• Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission has expanded where underwater spearfishers can go after lake trout, northern pike and walleye
  • Spearfishing enthusiasts say the decision will make Michigan the state that allows the largest areas of freshwater fishing for these fish
  • The changes will go into effect in April

LANSING — Underwater spearfishing just got bigger in Michigan. 

The Natural Resources Commission voted Thursday to expand the areas where people can dive underwater, hold their breath and spear three kinds of gamefish: lake trout, northern pike and walleye.

“This is the largest expansion for freshwater game fish in the history of North America, essentially,” said Jon Durtka, the leader of the Michigan Spearfishing Association.

Underwater spearfishers have been able to go after those fish in limited areas of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron since 2022. With Thursday’s passing of an amended version of Fisheries Order 219.26, anglers will be allowed to spearfish for the three gamefish in parts of Lake Erie and Lake Superior and expanded portions of Lake Michigan starting in April.

During a Natural Resources Commission meeting in September, spearfishers said they often drive multiple hours to fish in the limited areas available to them only to find once they get there that the water isn’t clear enough for them to fish. They complained they purchase the same fishing licenses as hook-and-line anglers but aren’t allowed to fish in the same waters. 

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A woman takes a photo of a group of people posing
Underwater spearfishers pose for a photo with members of Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission and Department of Natural Resources officials after new regulations passed. (Laura Herberg/Bridge Michigan)

The new regulation stops short of allowing equal opportunities, but Durtka said it’s still a huge victory for the sport.

“This will open up waters to UP spearfishing anglers and more northern Traverse City-area spearfishing anglers, and then Wisconsin and Minnesota (and) Ohio anglers,” he said. “Where their states don’t allow, we’re welcoming them.”

All commissioners present voted in favor of the change.

“It’s going to have a minimal impact on the resource but provide a lot of recreational hours and kind of a unique experience,” said Natural Resources Commission Chair Becky Humphries.

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