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Michigan Anglers Urged to Protect Vulnerable Lake Sturgeon During Ice Fishing Season
Table of Contents
- 1. Michigan Anglers Urged to Protect Vulnerable Lake Sturgeon During Ice Fishing Season
- 2. The Importance of Sturgeon Conservation
- 3. Legal Fishing Areas and Seasons
- 4. safe Handling Practices for Accidental Catches
- 5. Sturgeon Characteristics and Identification
- 6. Reporting and Further data
- 7. what are the lake sturgeon fishing regulations in Michigan?
- 8. Michigan’s Lake Sturgeon: Limited Seasons, Catch‑and‑Release Rules for Ice Fishermen
- 9. Understanding Lake Sturgeon in Michigan
- 10. Ice Fishing Seasons & Locations
- 11. Catch-and-Release Regulations: Protecting the Future
- 12. Essential Ice Fishing Gear for Sturgeon
- 13. Locating Sturgeon Through the Ice
- 14. Sturgeon Handling & Safety Considerations
Lansing, Michigan – As winter ice conditions prove favorable for recreational fishing across Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is issuing a critical reminder to anglers: exercise extreme care when encountering Lake Sturgeon, a species facing ongoing conservation challenges. Protecting this ancient fish is paramount, and swift, careful release is essential if one is accidentally caught.
The Importance of Sturgeon Conservation
Lake Sturgeon, considered a threatened species in Michigan, are slow-growing, long-lived fish that play a vital role in the health of freshwater ecosystems. Their populations have faced severe declines due to overfishing, habitat loss, and dam construction over the last century. In 1994 the Michigan Dnr listed Lake sturgeon as a threatened species and has been working with several agencies to rehabilitate them.
According to data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sturgeon were once abundant in the Great Lakes, with commercial harvests exceeding one million pounds annually in the late 19th century. Today, these harvests are a fraction of their former size, underlining the need for strict conservation measures.
Legal Fishing Areas and Seasons
Michigan law restricts Sturgeon fishing to vrey specific locations and times. Legal sturgeon fishing seasons extend from July 16, 2025, to March 15, 2026, but are limited to:
- Lake St. Clair
- The St. clair River
- Otsego Lake
- The Menominee River (first Saturday in September 2025 to Sept. 30)
- Black Lake (first Saturday in February only)
Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in additional waters, including the St.marys River, Detroit River, Portage and Torch Lakes, and the Ontonagon river during the same timeframe. Outside of these designated areas, targeting or harvesting lake sturgeon is illegal.
safe Handling Practices for Accidental Catches
The Dnr emphasizes that anglers who inadvertently hook a Lake Sturgeon must prioritize its swift and safe release. Below are the steps to take:
- Release the fish immediately.
- never hold a sturgeon vertically by its head,gill covers,or tail.
- Avoid touching the fish’s eyes or gills.
- Minimize handling time to reduce stress.
“When temperatures are below freezing, a sturgeon’s gills can freeze quickly,” explained a Dnr representative. “Rapid release is critical to ensure survival.”
Sturgeon Characteristics and Identification
Lake Sturgeon are easily identifiable by their elongated bodies, five rows of bony plates called scutes, and whisker-like barbels near their mouths. They can grow to remarkable sizes, reaching lengths of up to eight feet and weights exceeding 300 pounds. Often called “living fossils”, these fish can live for over a century.
Here’s a quick reference table summarizing key Sturgeon facts:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acipenser fulvescens |
| Average Lifespan | 85-100+ years |
| Maximum Size | Up to 8 feet long, 300+ pounds |
| Distinguishing Features | Bony scutes, barbels near mouth |
Reporting and Further data
Anglers are encouraged to report any incidental sturgeon captures, as well as suspected illegal activity, through the Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField platform or by calling the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. For comprehensive details on michigan’s fishing regulations, please refer to the 2025 Michigan Fishing Guide.
What steps do you think can be taken to improve sturgeon populations in the Great Lakes? How critically important is it for anglers to be aware of and follow these regulations?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
what are the lake sturgeon fishing regulations in Michigan?
Michigan’s Lake Sturgeon: Limited Seasons, Catch‑and‑Release Rules for Ice Fishermen
Michigan’s lake sturgeon – a prehistoric-looking fish – presents a unique angling prospect, but one heavily regulated to ensure the species’ continued recovery. For ice fishermen specifically, understanding the limited seasons and strict catch-and-release rules is paramount. This guide breaks down everything you need to no to legally and responsibly pursue these majestic creatures thru the ice.
