BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers of new sportfishing regulations for Michigan’s 2025 fishing season that begin April 1 and are in effect through March 31, 2026.

The changes this season include modifications to steelhead and muskie size limits and gear restrictions on some waters.

Main changes:

• Inland stream rainbow trout (steelhead) possession limit
  -- Steelhead regulations on several Type 3 and Type 4 streams have been slightly modified from last year. Some streams no longer have a 20-inch minimum size limit on steelhead (the daily possession limit of which is one). See Pages 42-65 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations for more specific information.
• New single-pointed hook restriction and spearing prohibition waters
  -- The ports of Grand Haven, Muskegon and Whitehall/Montague have new single-pointed hook regulations Nov. 1-30, and spearing or possessing spearing gear is now prohibited in these waters Nov. 1-30. For more information, see Pages 16-17 and 30-31 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.
• Muskellunge size limit regulation
  -- In Thornapple Lake (Barry and Eaton counties) and Lake Hudson (Lenawee County), new 50-inch minimum size limit regulations for muskellunge are in effect. These lakes are important sources of Great Lakes-strain muskellunge, from which the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is developing a population of mature adults for future stocking needs. Find more information on Page 13 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

"Several other inland waters have undergone minor regulation changes focused on northern pike, bass and trout. Before you hit the water, make sure to review the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations thoroughly to learn any new laws that apply to your favorite fishing spots," Michigan DNR said.

Fishing licenses can be bought online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.