Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources today announced new fishing opportunities for dip-net anglers. The dip-net season has been modified and will now open statewide on March 20, as opposed to its previous date of April 1. Additionally, dip-net and hand-net seasons are no longer differentiated by peninsula and have been consolidated into a single season.

To increase netting opportunities, goldfish and gizzard shad have been added to the list of species allowed for harvest with dip and hand nets. The changes became effective on Feb. 7, 2013, when DNR Director Keith Creagh signed Fisheries Order FO-229 – Netting Regulations.

These fishing opportunities are directly related to a modification of a section of Michigan statute. On Dec. 13, 2012, the Michigan Legislature authorized the DNR to regulate the use of nets for fishing via Public Act 471, which then passed and became effective on Dec. 27, 2012. When this statute change was enacted, the DNR modified Fisheries Order 229 to expand and provide the regulations for this fishing opportunity.

This fisheries order took effect on Feb. 7, 2013, and shall remain in effect until March 31, 2018, or until it is amended or rescinded, whichever comes first. Although this fisheries order may be reviewed and amended on an annual basis, a review shall occur no later than Aug. 1, 2017.

Information about this new regulation will not be printed in the 2013 Michigan Fishing Guide available March 1, but will be available online at www.michigan.gov/fishing.