Understanding Lake Sturgeon in Michigan
Lake sturgeon (acipenser fulvescens) are native to the Great Lakes basin and major rivers. They are long-lived, slow-growing, and late-maturing, making them notably vulnerable to overfishing and habitat loss. Historically abundant, their populations plummeted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to commercial fishing for their eggs (caviar) and meat.
Today, Michigan’s lake sturgeon are managed under a carefully crafted restoration plan, and recreational fishing is a key component of monitoring and maintaining healthy populations.The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) actively manages sturgeon fisheries in several locations, including the Black, Flint, Manistee, and Tittabawassee rivers, as well as some of the Great Lakes.
Ice Fishing Seasons & Locations
Unlike many popular Michigan fish species,lake sturgeon ice fishing isn’t open statewide or year-round. Specific seasons and locations are designated annually by the DNR. As of February 12, 2026, the following generally applies (always confirm current regulations before heading out – see “Resources” section below):
* Black River (Cheboygan County): Typically a short season in February, with a daily limit of one fish. This is a highly popular location, and anglers frequently enough arrive well before sunrise to secure a spot.
* Flint River (Genesee County): Limited season, usually in February, with a catch-and-release only requirement.
* tittabawassee River (Saginaw Bay): Regulations vary; often catch-and-release only, with specific sections open to fishing.
* Great Lakes: Limited opportunities exist in certain areas of the Great Lakes,often with very restrictive regulations. Check the DNR’s fishing guide for details.
* Manistee River: Regulations vary; often catch-and-release only, with specific sections open to fishing.
Vital Note: Season dates and regulations can change annually based on population assessments. Always check the current Michigan Fishing Guide and DNR website before your trip.
Catch-and-Release Regulations: Protecting the Future
Even in areas with a limited harvest, the emphasis is heavily on catch-and-release. Here’s what you need to know:
- Barbless Hooks: The use of barbless hooks is mandatory for all lake sturgeon fishing. This minimizes injury to the fish during hook removal.
- Quick Handling: minimize the time the sturgeon is out of the water. Sturgeon are sensitive to stress and oxygen deprivation.
- Support the Fish: When lifting a sturgeon for identification or hook removal, support its weight horizontally. Avoid holding it vertically by the head.
- Proper Hook Removal: Use pliers or a hook removal tool to carefully remove the hook. If the hook is deeply embedded, cut the line as close to the hook as possible and leave it in place – the hook will eventually dissolve.
- No Stringers or Live Wells: Keeping a sturgeon in a stringer or live well is prohibited.
- Immediate Release: Return the sturgeon to the water immediately after hook removal. Gently revive the fish by facing it into the current if necessary.
Essential Ice Fishing Gear for Sturgeon
Targeting lake sturgeon through the ice requires specialized gear:
* Heavy-Duty Ice Rod: A stout ice rod, 36-48 inches long, with a strong backbone is essential.
* Heavy Line: Use braided line with a test strength of at least 60-80 lb.
* Large Spoons & Jigs: Large, flashy spoons and jigs are effective for attracting sturgeon. Shining colors like gold, silver, and chartreuse often work well.
* Bait: While sturgeon will take artificial lures, adding bait can increase your chances.Popular options include:
* Nightcrawlers
* Minnows (large shiners)
* Skein (sturgeon eggs – legal to possess if harvested legally)
* ice Auger: A powerful ice auger is needed to drill through thick ice.
* Shelter (Optional): An ice shelter can provide protection from the elements.
* Safety Gear: Ice picks, a rope, and a flotation suit are crucial for ice fishing safety.
Locating Sturgeon Through the Ice
Finding sturgeon under the ice requires understanding their habitat preferences:
* Deep Holes: Sturgeon often congregate in deep holes and channels, particularly near river mouths.
* Current Breaks: Look for areas where the current is slowed by underwater structures or changes in the riverbed.
* bottom Structure: Sturgeon feed on invertebrates found on the bottom, so areas with rocky or gravelly bottoms are often productive.
* Use a Fish Finder: A fish finder can help you locate sturgeon and identify bottom structure.
Sturgeon Handling & Safety Considerations
Lake sturgeon are powerful fish, and handling them requires caution.
* Wear Gloves: Sturgeon have bony plates (scutes) that can be sharp.
* **Be Aware of