Michigan regulations
Largemouth Bass Regulations in Michigan 2026
Michigan largemouth bass season runs Apr 27 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 5 fish/day, 10 fish, 14″ min size. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (7)
Michigan statewideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 27
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 14"
CIR fishing for bass is allowed all year on all waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. All bass caught must be immediately returned to the water. Southern Zone combined with Smallmouth Bass
L. Michigan
- Season opens
- Jul 1
within one-half mile of the following islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago: Beaver, Garden, High and Hog
Other Michigan fish regulations
Other regulated species in Michigan with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)117 rules
- Lake Trout86 rules
- Walleye82 rules
- Northern Pike79 rules
- Lake Sturgeon28 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)11 rules
- Bluegill (Sunfish)9 rules
- Smallmouth Bass8 rules
- Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Pink)7 rules
- Channel Catfish4 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)2 rules
- Yellow Perch2 rules
Also known as
Largemouth Bass is also called Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, in any combination), largies. 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 Largemouth Bass season in Michigan?
Largemouth Bass season in Michigan runs from Jul 1 to Dec 31 per DNR.
What is the size limit for Largemouth Bass in Michigan?
Minimum size for Largemouth Bass in Michigan is 14 inches, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Largemouth Bass in Michigan?
Daily bag limit for Largemouth Bass in Michigan is 5 fish/day, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/general-fishing-regulations
- https://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/exceptions-to-general-regulations-by-county
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.