Fishing in Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the eighth-largest lake in the world. It is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, many of which you can harvest year round. Trolling and down rigging are popular methods of fishing the lake from a boat, and there are approximately 1,660 miles of sand and rocky shoreline from which to cast.

Fish

Steelhead, rainbow trout, lake and brown trout, coho and chinook salmon, yellow perch and walleye, pike, muskellunge, and large and smallmouth bass are all available in Lake Michigan. Lake trout are the largest native trout available in the Great Lakes; you may find them at depths of 10 to 15 feet in the spring or fall, but in the summer they will retreat to deeper areas of the Lake. The state maintains chinook and coho salmon populations by stocking the Lake Michigan's streams annually. Pike and muskellunge are the lake's biggest predators, lurking in and around weed beds. Largemouth bass like to inhabit shallow waters among reeds and other vegetation; smallmouth bass prefer cool areas of the lake where the bottom is rock or gravel.

Bait and Tackle

Fish in the lake can vary in size from less than a pound to 40 lbs. or more; versatile fishing gear will allow you to catch a wide variety of fish. If your primary targets are pike, muskie, chinook or other large fish, bring a heavy-action rod with 15- to 20-lb. test line. If you plan to troll for these and other fish, bring a longer rod; 9 feet should suffice. Jigs, spoons, spinners and crankbaits can all be effective lures when casting from shorelines or from your boat. Minnows and worms are popular baits.

Seasons, Bag Limits and Size Restrictions

Among states bordering Lake Michigan (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisonsin) daily bag limits and size restrictions are similar. Michigan has the largest coastline on the lake, and it allows fishing all year for all fish except small and largemouth bass, harvested between Memorial Day and December 31. Bass harvested must be 14 inches or longer. Harvested pike must be 24 inches or longer and walleye kept must be at least 15 inches. You can catch five combined bass, pike and walleye per day, but only two of these may be pike. You may harvest up to 50 yellow perch, sunfish and whitefish per day with no size restrictions. You can catch five combined salmon and trout per day, but each fish kept must be 10 inches or longer.

Gear Restrictions

You can use hand nets and a gaff to land legally caught fish. If not hooked in the mouth, fish must be released immediately. You can not use more than three lines at a time.

Licenses and Fees

You will require a fishing license to fish in Lake Michigan; fishing licenses in the four bordering states are similar. A fishing license for the state of Michigan for the 2010 season is $28 for residents and $42 for non-residents. A 24-hour license is available to both residents and non-residents for $7. Seniors 65 or older can purchase a license for $3; youth under 17 fish for free. You are required to carry your fishing license and the ID you used to purchase it while you are fishing.

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How to Go Trout Fishing

If you have never gone trout fishing, be prepared for an exhilarating experience. That is if you are able to hook a rainbow or brown long enough for a good battle. Half of the fun is in the fight, and trout will not disappoint in the challenge. While fishing for lake trout is a wonderful sport, most people go trout fishing in a river or brook -no boat required, and these tips will provide the basics for a productive trip.

Instructions

How to Go Trout Fishing

1

Acquire detailed information about the place you want to go trout fishing. Record catches are far less important than the average number of fish caught, how crowded the banks are and the average sized trout in the area. Inquire if and how much stock is released and when. You may want to start the day when the "whistle blows" at release time. Otherwise, fish when they bite, usually early mornings in the Summer and either morning or afternoon in the Spring.

2

Learn what the trout are biting on before you go trout fishing. Their food preference varies throughout the year and is affected by their environment. The local bait store will generally provide a wealth of information. Color and shape is very important to trout so choose your natural and artificial bait accordingly. The Department of Natural Resources may also serve as a guide to feeding habits.

3

Obtain an ultra-light, high-action short rod to improve response time and fun. It may be equipped with a lightweight spin casting reel, or this can be purchased separately. Fill the reel with 4-pound test monofilament fishing line, or 2-pound for extra challenge. Trout have exceptional vision so avoid heavier line in clear water. Instead, fill the reel about 70% full with heavier line and then add 30 to 40 feet of the lighter line. Avoid overfilling the reel and have it mechanically spooled if desired. Keep the drag (line tension) on medium to medium-high to start. Loosen the drag if the line snaps early.

