Michigan regulations
Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Michigan 2026
Michigan muskie season runs Jun 1 – Mar 15 in 2026. Statewide rules: 1 fish/year, 2 fish, 42″ min size. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (11)
Michigan statewideCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 1
- Season closes
- Mar 15
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/year
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Possession
- 2 fish
- Min size
- 42"
CIR fishing for Muskellunge is allowed all year on all waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. All Muskellunge caught must be immediately returned to the water. per angler per year (April 1 - March 31)
All Boundary Waters
- Possession
- 1 fish/year
harvest limited to 1 per angler per year (April 1 - March 31)
Big Island Lakes ComplexIn season
- Season opens
- May 15
- Season closes
- Nov 30
- Possession
- 1 fish/angler/season
possession season
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
- Bluegill (Sunfish)9 rules
- Smallmouth Bass8 rules
- Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Pink)7 rules
- Largemouth Bass7 rules
- Channel Catfish4 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)2 rules
- Yellow Perch2 rules
Also known as
Muskie is also called Muskie (Muskellunge), Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, musky, muskellunge. 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 Muskie season in Michigan?
Muskie season in Michigan runs from May 15 to Nov 30 per DNR.
What is the size limit for Muskie in Michigan?
Minimum size for Muskie in Michigan is 42 inches, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Muskie in Michigan?
Daily bag limit for Muskie in Michigan is 1 fish/year, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/exceptions-to-general-regulations-by-county
- https://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/general-fishing-regulations
- https://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/michigan-wisconsin-boundary-water-regulations
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.