As an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, I am often asked “How many salmon can you keep when fishing in Michigan?” This is an excellent question, as salmon fishing is extremely popular in the Great Lakes region. In this article, I will break down the regulations for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and its tributaries so you can have a successful and legal fishing trip!
An Overview of Salmon Fishing in Michigan
Michigan offers world-class fishing opportunities for various species of salmon, including Chinook, Coho, Atlantic, and Pink salmon. These large, hard-fighting fish provide a thrilling experience for anglers. The best salmon fishing happens in the late summer and early fall as the fish make their spawning run
Lake Michigan and the rivers and streams that flow into it are the best places to fish for salmon. The Betsie River, the Pere Marquette River, the Manistee River, and the Platte River are all popular places to visit. People fish for salmon in Lake Michigan by jigging out in the big water.
Michigan Fishing Regulations for Salmon
To legally harvest salmon in Michigan there are several important regulations you must follow. These laws are in place to ensure healthy salmon populations for generations to come. By educating yourself and following the rules you can feel good about the salmon you keep.
Lake Michigan Salmon Regulations
For Lake Michigan itself, the following limits and rules apply:
- Daily Bag Limit: 5 total salmon and trout. No more than 3 fish can be lake trout.
- Minimum Size: Salmon under 14 inches cannot be kept and must be released.
- Season: Open all year, with the best fishing in late summer/early fall.
So when fishing Lake Michigan proper, you can keep a daily bag limit of 5 total salmon and trout. Up to 3 of those fish can be lake trout, with the rest being salmon like Chinook, Coho, Atlantic, etc. The salmon must be at least 14 inches to keep.
These regulations apply when fishing by boat anywhere on Lake Michigan within Michigan boundaries.
Tributary Stream Salmon Regulations
Fishing for salmon on the tributary rivers and streams flowing into Lake Michigan has its own specific regulations. These waters offer amazing salmon fishing as the fish make their spawning run.
- Daily Bag Limit: Same as Lake Michigan, 5 total salmon and trout with only 3 lake trout.
- Minimum Size: Salmon must be at least 14 inches on Lake Michigan tributaries.
- Exception: The minimum size for Atlantic Salmon is 14 inches on Lake Michigan and its tributaries, except for the St. Joseph River where the minimum is 12 inches for Atlantic Salmon.
- Season: Open through March 31st on Type 1 & 2 streams. Open all year on Type 3 streams. Check regulations for classifications of each body of water.
So when fishing tributary streams off Lake Michigan, such as the Betsie, Platte, or Manistee Rivers, the regulations are similar to the big lake but with that notable exception for Atlantic Salmon size on the St. Joseph River.
Tips for Legally Harvesting Salmon in Michigan
As an experienced salmon angler in Michigan, I want to offer some tips to help you legally harvest fish while also protecting the fisheries:
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Know your daily limit – Keep track of the number and species you catch each day. Stop fishing once you reach your 5 fish total.
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Carry a regulation booklet – Reference your rule booklet often so you know size limits, open seasons, etc. for the exact water body you’re fishing.
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Measure your catch – Use a regulation measuring board to ensure any salmon you keep meet the minimum length
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Release prohibited species – Occasionally, you may incidentally catch a prohibited fish. Release these immediately.
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Report violations – If you see poaching or illegal fishing, notify authorities like Michigan DNR. We all must help protect the salmon fishery.
In Summary
When fishing Lake Michigan and its tributary streams in Michigan, here are the key points to remember:
- Daily bag limit of 5 total salmon/trout, only 3 of which can be lake trout.
- Minimum 14 inch size limit for salmon, except 12 inches for Atlantic salmon on the St. Joseph River.
- Check regulations for each specific body of water you’ll be fishing.
- Ethically harvest your legal limit and release prohibited fish.
Inland trout and salmon maps
There are maps that can help you find inland trout waters and learn about the rules that apply to each type of water body. These maps should be used along with the current Fishing Guide.
Walleye sport fishing regulations
The bag limits in Michigan’s four bodies of water are now the same. They are changed every year on May 1 and remain the same until April of the following year. Please see the 2024 walleye sport fishing regulations PDF for a map and full explanation of the regulations.
Below are the 2024 regulations at a glance:
| Waterbody | Michigan regulations | Ontario regulations | Ohio regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair |
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N/A |
| Detroit River |
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| Lake Erie |
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|
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Certain fish species are now required to be registered when harvested. Currently, lake sturgeon and muskellunge have mandatory reporting requirements. If you harvest a lake sturgeon or muskellunge, you must report it within 24 hours.
Lake Trout & Salmon Fishing in Ludington, MI
FAQ
What is the legal limit for salmon in Michigan?
How many king salmon can you keep on Lake Michigan?
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Fishing Location
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Species
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Bag Limit Per Person
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Michigan Waters of Lake Erie
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Yellow Perch
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50
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Ohio Waters of Lake Erie
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Yellow Perch
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30
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Michigan Waters of Lake Michigan
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King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout
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5 Fish Total, no more than 3 of a single trout species
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What is salmon season in Michigan?
How many fish can you have in your possession in Michigan?
Can you fish for salmon in Michigan?
When you go fishing for Salmon in Michigan, you’ll be spoiled for choice. With four out of five Great Lakes at your disposal, as well as hundreds of miles of other lakes, rivers, and streams to explore, the whole state is a veritable Salmon treasure trove. Depending on where you go, you could hook into four different Salmon species.
How many salmon can I fish a day in Lake Michigan?
John from Get Bent Guide Service with a massive Lake Michigan salmon. Generally, and at the time of this publication, up to five salmon per day and no more than three Atlantic salmon, however, these rules change each year so be sure to read up on the local rules for each fishery. All fishing regulations are available online.
Where can I find information about Michigan salmon fishing?
The Michigan DNR has put together a superb page that includes all the information you need for your Michigan salmon adventure. Via the Michigan.gov fishing section, you can access the state’s up-to-date fishing guide, including the latest species-specific rules and regulations.
How many salmon can you catch a day?
If you’re fishing from Illinois, Michigan, or Wisconsin, check out our handy guides to getting a license. How many Salmon you can catch or keep differs depending on where you’re fishing from. In Indiana, you can keep a maximum of 5 Salmon per day. This is the same in Michigan, but each fish must measure at least 10 inches.