4

Bring a variety of colored bait and/or spinners to optimize your chances for a catch. Trout are less picky in the Spring but they need to see their food. Flashy colors work in darker waters. Earthworms (split in half), fake worms, and minnows are popular in clearer water and midday. Many other choices are available from jigs to dough bait, but each requires a bit different technique. Use that which allows you the best casting accuracy for starters.

5

Learn about advanced trout fishing techniques if desired. Generally, cast upstream and let the bait float naturally. Cast near banks and overhangs if available and overcast a pool of fish, rather than on top of the trout, and vary your reel-in speed tin front of the trout. Try simulating natural or injured bait.

6

Gather general tackle box supplies: including a hook remover, scissors and a net. Bring a stringer and keep injured fish or give them away. Use small dark-colored hooks (size 10 to 14) with short shanks that are well covered by the bait. Use lures which provides good casting accuracy, avoid going too heavy or too light. Take some small weights (split shots) when you go trout fishing to cast farther and fish deeper if needed.

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Fishing Silver Lake in Washington

Fishing for a variety of game fish is available at the 180-acre Silver Lake in Washington. Anglers can access the lake at the Silver Lake Park where other activities are available such as boating, camping, horseback riding and hiking.

Instructions

1

Prepare your fishing equipment and gear. Bring your valid state-issued fishing license. The fishing season in Silver Lake in Whatcom County is usually open from the last Saturday in April until the end of October, though you should always check the latest regulations of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife n(DFW).

2

Use lures and baits for the specific types of fish you want to catch. According to the Washington DFW, the primary types of fish in Silver Lake include rainbow trout, bass, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie.

3

Access Silver Lake at Silver Lake Park, 9006 Silver Lake Road, in Maple Falls.

4

Launch your own watercraft at the park's public boat launch by the park office and the day lodge. You can also rent canoes and rowboats. Boat rentals are located right by the boat launch.

5

Find a spot to bank fish at the park if you intend to cast at the lake's shorelines. There are many bays and points with drop-offs along the lake.

6

Observe the statewide minimum size and daily catch limits.

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How to Choose Bait for Lake Fishing

As something for the whole family and all ages to enjoy, lake fishing appeals to many people. One can sit and relax and wait for the bobber to disappear, kids can be entertained for hours in a crappie bed and each trip sports a new challenge for the sport fishing enthusiast. With all the variety, it can be puzzling to choose bait for lake fishing. These tips can help you get started with the first step, attracting fish bites.

Instructions

1

Learn which type of fish are native to the lake by visiting a local Department of Natural Resources website or one dedicated to the lake and fishing activities. Even if you do not recognize the fish species, or are not especially picky, narrow down the type of feeder you want (top water, bottom feeder or in-between) and the average size of the fish. Choose your fishing equipment and bait for lake fishing accordingly.

2

Decide on which type of fishing you want to engage in, active or passive. If you plan on letting the bait sit and do the work, choose natural bait. If you want to work your casting and presentation skills, choose artificial bait. Bring both types to maximize your chances for a catch.

3

Bring the proven bait standbys --minnows and/or nightcrawlers-- when you are unsure how to choose bait for lake fishing. Live bait such as these are attractive to a wide variety of fish. The depth, location and presentation of the bait in the water will largely determine which type of fish are prone to bite.

4

Select healthy live bait for lake fishing and take measures to keep bait alive and active. The sun will quickly degrade earthworms so keep them in a cooler in a vented container. Minnows require oxygenation so they should not be covered for long periods. Aeration supplies can be purchased and may be useful on longer and frequent trips. Use a net to remove minnows from a bucket to maximize their lifespan.

5

Try artificial bait if natural bait seems unappealing or when you want to attract the attention of a picky eater such as bass. The general concept is to choose bait that resembles natural bait of the season, such as worms, crayfish, bugs, or smaller fish. If you choose artificial bait for lake fishing know that you will need to rely more on fishing technique and casting to get bites.

6

Aim for smelly bait when fishing for catfish or other scavengers. Chicken liver or room temperature shrimp is choice bait when lake fishing for hungry bottom feeders.

7

Know that size matters but does not always correlate to the size of the fish. Generally bigger bait attracts larger fish and is fine for aggressive eaters and bottom feeders, but small grub-sized and medium minnow-sized bait works best for the majority of lake fishing. Note that over-sized bait makes setting the hook more difficult. If you're losing bites or it is being nibbled away, try dividing the bait into smaller portions.

