The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved several fishing regulations last week in Lansing.

All regulations immediately went into effect and will remain in effect for the 2016 fishing season (which begins April 1).

All of the changes are highlighted below and also will be reflected shortly in the online version of the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide, available at www.michigan.gov/fishingguide.

Walleye Regulations on Ontonagon River

Walleye regulations for the Ontonagon River (Ontonagon County) have become more restrictive as only one (1) walleye in the daily possession limit may be possessed greater than 25 inches.

Lake Gogebic Walleye Size Limit

A modification to the minimum size limit for walleye on Lake Gogebic (Gogebic and Ontonagon counties) now allows anglers to possess up to two (2) walleye measuring 13 to 15 inches as part of the daily possession limit of five (5) walleye. The minimum size limit for walleye remains at 15 inches otherwise.

Tahquamenon River Muskellunge Size Limit

The minimum size limit for muskellunge on the Tahquamenon River and tributaries (upstream from Upper Falls) in Luce County has been reduced to 38 inches. Anglers are reminded that a muskellunge harvest tag still is required and allows an angler to harvest one muskellunge in Michigan waters per fishing season (April 1 - March 31). The harvest tag is available at all license vendors.

Sand Lake (Montcalm County)

Sand Lake has been added to the list of waters with a 24- to 34-inch protective slot limit and daily possession limit of two (2) northern pike. This means northern pike measuring below 24 inches and greater than 34inches may be kept. Northern pike within the protected slot limit must immediately be released.

Lake Lavine (Branch County)

Lake Lavine is managed as a trout lake but also has a northern pike population. The commission removed the minimum size limit and possession limit so anglers can help remove northern pike from this water body to improve trout populations.

Waters with Northern Pike Daily Possession Limit of Five (5)

The following waters have been added to the list of waters where up to five (5) northern pike may be retained in the daily possession limit with only one (1) allowed greater than 24 inches:

• Paradise (Carp) Lake (Cheboygan and Emmet counties)
• Pickerel Lake (Newaygo County)
• Kimball Lake (Newaygo County)
• Emerald Lake (Newaygo County)
• Sylvan Lake (Newaygo County)
• Susan Lake (Charlevoix County)
• Orchard Lake (Presque Isle County)

There have been several regulation changes this year which do not show up in the printed version of the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide (found at all major retailers). Anglers are encouraged to check the online version found at www.michigan.gov/fishingguide.