Anglers now can keep two smaller walleyes from 13 inches to 15 inches in daily limit.
At Thursday’s regular meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, commissioners unanimously approved special walleye sportfishing regulations for the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Gogebic. The new regulations, which take immediate effect, will allow anglers the option of keeping two smaller walleyes — from 13 inches up to 15 inches — within their five-fish daily possession limit. The proposed rule change, however, will not require anglers to keep fish smaller than 15 inches.
This regulation change was a result of input gained at a public meeting July 22 in Marenisco Township. Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries managers noted that Lake Gogebic is unique among other lakes because of the high level of natural reproduction of walleye that this lake annually produces. As a result of the strong natural reproduction of walleye, this lake has a dominance of small walleye more abundant than other lakes in Michigan. Analysis of the Lake Gogebic biological data, as well as input from the public, formed the basis for this regulation change.
Walleye were introduced into Lake Gogebic in 1904. DNR fisheries staff will continue to monitor Lake Gogebic to help track the effects of this new sportfishing regulation.
For more information on fishing in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.