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Michigan Steelhead Fishing

Originally found only on the West Coast, Michigan fish biologists learned almost 50 years ago steelhead will do just fine in the Great Lakes and their tributaries. Since then, millions of steelhead have been produced by Michigans cold-water hatcheries and stocked in nearly every tributary stream leading into Lake Superior, Michigan and Huron. These fish have created a loyal following among steelhead fishermen who fish for these magnificent fish in a variety of ways.

Licenses

The vast majority of Michigan steelhead are spawned in state-operated, cold-water fish hatcheries. These are funded by requiring steelhead anglers to purchase a special fishing license. The money from this license funds the hatcheries.

There are options available. An initial purchase of an annual, all-species license allows fishing for any species of fish, including steelhead. An annual restricted fishing license can be upgraded to an all-species license by paying another fee.

Those who may only fish for steelhead once a year or one weekend a year can purchase a 24-hour or 72-hour license that grants all-species privileges for those short times.

Limits

The daily catch-to-keep limit for steelhead is three fish. Though the fish are spawned in hatcheries with little chance of reproducing, many steelhead fishermen release most of their catch, hoping the released fish lives, continues to grow larger and will offer another angler the thrill of catching it again in the future.

Time of Year

There are no open or closed seasons for fishing steelhead in Michigan, but there are better or worse times to fish for them. From October through April, most of the fish are in the tributary streams on their spawning run, making them available to river fishermen.

Skamania strain steelhead, stocked in a few streams, spawn earlier and might be found in the tributaries as early as July. From May through September, most steelhead are caught by trolling lures out in the open lakes.

Shore Fishing

Many individuals fish for steelhead from the shore by wading in the streams or from the piers, which have been constructed at the mouth of many of the major tributaries. Both artificial and natural baits are used.

In the streams, fly-fishing is a popular method. Pier fishermen often use two rods. They cast lures with one set-up while watching for a bite on their other rod using a natural bait. A variety of natural baits will work. A cluster of salmon eggs is the overwhelming favorite both on piers and in the tributaries.

Drift boat

In streams large and deep enough to float a boat, fishing from drift boats is quite popular. The fish tend to hold in deep water areas of the river. The drift boat anchors, or held in place with oars, upstream from these holes while lures or bait is worked through the deep water. Many guides use drift boats and can be hired to take people fishing, handle the boat and coach the fishermen to success.

Offshore

Out in the lakes, most steelhead fishing is done in conjunction with trolling for other species of salmon and trout. Often, steelhead swim closer to the surface than the other species and are attracted to brightly colored lures.

Fishermen dedicate a portion of their array of rods to the fish far below the surface, while other rigs are used to present fluorescent colored spoons and plugs near the surface to lure steelhead onto the lines.

Licensed charter boats are available at nearly every Michigan port of call on the Great Lakes.

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What Bait to Use for Lake Fishing

One of the most accessible and enjoyable types of fishing, lake fishing offers something many people seek--a little rest and relaxation. Once you learn a lake, very little changes from year to year. Some baits work in certain spots and you may find you can go back to those same places for the rest of your life. But what baits work best? And how do you find them? These are questions nearly every lake angler must answer at some point.

Instructions

Understand the Lake

1

Study the lake's topography. This can be done with a walk along the shore of the areas you intend to fish, making notes of weed lines, reeds, points and sunken structures. It can also be done from a boat using a fish and depth finder.

2

Understand how topography affects bait choice. In some cases, fishing around weeds requires a rig that does not easily get snagged by the vegetation. In deeper water, spinner baits or crank baits work best.

3

Choose baits based on the time of the year and fish species. When the water cools, some fish, such as large mouth bass, get sluggish. That may require a bait designed for a slower retrieval, such as plastic baits or some types of top water lures.

4

Use a trial and error method after choosing baits and during your fishing time. Some believe fishing is a science, but it is truly more like an art form. Sometimes, a bottom bait works, such as a plastic worm. Other times, a suspended bait works, like a spinner bait or crank bait. Other times, it takes a topwater bait to induce a strike.

Choose Your Fishing Style

5

Determine if you want to use artificial or live bait, or some type of combination. Live bait often entices easier strikes. Artificial bait is considered more sporting.

6

Research the types of baits and how to use them. In general, slower-moving baits, such as soft plastic lures, and live baits are easier for beginners to master.

