Fishing season starts April 28 and May 15

The Department of Natural Resources today reminded anglers to get ready for the opening of three fishing seasons on Saturday, April 28. The statewide trout season; the Lower Peninsula inland walleye, pike and muskellunge seasons; and the catch-and-immediate-release bass season for all Lower Peninsula waters (including the Great Lakes) all open that day.

Anglers are reminded that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye, pike and muskellunge seasons open May 15 – which is the same date the catch-and-immediate-release season for bass in the same waters also opens.

Possession season for bass opens statewide on Saturday, May 26, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open on Saturday, June 16.

The new license season began on April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2012 fishing licenses remain valid until March 31, 2013. Licenses may be purchased at a local retailer or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com.

The 2012 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online. Visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/fishingguide for more information.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.