2026 regulation year
Michigan Smallmouth bass 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
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Michigan's smallmouth fishery is split between a spring catch-and-release window and the post-Memorial-Day harvest season. The Les Cheneaux Islands, St. Marys River, and Lake St. Clair carry world-class smallmouth populations.
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Season
Catch-and-release: last Sat April – Sat before Memorial Day. Harvest: Sat before Memorial Day onward.
– Catch-and-release window
– Harvest window (Lake St. Clair June 20)
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 5 / day (combined with largemouth)
- Possession
- Same as daily bag
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 14 in minimum
Gear restrictions
- Catch-and-release window: hook-and-line only, immediate release
- Tournament release rules apply on listed waters
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific Michigan waters:
Lake St. Clair
Statewide 14 in / 5 fish; trophy smallmouth water
St. Marys River
Statewide rule; Soo-area trophy fishery
Les Cheneaux Islands
Statewide rule; protected bays produce trophy smallmouth
Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan)
Statewide rule; deep-water smallmouth fishery
Official source
Michigan Department of Natural Resources publishes the authoritative 2026 Michiganfishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.
Visit official Michigan fishing regulations →
Emergency-order channel
Smallmouth bass closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to Michigan Department of Natural Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any Michigan trip during the active season.
Frequently asked questions
- When is smallmouth bass season in Michigan?
- Catch-and-release: last Sat April – Sat before Memorial Day. Harvest: Sat before Memorial Day onward. Those are the 2026 Michigan dates; always confirm against Michigan Department of Natural Resources before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.
- What is the Michigan bag limit for smallmouth bass?
- The Michigan daily bag limit for smallmouth bass is 5 / day (combined with largemouth). The possession limit is Same as daily bag. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
- What size smallmouth bass can you keep in Michigan?
- The Michigan size rule for smallmouth bass is 14 in minimum.
- Do you need a license to fish for smallmouth bass in Michigan?
- Yes. Michigan requires a valid fishing license to fish for smallmouth bass, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Michigan license — compare resident and non-resident Michigan fees on the state regulations page below.
- Are there gear restrictions for smallmouth bass in Michigan?
- Yes. In Michigan, smallmouth bass fishing carries these gear rules: Catch-and-release window: hook-and-line only, immediate release; Tournament release rules apply on listed waters.
- Do specific Michigan waters have different smallmouth bass rules?
- Yes. 4 named Michigan waters carry rules that override the statewide smallmouth bass regulation, including Lake St. Clair, St. Marys River, Les Cheneaux Islands, and 1 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.