The Important Stuff

Michigan Spearfishing Regulations

  • Mandatory Harvest Reports

    Anyone who harvests a fish with a speargun in 2022 is required to report their harvests to the DNR. Even non-games species need to be reported.

    Please learn how to report your harvests and do it every time you go spearfishing.

  • Ethics

    Just because you can shoot, should you? Spearfishing is still a new sport on the Great Lakes, let’s try and be good role models. We have 3 years to show the DNR we can be responsible spearos.

    Be friendly. Be Smart. Be Wise.

Report Harvest

Michigan DNR Spearfising Regulations

 

I’m an idiot. All the information on this page is for entertainment purposes only. It is your responsibility to confirm the regulations from the Michigan, DNR website. If you see an error on this page, please contact me.

All spearos are required to have a valid DNR fishing license and a no-cost underwater fishing permit. That’s TWO documents you need to spearfish in Michigan. You can buy the fishing license online or at most places that sell sporting goods, the underwater fishing license is only available online.

Below is a synopsis of the Fisheries Order 219.22 (page 82 in the PDF) passed by the Natural Resource Commission.

You’ll also find excerpts from the Michigan Fishing Digest. You can find answers to any questions or concerns in the MI fishing digest. We are human beings that make mistakes, please confirm any and all information found on this website via the link below before you suit up.

Fisheries Order 219.22 Highlights

  • All licensed recreational anglers, who intend to engage in underwater spearfishing shall request and be issued a free annual underwater spearfishing license.

  • All underwater spearfishing anglers shall provide monthly harvest reports to the Department using an online reporting tool provided by the Department.

  • The species and location-specific size limits and daily possession limits shall apply.

  • Underwater spearfishing shall be prohibited daily from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

  • This activity shall be prohibited within 150 feet of designated swimming areas, boat docks, boat access or egress sites and power intake tubes.

  • This activity shall be prohibited where placement of a diver-down flag would restrict boater navigation or access to boating access site.

  • All spearguns must have the bands unloaded from the spear and the safety on when the diver is moving between fishing areas and when entering and exiting the water.

  • Use of artificial breathing devices such as scuba, re-breather or similar devices shall be prohibited while underwater spearfishing.

Michigan Fishing Digest Spearfishing Highlights

The seasons, gear, waters and species where a spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used as specified in the table below and lists that follow (except as otherwise prohibited). Spearing gear shall be limited to: hand-propelled spear, rubber-propelled spear, spring-propelled spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow. Artificial lights are permitted.

It shall be unlawful to use a rubber-propelled spear or a spring-propelled spear without being submerged and the spear must be attached to a line not exceeding twenty feet in length.

It is unlawful to spear any fish in a waterbody closed to fishing, except as noted in the spearing exceptions list. Unless noted otherwise, all general regulations apply for the species listed.

Anglers should contact local enforcement offices for information concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or crossbow in some locations. Maps have been developed to assist anglers in identifying designated trout waters and the regulations associated with each Type as indicated by color scheme and text.

*Designated Trout Lakes and Designated Trout Streams are closed to spearfishing. Please review the DNR’s fishing digest for the full list.

Please use the DNRs maps to find designated waters open to spearfishing.

Walleye Regulations

 

Season: All year round

Minimum Size: 15 inches.

Daily Possession: 5 Walleye

Northern Pike Regulations

 

Season: July 1st to March 15th.

Minimum Size: 24 inches.

Daily Possession: 2 Slime Rockets

Lake Trout Regulations

 

Season: It depends on where you’re spearing. Please refer to the DNR Fishing Digest or the online map.

Minimum Size: 15 inches

Daily Possession: It depends on which management unit you’re fishing.

Other Species Regulations

 

Season: Depends on the species. Catfish and whitefish have specific seasons.

Minimum Size: Depends on the species. Catfish have size restrictions.

Daily Possession: Depends on the species. Catfish and whitefish have possession limits.