(Provided by the Michigan DNR)

Michigan’s Fisheries Division announced this week it recommends the Upper Peninsula brook trout daily possession limit remain at its current level of five. 

In 2000, the daily possession limit for brook trout in most Michigan streams was reduced from 10 fish to five fish. Since that time anglers have asked the DNR to consider reinstating the 10 fish daily possession limit for brook trout on Upper Peninsula streams.

Fisheries conducted an internal review in 2011 and solicited broad public input regarding the proposed regulation change. The public survey received more than 1,400 responses, the highest Fisheries Division had ever seen in regards to a regulation issue. 

Due to the results of that survey, and based on additional feedback gathered through letters, constituent meetings, and other methods, it has been recommended the daily limit not be raised to 10 fish for the following reasons:

1. There are no biological benefits and some slight biological risks with raising the daily possession limit.
2. Based on the results of the public survey and historic creel data, it appears raising the daily possession limit would benefit a relatively small percentage of the angling population.
3. Nearly twice as many anglers opposed the possession limit increase compared to those who supported the change.

Public input regarding this recommendation can be provided at the Sept. 13 Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing. The final decision will be announced at the Oct. 11 Commission meeting in Ontonagon.