[hunter2]

We are trying to put together a trip up for spring small mouth. Is there a season if so can we still fish and catch smallmouth as long as we only take photos and release?

What is the law? Where do I get this info?

Can anyone help?

 

[djkimmel]

It's illegal to take or attempt to take a fish out of season in Michigan. Lake St. Clair Michigan waters bass season doesn't start until the 3rd Saturday in June each year. Canada/Walpole Indians water doesn't open until the last Saturday in June each year.

Most of Michigan bass season opens the Saturday before Memorial Day. There are only 6 lakes in Michigan where you can legally catch-and-release bass between April 1 and the regular opening day. They are Cass, Kent & Pontiac Lakes in Oakland County; Holloway Reservior in Genessee County; Muskegon Lake in Muskegon County and Hardy Dam Pond in Newaygo County.

This subject has been discussed at length on this and other forums. You can search and find a bunch. I'm working with the Michigan BASS Federation to change our season so we can at least catch-and-release bass legally when the regular season isn't open.

There's information on my website under Bass Biology about our previous Michigan DNR spring bass study for anglers who want to know about this. There's more information about how we might change the season also.