CatchRules

Home › Regulations › Michigan › Smallmouth Bass

Michigan regulations

Smallmouth Bass Regulations in Michigan 2026

Michigan smallmouth bass season runs Apr 27 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 5 fish/day, 10 fish, 14″ min size. Sourced from DNR.

DNROfficial source

About Smallmouth Bass →

Rules (8)

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 Largemouth Bass
Verified · View official source ↗
L. Michigan
Season opens
Jul 1
within one-half mile of the following islands of the Beaver Island Archipelago: Beaver, Garden, High and Hog
Verified · View official source ↗
Lake Of The CloudsClosed
Status
Closed
no possession of Smallmouth Bass
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

Smallmouth Bass is also called smallies. 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 Smallmouth Bass season in Michigan?

Smallmouth Bass season in Michigan runs from Jul 1 to Dec 31 per DNR.

What is the size limit for Smallmouth Bass in Michigan?

Minimum size for Smallmouth 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 Smallmouth Bass in Michigan?

Daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass in Michigan is 5 fish/day, per DNR.

Official sources cited

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

← All Michigan fishing regulations