7

Buy a combination of different baits. This can be done by purchasing a variety pack, or even a pre-stocked tackle box. Fish with baits you are familiar with, but also try new ones. It may increase your strikes.

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About Salmon Fishing Poles

Fishing for salmon requires special equipment and techniques. Salmon fishing poles vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. This includes the geographical location of where the fishing is taking place, the species of salmon desired, the season and the fishing method.

Function

Salmon fishing poles are designed to catch different sizes of the fish, and to attract them with fancy lures or bait. Salmon are very picky fish when it comes to nipping, so it is very important to have the ideal fishing pole, line and reel for the salmon you are desiring to catch. The main checklist of salmon fishing poles is simple--a sturdy flexible pole that is easily gripped, sturdy lines and intricate lures or fresh bait.

Size

If the method of fishing is from a boat, such as trolling, the pole should be rated at least 20 lbs. and the line should be at least rated for 10 lbs. If the method of fishing is from shore or fly-fishing, the pole should be rated for at least 10 lbs. and the line at least 6 lbs. These are the averages for beginning salmon fishers, so of course as knowledge and skills progress so can the weight and complexity of the equipment.

Rod/Poles

Salmon fishing poles can range from small to large, but for the heaviest of salmon a fishing pole should be rated for 25 lbs. The larger the fish being caught, the larger the pole you should bring. No matter what, the rods must be flexible but reliably sturdy. Graphite steel is a good material for salmon fishing poles. Decide what species of salmon you are looking to catch, as the ideal fishing pole cannot be decided until this is figured out. Salmon are an aerial and very flexible fish, so poles need to match that agility. Bamboo fishing poles are also popular because they are sturdy but inexpensive. If you are fly-fishing, a completely different rod must be used that is lightweight. The rod usually features aluminum coating with good grips.

Reel and Fishing Line

The reel follows the same guidelines as the salmon fishing pole, at least with size. The larger the fish being caught, the larger the reel you should bring. The reel needs to provide enough power to assist in controlling the salmon. There are different reels available for the methods of fishing, such as mooching or fly-fishing. A power reel is great to have on salmon fishing poles because it will always be strong and capable. Good choices for fly-fishing are the drag systems present on certain fishing poles.
Fishing line is a significant part of the fishing process, as a line that is too thick can deter any type of fish. If a salmon sees or senses the fishing line, he will stay away completely. Look for sturdy lines that have an invisibility system when they are a certain amount of feet underwater.

Considerations

Always bring extra equipment such as bait (roe), fishing line or lures in case some of your used equipment breaks or runs out. It is very important also to understand what type of equipment is needed for the species you are catching and the method of fishing. Take everything in the environment into consideration (rain or sun), the method you are using (trolling, bottom fishing, shore fishing or fly-fishing), the location (river, ocean, freshwater or lake) and the season. This will ensure the best chances to catch the ideal salmon.

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Trout Fishing in California Rivers

The trout fishing opportunities in California are are as numerous as the state is large (and it's a big state). The regulations vary widely, as well, from limited seasons to no date restrictions to areas where fishing isn't permitted at all. Some of the best trout fishing areas also boast prime steelhead fishing. Steelhead are rainbow trout that spend much of their life in the ocean where they grow to very large sizes and return to fresh water to spawn. So there are special rules pertaining to steelhead (and salmon) to protect them during spawning season so the native populations can thrive. Southern California trout streams are harder to come by because the water is more tepid. It's at higher elevations and Northern California that the best trout fishing is found.

Southern California

Many of the most popular angling spots are at lower altitude and are stocked during the winter, normally November through April. Southern California is more dependent on stocking trout than any other part of the state, due mostly to the warmer waters that prevail in the south. Trout prefer brisk, colder water. With generally warmer waters in Southern California, trout fishing opportunities are limited to some larger, deeper impoundments like Big Bear Lake and feeder streams and waters coming out of spillways. Good trout fishing is usually reported along most of the Bishop Creek and Rock Creek drainages, which are heavily stocked weekly during the open season. For fly fishing, the East Walker River is one of the local favorites.

West Sierra and Central Valley

Streams on the west slope of the Sierras are excellent trout streams--particularly Kings River and Kern River (try your luck above the Johnsondale Bridge). The Merced and a handful of other streams have excellent trout angling. There are so many smaller streams in the area it's impossible to list them all here. For the hottest spots and tips, contact the Department of Fish and Game's Region 4 office at 209-243-4005.

