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Outdoors
By John Pepin, Deputy Public Information Officer
Michigan DNR
The annual angler countdown to the opening day of the inland trout season is on, with fishing to begin April 27, the last Saturday of the month.
Preliminary indications, weather dependent, show that those getting out to enjoy the opener will likely find streams within their banks and readily accessible.
“With the low amount of snowfall over the winter and early ice out/spring runoff, most trout stream discharge and water levels will likely be lower than normal this spring,” said Darren Kramer, northern Lake Michigan unit manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division in Escanaba. “Anglers should have good access to the vast majority of streams on the opener.”
Kramer said streams that rely on move runoff, versus groundwater inputs, will be affected more. These streams will also likely warm up faster in the summer earlier than usual.
“Anglers want to pay attention to precipitation events before/around the opener and during the season,” Kramer said. “Rainstorms are becoming more variable and are increasing in the amount of rain falling per event, so angler access to streams may change quickly and become unfishable after rain events.”
Kramer said streams fed heavily by groundwater may provide better fishing this spring as stream water levels will be more predictable than streams will less groundwater input.
Hatcheries across the state have begun stocking activities.
The DNR maintains a searchable database of fish stocking efforts, dating back many years. In addition, the DNR has information on fish identification, fishing tips and a list of Family Friendly fishing waters where families can find easy access for fishing and a good likelihood of fish available to catch.
To find all these things and more, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.
The new fishing license year began April 1.
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online at the DNR website and at DNR customer service centers across the state, including Marquette, Escanaba and Baraga offices. Many sporting goods outlets and service stations also sell fishing licenses.
Licenses may also be purchased on the DNR’s Hunt and Fish app, available for download at the App Store for Apple devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The annual fishing digest, which contains all Michigan fishing regulations, with the latest changes highlighted in red print, may be downloaded to your cellphone from the DNR Hunt and Fish app, providing handheld access even when no phone service is available.
Printed digests are also available for free where fishing licenses are sold or online at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
Didymo (rock snot) and invasive New Zealand mud snails thrive in cool, clean streams and rivers – the same places anglers might frequent during trout season.
To protect favorite fishing spots from these species, decontaminate waders and gear by applying a chemical disinfectant after each use and before heading to a new location. Be sure to apply any disinfectants at a safe distance from the water’s edge to avoid accidental discharge into surface waters.
Live bait can carry diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), which is deadly to over 50 freshwater fish species. That’s why it’s unlawful to dump live bait in Michigan. Keep fish safe and healthy by disposing of leftover bait in the trash.
The inland stream trout fishing season is open until Sept. 30.