Harassment Information ..33 Angler Rights On Public Streams 33 Aquatic Invasive Plants & Animals ..60 -61 Boat Registration Information 62 Bow & Spear Fishing Regulations . 16 -17 Common Fish Species 36 -37 Customer Service Centers ..65 De˜nitions & Terms.. 8-9 Description of Inland Waters.. 7 Eat Safe Fish .32 Exceptions to General Regulations by County .28 -31 Fishing Seasons Chart . 4 Fishing Tournament Information 62 General Fishing Regulations . 12-14 General Netting Regulations . 23 GL Commercial Fishing & Research Nets . 19 GL Trout & Salmon.. 18 -21 Ice Shanties ..62 Inland Trout & Salmon Regulations ..38 -57 County Listing of Lakes and Streams .. 44 -57 Gear Restricted Streams .40 -42 Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations . 38 Inland Trout & Salmon Stream Regulations 39 Lake Sturgeon Regulations 15 Lawful Fishing Methods 10 License Information & Requirements .Inside Cover, 6 Major Regulation Changes 2 Marked & Tagged Fish . 19 Master Angler & State Record Information 34- 35 Michigan-Indiana Bordering Lakes ..26 Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters ..24 -25 Native American Fishing . 7 Parasites & Diseases of Fish ..62-63 Personal Flotation Devices .33 Railroad Rights-Of-Way ..33 Seasonal Fish Mortalities ..63 Special Northern Pike & Muskellunge Regulations. .13-14 Sylvania Wilderness Area .26 Unlawful Activities ..11 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Statewide Regulations 27
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4 2021 Fishing Seasons This table provides general hook-and-line ˜ shing seasons/dates for the species listed. There are many other ˜ shing regulations associated with these species and seasons. Please refer to the rest of the 2021 Michigan Fishing Guide for regulations concerning size limits, possession limits, and other restrictions. Species Season Dates More Info. April May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. . Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters (except as noted below) Open for Entire Year Page 12 Possession season on all waters, including Great Lakes (except as noted below) May 29 – December 31 Pages 12-13 Possession season on Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit rivers June 19 – December 31 Page 12 Muskellunge Catch-and-immediate-release on all waters Open for Entire Year Pages 12-14 Possession season on all Great Lakes & inland waters & St. Marys River- (except as noted below) June 5 – March 15 Pages 12-14 Possession season on Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit rivers June 5 – December 31 Pages 12-14 Northern Pike & Walleye Possession season on Lower Peninsula Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit rivers Open for Entire Year Pages 12-14 Possession season on Lower Peninsula inland waters April 24 – March 15 Pages 12-14 Possession season on Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters & St. Marys River May 15 – March 15 Pages 12-14 Salmon & Trout Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, St. Marys River, St. Clair & Detroit rivers Open for Entire Year (See Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake row below as well) Pages 18-21 (Inland) Type 3 & 4 streams and Type B, C, E & F lakes Open for Entire Year Pages 38-57 Possession & ˜ shing season (inland) Type 1 & 2 streams April 24 – September 30 Pages 38-57 Possession & ˜ shing season (inland) Type A & D lakes April 24 – October 31 Pages 38-57 Gear Restricted streams Please see Pages 40-42 for information concerning seasons on these streams. Channel Cat˜ sh, Flathead Cat˜ sh, Cisco, Lake White˜ sh, Round White˜ sh, Smelt, Sun˜ shes, White Bass, Yellow Perch & Other Species All waters open for ˜ shing Open for Entire Year Pages 12-13 Great Lakes Lake Trout & Splake – See map and Table 4 on Pages 20-21 Lake Sturgeon – See Table 2 on Page 15 F I SH I N G SE A S O N S
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6 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Fishing License Requirements and Special Provisions: Ł You must purchase a license if you are 17 years of age or older. Ł If you are under 17, you may ˜sh without a license, but you are required to observe all ˜shing rules and regulations. Ł When ˜shing, you must carry your license and the identi˜cation used to purchase that license and exhibit both upon request of a Michigan Conservation O˛cer, a Tribal Conservation O˛cer or any law enforcement o˛cer. Ł The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has an electronic license that allows an individual to display a copy of the ˜shing license using a smart phone or similar device. Ł Your annual ˜shing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. To purchase a ˜shing license you must have: Ł A valid Michigan Driver’s License; or Ł A valid Michigan ID Card (issued by the Secretary of State); or Ł A valid driver’s license from your state of residency; or Ł A DNR Sportcard (issued by license dealers). If the information on your DNR Sportcard from a previous year is still accurate, you may continue to use it. NOTE: when purchasing a DNR Sportcard you will be asked to provide two proofs of Michigan residency. To qualify for a resident ˜shing license, you must: Ł Be a person who resides in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state, or Ł Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university, and reside in Michigan, or Ł Serve full-time in the U.S. Military and be either o˛cially stationed in Michigan or maintain residency in Michigan. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not quali˜cation for a resident license. Other special provisions: U.S. Military Personnel: Fishing license fees are waived for full-time, federal, active-duty U.S. military personnel who have maintained resident status. The individual must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that he/she is an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card. This license, available at DNR Customer Service Centers (see p. 65) and at license retail outlets statewide, is valid for the license year. Military members receiving a free license must present the license, along with proof of military status, if requested by a Conservation O˛cer. NOTE: nonresident, active-duty military personnel o˛cially stationed in Michigan qualify for Michigan resident rates. Michigan Veterans with Disabilities: A resident veteran with a disability is eligible to obtain a ˜shing license that does not require a separate application free of charge if one of the following conditions is met: the person has been determined by the U.S. Department of Veteran A˝airs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ bene˜ts at the 100% rate, for a disability other than blindness, or the person has been rated by the U.S. Department of Veteran A˝airs as individually unemployable. Residents who are blind: A resident who is declared legally blind is eligible to purchase the senior ˜shing license. Persons with developmental disabilities or residents of a home for the aged (licensed under the Public Health Code): A developmentally disabled individual or a resident of a home for the aged licensed under the Public Health Code may obtain a permit from the DNR to ˜sh without a license if the developmentally disabled individual or the resident of the licensed home for the aged is a member of a group accompanied by 1 or more adults who hold a valid license to ˜sh. Permits are available at DNR Customer Service Centers (see p. 65). Automatically Renew! When you purchase your 2021 Michigan ˜shing license you can choose to automatically renew in 2022! Visit Michigan.gov/DNR and be sure to fiturn onfl auto renew when you see the button at checkout.
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7 Description of Inland Waters Inland waters are all waters within the jurisdiction of the state except the Great Lakes, and the bays and connecting waters. The connecting waters between Lake Superior and Lake Huron include that portion of the St. Marys River located within this state. The connecting waters of Lake Huron and Lake Erie include the St. Clair River (begins at the Fort Gratiot Light), Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (beginning at the imaginary line extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne Co. and ending at the imaginary east-west line drawn through the most southerly point of Celeron Island). Inland waters include all inland lakes, streams and tributaries to the Great Lakes. Closed Seasons (Spawning Closures) Michigan prohibits ˜shing for various species at certain times of the year. These seasonal closures generally coincide with spawning periods and are often referred to as spawning closures. Many anglers and managers tend to think of these regulations as providing speci˜c protection to spawning ˜sh, and the timing and length of closed seasons are generally related to the timing and duration of spawning seasons. These closures are indicated by lake or stream in the county listing (see pp. 12-14, 28 -31 and 44-57). Lakes and streams are closed to all ˜shing during the period listed. Native American Fishing on Inland Waters Federal treaties exist between the United States government and tribes residing in Michigan. Although the entire State of Michigan is covered by treaties, only two treaty areas are currently subject to ˜shing by tribal governments. The Treaty of Washington, signed in 1836, covers the eastern Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The Treaty of La Pointe, signed in 1842, covers the western Upper Peninsula and areas of northern Wisconsin. Seasons and possession limits for tribal members may di˝er somewhat from state regulations.˙In addition, under a permit system, tribal members may use spears and may place impoundment nets on designated public waters.˙ The use of gill nets is prohibited in inland waters. If you encounter these activities, do not disrupt the ˜shers or interfere with their nets. For more information please visit Michigan.gov/Fishing and search for Tribal Coordination Unit. DID YOU KNOW: Violators of ˜shing rules & regulations can face ˜nes, jail time, loss of ˜shing equipment and/or revocation of their ˜shing license? Species Fine Jail Revocation of License / Permit Violation under section 41105 Fish – 1st O˝ense Up to $100 (1st o˝ense); OR Up to 60 days (1st o˝ense) Optional Violation under section 41105 Fish – 2nd or Subsequent O˝ense $50 – $250; OR 20-90 days Optional Violation under section 48702a* Fish – 1st O˝ense $500 – $1,000 (plus costs of prosecution) Up to 93 days Required Violation under section 48702a* Fish – 2nd or Subsequent O˝ense $1,000 – $2,500 (plus costs of prosecution) Up to 1 year Required *NOTE: Violations under section 48702a could lead to a ˜ne, jail or both.
