MDNR Report
The Michigan DNR is alerting anglers that the ports of Grand Haven, Muskegon and Whitehall/Montague are covered by new regulations restricting allowable fishing gear at these locations from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30.
The goal of these regulation changes (approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Fisheries Order 202.25) is to protect spawning lake whitefish by reducing snagging, as well as overall harvest of adult lake whitefish in these areas.
Lake whitefish populations in Lake Michigan are in decline, due to pressures from invasive zebra and quagga mussels, which have altered the food web of the Great Lakes.
Based on angler creel survey data, much of the harvest of lake whitefish in these areas is from snagged fish. The new gear restrictions address snagging, which should reduce the overall harvest of lake whitefish.
“Lake whitefish numbers have been in decline in Lake Michigan since the late 1990s,” said Jay Wesley, the DNR’s Lake Michigan Basin coordinator. “Lowering harvest in November will help protect spawning adult lake whitefish while continuing to allow this unique angler opportunity."
If the new gear restrictions are not effective at reducing harvest, fisheries managers may consider recommending a lower daily possession limit of lake whitefish.
The locations under these regulations include the port of Muskegon from the westernmost pier head extending into Lake Michigan (excluding break walls) to the easternmost pier head extending into Muskegon Lake; the port of Whitehall/Montague from the westernmost pier head extending into Lake Michigan to the easternmost pier head extending into White Lake; and the port of Grand Haven from the westernmost pier head extending into Lake Michigan to the U.S. 31 bridge (northbound Beacon Boulevard).
At these ports, it is unlawful to use other than one single-pointed unweighted hook measuring a half-inch or less from point to shank from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 (see pp. 30-31 of the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations). Plus, on these same waters, it is unlawful to spear or possess spearing gear from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 (see pp. 16-17 of the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations).
Only single-pointed, unweighted hooks are allowed under these regulations. Single hooks cannot be molded or permanently fixed to a weight or weighted lure. The use of jigs on these waters is prohibited, since they are weighted (metal is molded onto the hook). Lures fished with one single-pointed, unweighted hook would be allowable.
Review the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or at Michigan.gov/DNRRegs. To obtain a physical copy of the regulations, reach out to your local DNR Customer Service Center or email MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov.
Learn more about lake whitefish at Michigan.gov/DNR/Education/Michigan-Species/Fish-Species/Whitefish.