Sturgeon rules updated for Menominee River
Outdoors report
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Lake sturgeon regulations for hook and line fishing on the Menominee River were updated Wednesday by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.
The changes ensure that regulations are uniform with Wisconsin, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Thursday in a news release.
Michigan regulations for lake sturgeon have been updated to reflect the following:
-- Menominee River upstream from the Grand Rapids Dam: Catch-and-immediate-release season from the first Saturday in June to the first Sunday in March.
-- Menominee River upstream from the Grand Rapids Dam: Possession season from the first Saturday in September to Sept. 30, with a possession limit of one lake sturgeon per angling season with a minimum size limit of 60 inches.
-- Menominee River from the Grand Rapids Dam downstream to end of the breakwall in Green Bay: Catch-and-immediate-release season from the first Saturday in September to Sept. 30.
This will make enforcement easier and simplify rules for anglers in Dickinson, Iron and Menominee counties, the DNR said.
The changes are now in effect but are not reflected in the printed version of the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations.
Anglers are reminded to check the digital version of the regulations online at Michigan.gov/DNRRegs or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app for the most current information.
In another change, Type B fishing regulations have been removed by the NRC for the Silver Lake Basin in Marquette County. General fishing regulations now apply.
The lake has been evaluated and found to lack adequate habitat to support stocked or naturally reproducing trout populations, the DNR said. Stocking ended in 2002 and the Silver Lake Dam failed in spring 2003. When the basin was refilled, the fish community shifted toward warmwater species -- smallmouth bass and northern pike.
The previous trout fishing regulations were no longer appropriate and management will focus on warmwater species better suited to the current conditions, the DNR said.
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Blaze orange is recommended when using trails on public or private land this fall, especially during archery and firearm deer seasons.
“While hunters are typically very vigilant, wearing this highly visible color is the best way to ensure they see you,” the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a news release. “Outfit your pet with a blaze orange bandana, leash or harness as well.”
Michigan’s Liberty Hunt takes place today and Sunday. This firearm deer hunt is for youths age 16 and younger, as well as hunters with qualifying disabilities.
In Wisconsin, the archery and crossbow deer season opens today and runs through Jan. 3. Wisconsin’s small game hunting season also opens today.
Michigan’s small game hunting opener is Tuesday, while the archery deer season starts Oct. 1.
Wisconsin’s youth deer hunt is set for Oct. 10-11.
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Lake Michigan water temperatures near Marinette, Wis., were in the in the low 70s earlier this week, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Most fishing was taking place in deeper than 60 feet of water and a mix of Chinook, rainbows and browns were caught.
The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:
Little Bay de Noc: Walleye fishing was good, with anglers targeting reefs and nearby drop-offs. Trolling slowly near the bottom with crawler harnesses was the most effective method. Yellow perch anglers reported fair to good fishing, though action varied from day to day, with schools located in 20 feet of water or deeper. Coho salmon anglers reported a few fish in the river. Morning hours were the most productive, though the overall bite for coho salmon remained slow, with only a few boats recording productive trips while trolling standard-sized spoons or crankbaits.
Manistique: Anglers reported fair fishing near the river mouth. A few salmon were reported in the river, though the primary run for salmon is yet to be seen. Anglers trolling in deeper water near the Garden Peninsula or south of Manistique reported fair catches of salmon. Most mature fish were seen moving toward river systems.
Marquette: Most anglers trolled north of White Rocks toward Granite Rock and the Clay Banks in 80 to 160 feet of water for lake trout. Anglers reported catching lake trout throughout the water column with no consistent pattern.
Munising: Boat anglers reported good success jigging and trolling for lake trout around Grand Island and Wood Island.
Ontonagon River: Anglers caught walleye in low to fair numbers while jigging.
Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers jigging for lake trout reported a fair to poor bite, with fish taken on both natural and artificial presentations. Most catches occurred in approximately 150 feet of water, though some boats reported success in depths greater than 200 feet.
Lake Independence, Big Bay: Fishing activity increased, with most anglers targeting walleye and yellow perch. Anglers had the best success while trolling in 10 to 15 feet of water using natural bait.