Eastern Sierra

Probably the best stream fishing on the east slope is the East Walker River. The East Walker is more accessible than many of the other area streams. Also heavily fished are the Hot Creek and San Joaquin River, west of Mammoth in the Devil's Postpile area.There are more stocked trout streams in the eastern Sierra than you can shake a fishing pole at. Bishop Creek and Convict Creek are two of the most often mentioned for bountiful catches, particularly for fly fishing. Independence Creek and both the upper and lower Pine Creeks are also heavily stocked and fished.

Northern California

There is something about northern California and fly fishing. It seems no one north of Yosemite uses worms, salmon eggs and few use lures. The northern part of the state is for the fly fishing faithful. The Owens River near Mammoth Lakes rates 5 stars from most anglers. It's almost two rivers in one. There are big runs of spawning trout in the upper part of the river and a lot of juveniles in lower end. It is a gentle and meandering stream where it is easy to lose yourself in the surrounding natural beauty while reeling in trout. If solitude and mountainous terrain are more to your liking, the East Fork of the Carson River is remote and only for the hardy. The stream offers a diverse run, from the narrow, fast flow above the Wolf Creek, to the classic freestone beds with riffles and deep runs and pools throughout. The upper reaches are accessible only by four-wheel-drive, horse or on foot. The McCloud River is regarded by many as the premier fishing spot in Northern California. The river runs through a spectacularly wooded terrain and offers native rainbow and large transplanted brown trout that now consider the river home.

Licenses, Fees and Regulations

Freshwater fishing licenses for residents cost $41.50 annually, as of 2010. For non-residents, the cost is $111.85. Anybody over the age of 16 is required to obtain a fishing license. Special exceptions are made for disabled people and those of Indian descent. Also, many fishing seasons are extremely limited and others are open all year, depending on the type of fish and areas. There are also special short-term licenses available. The Department of Fish and Game website has a complete rundown, as do all of the bait shops authorized to sell licenses.

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Bait for Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing is one of the most dynamic environments an angler can seek out. Depending on the type of fishing environment and targeted fish, the choice of appropriate fishing bait can widely vary. Two popular forms of live bait for saltwater fishing are prawns and worms. Barley and cabbage are two other types of popular bait for saltwater fishing whether angling from the shore in surf fishing, in saltwater marsh or from a boat at sea.

Rip Currents

Fishing from the shore is always challenging. To find good runs of fish, locating rip currents increases the odds of a good catch. Large fish loiter in eddies and shallow water close to the rip current, looking for small bait fish to eat. Barley is a popular salt water bait to use when fishing rip currents in the surf zone. By using minimal weight with barley, the bait can be worked out further from shore than normally done, which allows for a greater chance of a good catch.

Cabbage Baiting

Chopped cabbage is a common salt water bait for Blackfish. It can be found growing in the wild between the tide marks in low reef areas, boulders, channel markers, buoys and in rock pools. Before use, the cabbage needs to be bound to the fishing line above the hook with an elastic material such as Bait Mate or fine fishing line using a half hitch knot. Once harvested in the wild, cabbage can be saved for a few days before use but has better results if used closer to the time of harvest.

Green Weed Baiting

Green weed is another common saltwater bait for Blackfish. Before use, it should be chopped. To complete the rigging of the bait, it will need to be twisted about the hook with excess weed trimmed off. The best location to find green weed is in small feeder streams or estuaries on rocks, break-walls, pylons, logs and other flat areas. Sometimes, the weed can be hard to reach but can be retrieved with an extension pole.

Baiting with Prawns

Live prawns make good salt water bait for every variety of fish. Keeping the prawns alive ensures a higher rate of success. As a result, when attaching live prawns to hook, it is usually necessary to pass the hook just under the first shell section to prevent killing the prawn. If using dead prawns, threading the fishing hook through the body of the prawn is common.

Barley Baiting

Many times in saltwater fishing the hardest task is to get fish to come to your area. Barley is a good bait. Some proven ingredients to use in barley are: bread, chicken, dog or cat food pellets, shrimp shells, fish, wheat, tuna and oil and bran. When preparing the barley, ensure that the bait will not fall apart when it hits the water.

