Lake Michigan Lake Trout Law

It's been 5 years since the tribal consent decree was enacted. Now our Sport fishing Lake Trout Laws in Lake Michigan are up for review.

Fisheries Chief, Kelly Smith, and Lake Michigan Basin Coordinator, Jim Dexter, are willing to make some adjustments in fishing zones MM5 (Arcadia to Northport), MM4 East and West Grand Traverse Bay, and MM3 Elk Rapids to Mackinaw.

The 23” under and the 20”-25” slot limit has many fishermen concerned about killing fish and catching Lake Trout in these slots. The 34” high size limit has pretty much been impossible to catch a fish large enough to keep.

Todd Kalish, MDNRE Cadillac offices, and I are in the process of organizing public input meetings for our area.

The first will be held Monday, June 28, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m at the Glen Arbor Town Hall. We hope to draw Frankfort and Leland Fisherman.

The second meeting will be held on Monday July 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Room 204 at the University Center on Cass Street in Traverse City. we hope to draw fisherman from the Grand Traverse Bay Area.

The third meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the DNRE office in Charlevoix.

These meetings are concerning the Lake Trout Law and other concerns about our Lake Michigan fishery.

We hope for a large turn out. Please come and voice your opinion.

Captain Bill Winowiecki
Lake Michigan Citizen’s Advisory Committee