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Michigan regulations

Lake Sturgeon Regulations in Michigan 2026

Michigan lake sturgeon 2026 open seasons vary by 13 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.

DNROfficial source

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Rules (28)

Michigan statewideClosed
Status
Closed
statewide, except for specific regulated seasons on certain waters
Verified · View official source ↗
All Boundary Waters
Possession
1 fish/year
harvest limited to 1 per angler per year (April 1 - March 31)
Verified · View official source ↗
Black L.Closed
Status
Prohibited
Sturgeon fishing prohibited except under special season
Verified · View official source ↗
Black Lake (Cheboygan & Presque Isle Cos.)Open
Status
Permitted
All harvested Lake Sturgeon must be reported immediately to DNR on site.
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake SuperiorIn season
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Menominee R.
Min size
60"
60" minimum during Sep 1-30 harvest window on Menominee River; mandatory registration. Verified against MI/WI boundary water regulations 2026-05-08.
Verified · View official source ↗
Menominee RiverCatch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Min size
50"
Lake Sturgeon less than 50" must be released immediately.
Verified · View official source ↗
Menominee River, From Grand Rapids Dam Downstream To The End Of The Breakwalls In Green BayCatch & release
Status
Catch And Release
catch-and-immediate release Sturgeon fishing only
Verified · View official source ↗
North EntryIn season
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Portage CanalIn season
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Portage RiverIn season
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Verified · View official source ↗
South EntryIn season
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Verified · View official source ↗
St. Clair RiverCatch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Season closes
Sep 30
Min size
60"
Lake Sturgeon less than 60" must be released immediately.
Verified · View official source ↗
Sturgeon Bay (Lake Michigan)Catch & release
Status
Catch And Release
Season opens
Jul 16
Season closes
Mar 15
Slot min
42"
Slot max
50"
Lake Sturgeon less than 42" and greater than 50" must be released immediately.
Verified · View official source ↗

Other Michigan fish regulations

Other regulated species in Michigan with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Lake Sturgeon is also called Sturgeon. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Michigan.

Frequently asked questions

When is Lake Sturgeon season in Michigan?

Lake Sturgeon season in Michigan runs from Jul 16 to Mar 15 per DNR.

What is the size limit for Lake Sturgeon in Michigan?

Minimum size for Lake Sturgeon in Michigan is 60 inches in Menominee R., per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Lake Sturgeon in Michigan?

Daily bag for Lake Sturgeon in Michigan varies by zone; see the table above.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.

← All Michigan fishing regulations