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MDNR Report

Several changes to statewide and local fishing regulations were approved. The updated regulations, outlined below, took effect Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Statewide: The phrase “attempting to take” has been removed in reference to fishing for Arctic grayling (shown above) in Michigan since grayling currently are being raised in preparation for a limited, future stocking program. This change will allow anglers to catch and immediately release Arctic grayling. It will not allow anglers to possess the species.

Statewide: A northern pike regulation wording change now states where northern pike 24 inches or greater are allowed on waters where up to five northern pike of any size may be taken, with only one 24 inches or greater allowed in the daily possession limit.

MDNR Report

Michigan BobcatMichigan Bobcat
Michigan Bobcat

Planning to hunt or trap Michigan bobcats this winter and into 2024? You need to pick up your kill tags by Oct. 24, 2023. In addition to purchasing a fur harvester license, hunters and trappers who intend to harvest bobcat also need to get their two free bobcat kill tags.

Kill tags are available at license agents, DNR customer service centers, online at eLicense or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

If you harvest a bobcat, you should immediately validate the tag and attach it to the hide from the upper jaw through the eye socket or through the lower jaw. The kill tag will be replaced by an official DNR seal at registration.

For bobcat registration information and harvest regulations, see the 2023 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary.

MDNR Report

Invasive HydrillaInvasive Hydrilla

Hydrilla, considered one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, has been detected for the first time in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy confirmed two small populations of the plant in adjacent private ponds on residential properties in Berrien Springs in Southwest Michigan during the summer.

The small patches of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) were discovered during routine monitoring following treatment for another invasive plant, parrot feather, which was found in the pond in 2020. Both species are prohibited in Michigan, meaning it is unlawful to sell, possess or import them into the state, and both are on Michigan’s invasive species watch list due to their potential environmental threat.

Hydrilla has several ways of reproducing, allowing it to spread rapidly, outcompete native plants and quickly form dense single-species infestations. Root tubers, turions (buds) and even small plant fragments can develop into new plants, making it very easy for hydrilla to disperse through water or attach to ornamental plants sold for water gardens.

MDNR Report

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that no silver carp environmental DNA was found in a Sept. 6 resampling of the St. Joseph River.

Following notification that one of 220 samples taken on the St. Joseph River in June by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service contained eDNA from invasive silver carp, the area was resampled.

A total of 220 new samples were collected from stretches of the river between Lake Michigan and Berrien Springs, and according to the USFWS, none of the samples tested positive for bighead or silver carp eDNA. These species of invasive carp are not known to be in the Great Lakes basin, and this sampling provides an early detection process for their potential presence.

Testing for eDNA involves collecting water samples throughout a river or lake and analyzing each sample for silver or bighead carp genetic material. Repeated sampling is used to verify results and to assess whether the detections may have come from a live fish.

“Based on all the available monitoring data, it is unlikely that live silver carp are present in the St. Joseph River,” said Lucas Nathan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources aquatic invasive species coordinator. “Even with this good news, we will continue to work with our Fish and Wildlife Service partners to monitor the river for any signs of invasive carp.”

In addition to eDNA monitoring, the USFWS has conducted monthly electrofishing and netting in the St. Joseph River for the last two summers to capture and remove grass carp. No silver carp have been observed or captured in these efforts, which will continue through October and begin again next spring.

A history of partnership

MDNR Report

More than 269 tons of fish, eight different species, plus one hybrid, and a total of 9,335,410 individual fish – it all adds up to successful spring and summer stocking efforts by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and some great fall fishing for anglers.

Stocking is no small task. Over the course of 2,233 hours and more than 89,000 miles, DNR fisheries crews in 17 specialized trucks took 375 trips to stock fish at 705 different sites.

"We had excellent spring and summer stocking seasons that will bring significant benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers," said Ed Eisch, DNR fish production manager. "With the hard work and dedication of our staff, healthy, high-quality fish were reared and delivered to stocking sites in excellent condition. The numbers produced and stocked were right on target for most areas."

The number and type of fish produced varies by hatchery, as each location’s ability to rear fish depends on the source and temperature of the rearing water. In Michigan there are six state and two cooperative hatcheries that work together to produce the species, strain and size of fish needed for fisheries managers. These fish must then be delivered and stocked at a specific time and location to ensure their success.