Important Dates for the 2026 Fishing Season

The new fishing license year begins on April 1, 2026, with new regulations in effect through March 31, 2027. While many, such as trout and inland walleye, start in April/May, some specific species seasons began earlier, such as Black Lake sturgeon on Feb 7. See below for important dates for the 2026 Fishing Season.

Key 2026 Season Openers & Regulations:

• April 1, 2026: New fishing license year begins; most trout and inland walleye seasons open.
• April 26, 2026: Specific opener for trout and inland walleye/northern pike in Lower Peninsula waters.
• May 15, 2026: Upper Peninsula walleye and northern pike season begins.
• May 24, 2026: Statewide bass possession season opens (Note: Lake St. Clair & Detroit-area waters open June 21).
• June 7-8, 2026: Free Fishing Weekend, allowing residents and out-of-state visitors to fish without a license.

Key 2026 Regulation Changes:

• Lake Trout/Splake: Reduced daily possession limits at Stannard Rock and Big Reef in Lake Superior.
• Walleye: New protected slot limits and daily possession limits for specific Upper Peninsula lakes.
• Burbot: New daily possession limit of 5.
• Lake Sturgeon (Black Lake): Season began at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
• Sturgeon (Menominee River): New catch-and-immediate-release season added from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March

Remember that no matter what sort of species you are interested in fishing, the pros at Slowen Outdoor have all the fishing lures, fishing tackle, live bait and equipment you need. Stop in and see us for all your fishing needs.