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Texas Hunting & Fishing Laws

The Lone Star State of Texas has thousands of acres of wild land full of hunting and fishing possibilities. Hunt javelina, deer and many species of birds, or drop a line in the water for crappie, bluegill or catfish. Know the current Texas laws and regulations prior to heading out for your adventure.

Hunting

Hunt for a deer.

Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) governs the hunting laws for the state. The 2009-2010 rules say that a hunting license is required for "any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in this state." Exceptions for this rule allow license-free hunting of "fur-bearing nuisance animals." Hogs and coyotes fall into this category. Resident licenses are available for any Texas residents. Non-residents must have a valid license when hunting on Texas land and may purchase five-day permits. Check for current regulations for species on your hunt at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website (see resources.)

Fishing

Fish for bass in Texas.

TPW also manages the fisheries in the state. According to the 2009-2010 rules for angling, a license is required "to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish or other aquatic life in the public waters of Texas." A hunting license is needed for frogs and turtles, as stated in the TPW 2009-2010 rules. Residents of Texas under 17 years of age do not need a license. Non-residents need a license with tags for special species they wish to catch. Check the TPW website for rules regarding species. Bag limits and sizes are posted there as well.

Hunting/Fishing Combinations

Get out and enjoy the backcountry.

If you are a Texan, take advantage of the "Super Combo" license package (Type 111.) This allows both hunting and fishing for the full season in Texas. TPW also offers lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to residents. Lifetime licenses do not include federal duck stamps.

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River Fishing in Michigan

Michigan has over 300 named rivers and streams in the upper and lower peninsulas. With so many different bodies of water available, it's no wonder Michigan is full of fishermen. When fishing in a Michigan river, you can fish by boat, from the shore, on the ice in winter, fly fish or even do something called smelt dipping.

Fly and Trout Fishing

Michigan has many small rivers that are just wide enough to walk in, cast your fly rod and catch a trout. Fly fishing can be done in larger rivers as well, but there is more success in the shallower waters where the trout thrive. Trout are the main target when you use a fly rod over standard rod and reel. Fly fishing requires different lures and no bait. Popular rivers where the fly fisherman hang out in Michigan include the Pine and Huron.

Smelt Dipping

In Michigan rivers, smelt dipping--catching smelt with a big net--is popular. Smelt are small fish ranging from 4 to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. They "run" in the spring, some time in late April to early May and head upstream to spawn. The fishing process involves standing in the river or along the shore with a big net, lowering it in the river and coming up with a bunch of fish.

In the past, people could catch smelt by the hundreds, but the population has been gradually decreasing. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNR) is encouraging people to only keep what they will actually eat so the populations can increase. There are certain rivers in Michigan that have better smelt runs than others, and they are the Rifle, AuGres and Cheboygan Rivers. No special license is needed to smelt dip, only the regular Michigan fishing license.

From a Boat

Some rivers in Michigan are big enough to support fishing from a boat or a canoe. Rivers like the Tittabawassee, the Saginaw and the Flint Rivers can handle boats with engines, however, there are many no wake zones along the way. There are no size restrictions for boats, however, you'll want to use caution as rivers are full of logs and debris that could harm a boat engine. The rivers are typically full of walleye, bass, carp, catfish, panfish and some perch.

Fishing Licenses

Michigan fishing licenses can be purchased from any DNR office across the state, sporting goods stores and some large retails shops like K-Mart and Meijer. The price for the licenses are the same, no matter where you get them.

A standard license for residents of Michigan is meant for adults and covers all fish except for trout and salmon and costs $15 for one year. Getting the license with no restrictions on fish is $28. A youth license for all fish is just $2. Non-residents of Michigan will pay $34 for a standard license and $42 for an unrestricted license covering all types of fish.

Fishing Tips

If you don't mind cool weather or cold water, you can fish from or in a Michigan river almost year round. Walleye season open at the end of April, and the Saginaw Bay area rivers are known for producing big fish. The smelt runs begin in April and lasts until May. The summer months yield fish of every type, including perch, catfish and panfish.

The trout bite best in June and July, when the hatches of bugs, damselflies and lacewings are highest. The trout prefer smaller rivers where you can fly fish, but occasionally they are found in bigger rivers where they have been stocked.

During November and December, it is hard to fish if it's cold, but not cold enough to produce thick, safe ice to walk on. Once the ice is thick enough during the winter months, however, you can ice fish for perch, pike and walleye.

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