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8 DEFINITIONS & TERMS Arti˜cial Flies: Any commonly accepted single hook wet and dry ˆies, streamers and nymphs without spinner, spoon, scoop, lip or any other ˜shing lure or bait attached. The ˆy or leader may be weighted, but no weight shall be attached to the ˆy or to the terminal tackle in a manner that allows the weight to be suspended from or below the hook. Arti˜cial Lure: A manmade lure manufactured to imitate natural bait. Arti˜cial lures include spoons, spinners, ˆies and plugs made of metal, plastic, wood and other non-edible materials. They also include plastic products made to resemble worms, eggs, ˜sh and other aquatic organisms. NOTE: On the following waters from Aug. 1 -Nov. 15, terminal ˜shing gear is restricted to single-pointed hooks or jigs, measuring 1/2-inch or less from point to shank or treble hooks 3/8-inch or less from point to shank ONLY when attached to a body bait, plug, spinner or spoon. An arti˜cial lure is not a device primarily constructed of lead: all waters of the Betsie R. (Benzie and Manistee Cos.), all waters of Bear Cr. (Manistee Co.), the Manistee R. from Tippy Dam downstream to Railroad Bridge below M-55 (T22N, R16W, S31; Manistee Co.), Big Sable R. from mouth upstream to Hamlin Lake Dam (Mason Co.), all waters of the the Pere Marquette R. (Lake, Mason, Newaygo and Oceana Cos.) , all waters of the Little Manistee R. (Lake, Manistee and Mason Cos.) , White R. from mouth upstream to Hesperia Dam (Muskegon and Oceana Cos.) , all waters of N. Br. White R. (Muskegon and Oceana Cos.) Muskegon R. upstream to Croton Dam (Muskegon and Newyago Cos.) , and all waters of the N. Br. Pentwater R. (Mason and Oceana Cos.), S. Br. Penwater R. upstream to Hart Dam ( Mason and Oceana Cos. ). Cast Net: A net without walls or sides that is thrown to take minnows, alewife, smelt and shad in the Great Lakes and Connecting Waters. Catch-and-Immediate-Release (CIR): The act of returning ˜sh immediately to the water without injury and without holding in a livewell or similar device. Anglers may continue to ˜sh CIR given they have reached their daily possession limit for a given species. Chumming: Luring or attracting or attempting to lure or attract ˜sh by scattering organic material into the water (see p. 11). Material commonly used as chum includes ˜sh eggs, corn, rice, noodles, oatmeal and maggots (see the NOTE in the top row of the table on p. 39). Cisco: Also known as lake herring. Competitive Fishing Event: Any organized competition among anglers involving prize distribution or the declaration of a winner that is not de˜ned as a ˜shing tournament with speci˜c rules applying to that particular event (see p. 62). Daily Possession Limit: The total number of ˜sh, amphibians or reptiles that may be caught and retained in one day. See also Possession Limit (see p .9). Dates: Whenever dates are listed they are considered inclusive. Designated Trout Lake: Any lake so designated by law that contains a signi˜cant population of trout or salmon. All Type A and Type D lakes are designated trout lakes (see pp. 44-57). Electronic versions of maps available at Michigan.gov/Fishing . Designated Trout Stream: Any stream so designated by law that contains a signi˜cant population of trout or salmon. All of the following: Type 1, Type 2, Gear Restricted Streams, research areas and Brook Trout Research Areas, and most Type 3 and Type 4 waters are designated trout streams (see pp. 44-57). Dip Net: A square net constructed from a piece of webbing of heavy twine, hung on heavy cord or frame so as to be without sides or walls, and suspended from the corners and attached in such a manner that when the net is lifted no part is more than 4 feet below the plane formed by the imaginary lines connecting the corners from which the net is suspended. As used in ˜shing, it shall be lowered and raised vertically as nearly as possible (also referred to as a drop net or umbrella net) (see p. 23). Dropper Line: A line in addition to the main ˜shing line that contains a hook. Dropper lines are usually attached to the main line. Drop-Shotting: Using a weight suspended below a single-pointed hook that is tied directly to the main ˜shing line. Drowned River Mouth Lakes (Type F): An area of a river where it enters the Great Lakes. Considered inland waters and are listed in NOTE 2 on p. 18. Fishing License: A required item for any resident or nonresident angler age 17 or older targeting ˜sh, amphibians, crustaceans or reptiles in Michigan. Annual licenses are valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year (see inside cover). Fishing Season: The period of time a body of water is open to ˜shing. It is unlawful to ˜sh in any body of water outside of the ˜shing season. Fishing Tournament: An organized, competitive ˜shing event among anglers, or teams of anglers, with speci˜c rules applying to that particular event. See also Fishing Tournament Information on p. 62. Fishing Tournament Information System: An electronic system ˜shing tournament directors use to register their ˜shing tournaments (see p. 62). Great Lakes Connecting Waters (Connecting Waters): Speci˜c bodies of water in Michigan that connect the Great Lakes. The designated connecting waters are L. St. Clair, St. Marys R., St. Clair R. (begins at the Fort Gratiot Light) and the Detroit R. (begins at the imaginary line extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne Co., and ending at the
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9 Mutilated Fish: A ˜sh that is unidenti˜able or cannot be measured. POINTSHANK Two a year, families and friends can enjoy one ofMichigan’s premier outdoor activities -ishing -for FREE! All fishing license fees waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. imaginary east/west line drawn through the most southernly point of Celeron Isl.). NOTE: Portage/ Torch Lakes (Houghton Co.) are not designated as Great Lakes connecting waters. Hand Net and Landing Net: A mesh bag of webbing or wire, suspended from a circular, oval or rectangular frame attached to a handle. These are the most common ˜shing nets used in Michigan (see p. 23). Hook & Hook Gap Measurement: A single, double or treble pointed hook. All hooks – single, double or treble pointed and attached to a manufactured arti˜cial lure shall be counted as 1 hook. Please refer to diagram to the right. The same method is used for single and multi-pointed hooks. GAP Inland Waters: All waters in Michigan EXCEPT the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Connecting Waters. Minnows: Chubs, shiners, dace, stonerollers, sculpins (muddlers), mudminnows, and suckers of a size used for bait in hook-and-line ˜shing. See p. 10. Possession Limit: In addition to 1 day™s daily possession limit of ˜sh, a person may possess an additional 2 daily possession limits of ˜sh taken during previous fishing days provided the additional limits of ˜sh are processed (canned, cured by smoking or drying, or frozen). This provision does not apply to lake sturgeon or muskellunge. Anglers who have not attained the age of 17 are entitled to the possession limit even though they do not have a ˜shing license. A person ˜shing waters bordered by other states or provinces AND possessing multiple ˜shing licenses may possess the limit allowed for ONLY ONE license while in transit. When ˜shing in Michigan waters, Michigan possession and size limits must be followed. Possession Season: The portion of the ˜shing season during which it is legal to harvest ˜sh. Protected Slot Limit: Prohibits the possession or harvest of ˜sh that fall within a protected minimum and maximum size interval (see p. 14). Reporting Requirements for Lake Sturgeon & Muskellunge: Any angler who harvests a lake sturgeon or muskellunge is required to report the harvest within 24 hours of the time of the catch. Anglers can report their harvest online ( Michigan. gov/RegisterFish ), by calling 888-636-7778, or in person at any DNR Customer Service Center (see p. 65) during normal state business hours with advance notice of arrival. River vs. Stream: The same regulations apply whether a body of water is designated as a river or a stream. They are regulated the same in Michigan. Round White˜sh: Also known as Menominee. Snag or Snagging: Taking or attempting to take a ˜sh in a manner or methods where the ˜sh does not take, or have the chance to take, the hook voluntarily in its mouth. Snagging shall include but not be limited to ˜shing by manipulating a hook or hooks and other tackle or lures, whether baited or not, in such a manner as to pierce or hook a ˜sh in any part of the body, circumventing the voluntary action of the ˜sh to take the bait or lure in the mouth. Tournament Registration: Following the appropriate process to register bass and walleye tournaments or muskellunge competitive ˜shing events with the department (see p. 62). Trapping: Catching or taking ˜sh by use of a device, such as a cage or net, designed to capture a ˜sh or animal. Weir: A fence or structure set in water to block or retain ˜sh.
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