Michigan DNR Updates 2026 Fishing and Elk Hunting Regulations Across West Michigan Waters

Michigan DNR Updates 2026 Fishing and Elk Hunting Regulations Across West Michigan Waters

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a series of new fishing and hunting regulations for the 2026 season, with several changes directly impacting West Michigan anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The new rules, approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, take effect April 1, 2026, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2027.

Fishing Season Changes

The DNR updated possession limits, size requirements, and gear definitions for various species to better manage state fisheries. These changes impact popular fishing spots throughout West Michigan, including Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and numerous inland waters.

#### Lake Trout and Splake Limits

At Stannard Rock and Big Reef in Lake Superior, the daily limit is now restricted to one lake trout or splake combined. This change affects anglers in Marquette County who regularly fish these popular northern Michigan spots.

#### Walleye Regulations

In Marquette County, the DNR implemented new walleye regulations for Lake Independence and Teal Lake. These waters now have a 15-inch minimum size limit, and walleye between 18 and 23 inches are part of a protected slot limit that must be released. Anglers may keep one walleye larger than 23 inches as part of their five-fish daily possession limit.

These regulations will impact West Michigan anglers who fish northern waters during their seasonal migrations to hunt and fish in the Upper Peninsula.

#### Burbot Possession

A new daily possession limit of five fish has been established for burbot across the state, providing more flexibility for anglers targeting this popular winter species.

#### Spearfishing Expansion

Underwater spearfishing opportunities have expanded to additional Great Lakes waters, though some areas remain excluded. While anglers no longer need to submit monthly reports for this activity, they are still required to obtain a free spearfishing license.

#### Equipment Clarifications

The DNR provided clarification on equipment used for trout and salmon. A bead used on a hook, or attached to the line no more than 4 inches above a single-pointed hook, is now officially defined as an artificial lure. This clarification helps anglers understand what equipment complies with current regulations.

#### Lake Sturgeon Season

A new catch-and-immediate-release season for lake sturgeon on the Menominee River is scheduled to begin the first Saturday in June. This season will apply to the waters between the Grand Rapids Dam and the Sturgeon Falls Dam and will run through the first Sunday in March.

#### Print Guide Correction

The DNR issued a correction regarding the print version of the 2026 fishing guide. On page 16, the print manual incorrectly describes the Lake Michigan southern boundary as the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. The boundary is actually the border between Michigan and Indiana, which has been corrected in the digital version of the regulations.

Elk Hunting Regulations

The Michigan DNR is considering changes to elk hunting regulations in response to public feedback and population management needs. The state received a record-breaking 47,493 applicants for only 260 elk licenses in 2025, highlighting the intense competition for these hunting opportunities.

#### Current Success Rates

In 2025, Michigan hunters shot 153 elk, and the DNR estimates the state's elk population to be around 1,100 animals. The department's five-year average success rate has been around 72 percent in fulfilling hunting quotas, while the 2025 success rate was 64 percent.

#### Proposed Hunting Period Changes

The DNR has drafted an alternative to its current Elk Conservation and Management Plan that aims to lengthen both the first and second hunting periods, and consolidate the first hunt into one continuous period. The proposed changes would create a 30-day first period from September to the beginning of October, and the second period would run from December 1st to the 15th.

These proposed changes intend to shift the first hunt to begin at later dates to avoid hot weather, which is both uncomfortable to hunt in and leads to more elk meat spoiling. The new dates for the second hunt would be more accessible to hunters who celebrate holidays towards the end of December.

#### Public Feedback

Michigan residents had the opportunity to provide public comment on the proposed regulations. Seventy-three residents emailed their thoughts to the DNR before the January 23 cutoff. According to the DNR, 63 percent supported the proposed changes, while about 27 residents, or 37 percent, were opposed to some aspect of the plan.

Many hunters expressed concern that the new timeline would overlap with the days to hunt bears. Some hunters can pursue bear with dogs, and hounds moving through could create conflicts with elk hunters.

#### Hunting Locations

The elk hunt is restricted to two core elk range units: the Pigeon River Country State Forest and what is referred to as the Elk management Unit X land, both in the Northern Lower Peninsula near Gaylord. These locations are accessible to West Michigan residents who travel north for hunting opportunities.

#### License Distribution

Licenses are awarded to applicants through a random drawing. Once selected, hunters receive specific information on the hunting period and type of license they have received. Some hunters receive licenses for "any elk," which means they can pursue bulls, which are often the preferred target because they are antlered animals. Other hunters receive licenses for antlerless-only elk to control the number of females in the population.

Hunters are restricted to hunt in one of two core elk range units during their selected period. This restriction helps manage wildlife populations and ensures fair access for all license holders.

Deer Hunting Changes

The Michigan DNR released proposed deer hunting season changes ahead of an April 8 meeting and is asking the public for feedback. The changes include modifications to buck bag limits and hunting season dates.

West Michigan hunters who regularly participate in deer hunting season should stay informed about these proposed changes, as they could significantly impact hunting opportunities across the region.

Accessing Regulations

Anglers can purchase 2026 fishing licenses through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or the department's website. The app also provides tools for reporting harvests and accessing the full text of current regulations.

For questions regarding the new fishing regulations, the DNR has designated Lucas Nathan at 517-599-9323 and Christian LeSage at 517-449-7073 as primary contacts.

What This Means for West Michigan Outdoorsmen

These new regulations will affect West Michigan residents who enjoy fishing and hunting throughout the state. The changes to Lake Superior fishing will impact anglers who travel north during the summer and fall seasons. The proposed elk hunting period changes could make hunting more convenient for hunters who are not local to Michigan, potentially increasing participation from out-of-state hunters.

The DNR's goal is to balance conservation needs with public access while ensuring sustainable wildlife populations. These regulations reflect ongoing efforts to adapt management strategies based on current population data and public feedback.

Finalizing Regulations

The elk hunting regulations will be finalized during the Natural Resources Commission's April meeting. Before then, DNR officials will continue to work on adjustments to the proposed dates and lengths to address concerns about overlapping with bear hunting season.

As the 2026 fishing and hunting seasons begin, West Michigan residents should review the updated regulations and plan accordingly. The DNR's commitment to public input and adaptation demonstrates its dedication to managing Michigan's natural resources responsibly while providing continued access for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state.