DNR hosts U.P. fishing regulation public meetings April 9 & 11

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division will host two public meetings in April to discuss local fishing regulations in the Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit.

The meetings will be held:

• Tuesday, April 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. (EDT) at the Bay College Heirman Center, located at 2001 N. Lincoln Road in Escanaba.

• Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. (CDT) at Bay College West, located at 2801 N. U.S. 2 in Iron Mountain.

Several local regulation proposals will be discussed at the meeting, including the following:
• Removal of trout regulations on lakes that are no longer managed for trout or accessible to the public (North Shoe Lake, Alger County; Bass Lake, Dickinson County; Camp Lake, Iron County; and Little Brocky and Log lakes, Marquette County).
• Northern pike regulations for additional waters that may be suited for either the new 24-inch to 34-inch protected-slot-limit or where up to five northern pike may be taken, with only one greater than 24-inches.

In addition, an overview of regulation changes for the 2013 fishing season will be presented, including the following:
• Northern pike size and bag limits.
• Muskellunge one fish per season harvest limit.
• Dip netting season changes.

For more information, contact Jessica Mistak at mistakj@michigan.gov or 906-786-2351, extension 127.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for this meeting should contact Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit supervisor Jessica Mistak at 906-786-2351 a minimum of five business days before it occurs. Requests made less than five business days before this meeting may not be accommodated.