Three lakes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have new trout fishing rules that allow anglers to take smaller fish, and more per day.
Last week, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission voted to reclassify four of the U.P.’s inland trout lakes. One of them now allows fishing all year round, and the use of all tackle and bait.
The changes expand opportunities to target other species in these waters, and better reflect the fish that are present, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.
Moon Lake, South Kidney Lake and Strawberry Lake have all been changed from Type D to Type A trout fishing regulations, which allows for a minimum size limit of 10 inches and a daily catch limit of up to five fish. All three lakes are managed for brook trout.
High Banks Lake has been changed from Type A to Type B trout fishing regulations. This extends the season to the entire year and allows the use of all tackle and bait.
Here are more details on the changes:
High Banks Lake
This lake in Chippewa County has primarily been managed for rainbow trout, but a 2023 survey found that panfish are also present. The change to Type B allows anglers to use live bait to target panfish and allows ice fishing.
Moon Lake
A recent survey found a decline in the average size of brook trout in Moon Lake in Luce County. The change to Type A – allowing smaller fish to be taken and increasing the daily possession limit – is intended to yield more angler opportunities.
South Kidney Lake
In Marquette County, South Kidney Lake’s stocked brook trout were not reaching the 15-inch minimum size limit set forth by Type D rules, according to a 2024 survey. As with Moon Lake, the change to Type A allowed for minimum 10-inch fish to be taken and increases daily possession to five fish. In addition, it will also allow use of bait, except for minnows.
Strawberry Lake
On Strawberry Lake in Marquette County, few stocked brook trout were reaching the 15-inch minimum size limit, according to a 2024 survey. The switch to Type A rules means the new minimum size limit is 10 inches and up to five fish can be taken per day. The artificial-only gear restriction for brook trout fishing is also removed.
Good to know
These changes are not reflected in the printed version of the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations. Anglers should check the digital version online at Michigan.gov/DNRRegs or in the Michgan DNR Hunt Fish app for the most current regulatory information.
The commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, has the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish in Michigan. DNR fisheries managers use fish survey data to recommend regulation changes for specific bodies of water to the commission when needed. The aim is to benefit both the anglers along with the natural resources.
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