DNR PSA | New trout regulations now in place for several UP inland lakes

The NRC, which is a public body whose members are appointed by the governor, has the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish in Michigan.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries managers use fish survey data to determine which regulations should apply to a waterbody and recommend changes to the NRC when necessary to benefit the resource and angling community.

• High Banks Lake (Chippewa County): This lake was changed from Type A to Type B trout fishing regulations. This will extend the season to the entire year and allow the use of all tackle and bait. Per a 2023 survey, panfish are present in the lake, which has primarily been managed for rainbow trout. Changing the regulations to Type B will expand fishing opportunities here to allow anglers to use live bait to target panfish, including allowing ice fishing.
• Moon Lake (Luce County): Moon Lake has been changed from Type D to Type A trout fishing regulations to match trout growth potential with harvest opportunities. Recent survey information indicated a decline in the average size of brook trout collected. Type A trout lakes have a lower minimum size limit (10 inches) and a higher daily possession limit (up to five fish), which should result in more angler opportunities.
• South Kidney Lake (Marquette County): This waterbody was modified from Type D to Type A trout fishing regulations, informed by a survey conducted in 2024 that demonstrated stocked brook trout were not reaching the 15-inch minimum size limit, limiting angler harvest there. The change will result in a lower minimum size limit and an increase in the daily possession limit for brook trout. In addition, it will also allow use of bait in South Kidney Lake (except for minnows, which are not allowed in Type A lakes).
• Strawberry Lake (Marquette County): This lake was modified from Type D to type A trout fishing regulations to better align trout growth potential with harvest opportunities. A survey conducted in 2024 indicated that stocked brook trout in the lake are slow-growing, with few reaching the 15-inch minimum size limit. The change means a lower minimum size limit, an increase in the daily possession limit and removal of an artificial-only gear restriction for brook trout fishing.

Removals

The following waterbodies have been evaluated and found to lack adequate habitat to support stocked or naturally reproducing trout populations. Therefore, the previous trout fishing regulation types were no longer appropriate. Management in these lakes will focus on warmwater species better suited to the current conditions.

• Brians Pond (Alger County): Type A trout fishing regulations have been removed; general fishing regulations apply.
• Section 13 Lake (Marquette County): Type A trout fishing regulations have been removed; general fishing regulations apply.
• Cedar Lake (Marquette County): Type B trout fishing regulations have been removed; general fishing regulations apply.
• Sawaski Pond (Alger County): Type B trout fishing regulations have been removed; general fishing regulations apply.