MDNR Report

Starting Jan. 1, all bass and walleye fishing tournaments, as well as competitive fishing events targeting muskellunge, must be registered in the DNR's Michigan Fishing Tournament Information System, available online. These events must report their results, too.

The inclusion of walleye and muskie adds to the statewide registration and reporting requirements for bass fishing tournaments that have been in place since 2016.

Tournament and event directors are required to register and report using the Fishing Tournament Information System. The DNR has worked the last 10 months to overhaul the system in order to accommodate the new requirements. That system now is operational and currently accepting 2019 registrations.

“This is an important step in gaining a better understanding of what competitive walleye and muskellunge fishing means to angling, conservation and Michigan’s economy,” said Tom Goniea, a fisheries biologist and the DNR’s tournament fishing specialist. “To date, the Fishing Tournament Information System has been a tremendous success, receiving more than 2,000 bass tournament registrations and reports. We expect a smooth transition to include a couple hundred annual walleye and muskellunge events.”

For more information, including definitions explaining the difference between a fishing tournament and a competitive fishing event, visit the system site at michigan.gov/fishingtournaments. Questions? Contact Tom Goneia at 517-284-5830.