New Boating/Fishing Law

Post date: Apr 29, 2019 7:50:21 PM

New Boating and Fishing Law 41325 of NREPA (Act 451 of 1994)

Beginning March 21, 2019, watercraft users in the state are required to take steps to prevent the spread

of aquatic invasive species. Also, anyone fishing with live or cut bait or practicing catch-and-release

fishing will need to take precautions to limit the movement of invasive species and fish diseases.

Note: A person shall not release baitfish in any waters of this state. A person who collects fish shall not

use the fish as bait or cut bait except in the inland lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was

caught, or in a connecting waterway of the inland lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was

caught if the fish could freely move between the original location of capture and the location of

release. (Michigan DNR’s Fisheries Order 245)

In addition, to the existing law requiring all aquatic plants to be removed from boats and trailers before

launching, the changes require the following prior to transporting any watercraft over land: