DNR issues lake sturgeon reminder to Michigan anglers for 2026

• Lake sturgeon are an endangered species in Michigan and fishing for them is against the law in most state waters.
• Fishermen who by chance catch a sturgeon ought to launch it instantly and never overhandle it.
• The Michigan DNR is working to rehabilitate the lake’s sturgeon populations by stocking and habitat restoration.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds Michigan ice fishermen and women that there are just a few instances and areas the place it’s authorized to entice more sturgeon – they usually have to concentrate to that release any fish quickly catching them accidentally this winter.

“Michigan’s chilly winter temperatures have offered good ice fishing situations, however ice anglers fishing for walleye or different fish might unexpectedly discover themselves stranded with a lake sturgeon on the road,” the DNR mentioned in a Feb. 11 information launch. “If that occurs, releasing the sturgeon as shortly as attainable is important to make sure the survival of the fish and to adjust to fishing laws for the species.”

Lake sturgeon by chance caught whereas fishing for different species have to be launched instantly.

“When temperatures drop under freezing, fish gills can freeze shortly, making it vital to launch sturgeon into the water as shortly as attainable to extend their possibilities of survival,” the DNR mentioned.

Black Lake’s annual sturgeon season lasted lower than an hour this yr, the DNR mentioned.

Michigan areas with sturgeon seasons

The DNR mentioned there are solely a restricted variety of areas the place that’s the case legal sturgeon seasons from July 16, 2025 to March 15, 2026:

• Extra St. Clair
• The St. Clair River
• Otsego Lake
• The Menominee River (first Saturday in September 2025 by September 30)
• Black Lake (first Saturday of February solely)

Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in these waters

Waters with sturgeon fishing seasons (catch and launch solely) from July 16, 2025 to March 15, 2026 embrace:

• The St. Marys River
• Detroit River
• Portage and Torch Lakes
• The Ontonagon River

Fishing for lake sturgeon is prohibited in all different Michigan waters. The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations present detailed details about lake sturgeon, the DNR mentioned.

What ought to I do if I by chance catch a sturgeon?

Should you by chance catch a sturgeon, the DNR says to launch it instantly. Be sure to do the next:

• By no means maintain a sturgeon vertically by its head, gill covers or tail.
• By no means contact the fish’s eyes or gills.
• Deal with the fish as little as attainable.

Anglers can report incidental (unintended) catches of lake sturgeon, or report unlawful harvesting or seize of lake sturgeon to Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField or by calling the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline: 800-292-7800.

Why are lake sturgeons protected?

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), the one sturgeon species discovered within the Nice Lakes.

In keeping with Sea Grant Michigan, by 1928 the whole sturgeon harvest from the entire Nice Lakes had fallen to lower than 2,000 kilos.

In 1994, Michigan listed the lake sturgeon as an endangered species. Since then, the DNR has been working with state, federal and tribal companies to rehabilitate the state’s lake sturgeon.

What does a sturgeon seem like?

Sturgeon develop very slowly, however can attain 8 ft and 300 kilos. It takes about 15 years for the male lake sturgeon to achieve it reproductive maturity and 20-25 years for girls, Sea Grant Michigan mentioned.

They’ve 5 rows of bony plates known as scales on their again and sides, and whisker-like barbs close to their mouths.

Lake sturgeon, usually known as “residing fossils” or “dinosaur fish,” first appeared within the fossil document within the Mesozoic Period, 100 million to 150 million years in the past. These fish have lengthy lifespans, with some documented at over 100 years outdated.

Lake sturgeons are freshwater fish native to Michigan and located in North America within the Nice Lakes, Mississippi and Hudson river basins. Along with nice ecological significance, the species can also be an vital cultural useful resource in our area.

How does the state take care of sturgeon?

As a part of the rehabilitation technique, the DNR and companions are stocking lake sturgeon in a number of Michigan rivers and lakes.

Lake sturgeons are farmed rearing facilities on the current side the place naturally produced eggs or larval lake sturgeon are captured of their natal streams and delivered to the breeding amenities, the place they’re shielded from predators whereas nonetheless ‘imprinting’ within the stream or river to extend their survival and enhance the probability that the sturgeon will return to the stream or river as mature adults to breed.