(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR announced new fishing opportunities for dip-net anglers.

The dip-net season has been modified and will now open statewide on March 20, 2013, as opposed to its previous date of April 1, 2013. Additionally, dip-net and hand-net seasons are no longer differentiated by peninsula and have been consolidated into a single season.

To increase netting opportunities, goldfish and gizzard shad have been added to the list of species allowed for harvest with dip and hand nets. The changes became effective on Feb. 7, 2013.

These fishing opportunities are directly related to a modification of a section of Michigan statute.

Information about this new regulation will not be printed in the 2013 Michigan Fishing Guide available March 1, 2013 but will be available online at www.michigan.gov/fishing.