Community Corner
Trout Limit Reduced In Michigan Bay Due To Overfishing: DNR
Authorities say the harvest limit for lake trout in this Michigan bay was exceeded last year, so the trout need time to repopulate.
MICHIGAN — Michiganders fishing for trout in Grand Traverse Bay need to be aware of a new regulation in effect, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Anglers going for lake trout now have a daily possession limit of one, down from two.
The new limit went into effect on April 12. Lake trout season for the ports of Elk Rapids, Traverse City and Northport began on Jan. 1 and ends on Sept. 30.
The DNR says lake trout aren't a good species for catch-and-release fishing, as about 40% of those returned to the water "won't survive to be caught again."
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They recommend instead that anglers keep their first trout, then target other species.
"Most anglers at a March 6 public meeting in Traverse City preferred this change over other regulatory options," the DNR said in their release.
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The DNR said the change was necessary because the 2018 recreational lake trout harvest limit was exceeded. "The limits support population rehabilitation and maintain sustainable harvest," according to the DNR.
See the updated electronic version of the 2019 Michigan Fishing Guide
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