FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2016

Contact: Jim Baker, 989-684-9141 (ext. 62678) or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839

Anglers reminded of season closure for walleye on inland waters around Saginaw Bay

The Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that regulations approved by the Natural Resources Commission in October 2015 impact walleye and yellow perch recreational fishing in Saginaw Bay. The new regulations had immediate effect and will remain in place for the 2016 fishing season. For walleye, the daily possession limit is eight (8) fish and the minimum size limit is 13 inches. For yellow perch, the daily possession limit is reduced from 50 to 25 fish.

The waters where these walleye and yellow perch size-limit and bag-limit regulations apply are known as Lake Huron management unit MH-4 but also include the Saginaw River up to the Center Street Bridge, which is immediately upstream of the Rust Avenue boat launch in Saginaw.

It is very important for anglers to remember that fishing seasons for walleye were not changed for these waters. The Saginaw River is considered an inland water, so walleye season closes Tuesday, March 15, whereas the waters of MH-4 are considered Great Lakes waters and are open year round.

These regulation changes will be the starting point for a new management process where future possession and size limits will be tied to the status of the walleye population. If the population diminishes, the regulations will become more conservative, but if the population remains high, then regulations will remain liberal.

For more information, check out the DNR’s October press release, the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide, or call the Southern Lake Huron Management Unit at 989-684-9141. 

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.