Michigan Walleye Fishing Regulations — Bag Limits & Size Rules
| Regulation Type | Statewide Rule | Special Waters (Some) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 through Dec 31. 5 fish per day. 15 inch minimum. |
* Always verify the specific regulations for your target water body. This table shows statewide minimums — individual lakes and rivers may be stricter. Source: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
Special Regulations — Michigan's Most Popular Walleye Waters
These major fishing destinations have additional Walleye regulations beyond the statewide minimum. Verify the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations before every trip.
| Water Body | Region | Daily Bag | Size Limit | Special Notes |
|---|
License Required to Fish Walleye in Michigan
A valid Michigan freshwater fishing license is required to fish for Walleye. Here's exactly what you need and what exemptions apply.
| Angler Type | License Required | Fee | Valid Period |
|---|
Michigan Walleye Season Guide — Best Times to Fish
Top Michigan Lakes for Walleye — Ranked
Saginaw Bay is a quality walleye fishery in Michigan. Deep, clear water with rocky main-lake structure defines the best habitat. Live bait rigs, jig-and-minnow, and trolled crankbaits all produce quality fish throughout the season.
Full guideSt. Marys River offers walleye fishing in moving water, with the best action in deep holes below dams, wing dam tips, and eddy pools behind current breaks. Jig-and-minnow tipped on the bottom produces year-round; fall concentrations below dams are legendary.
Full guideBig Manistique Lake is a top-ranked walleye lake in Michigan, known for consistent action from ice-out through fall. Rocky main-lake points, gravel humps, and weed edges at the 10–18 foot break are prime structure. Live bait rigs and jig-and-minnow presentations produce fish all season.
Full guide