No Blessings Afoot But Here Comes Trout Season

Angler holding a brook trout. Photo Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

N3 Note: A few years back there was a bit of a celebration in downtown Newaygo this time of year. Some of the local businesses put on a little gathering known as the Blessing of the Poles.
No it was not a tribute to the immigrants from Poland who flocked to the U.S. during the late 1800’s in search of a better life and became part of the ethnic quilt that is America. Pulaski Days in GR provides plenty of opportunities to honor Polish heritage.
The purpose of this  particular fete was to bestow a lucky season on anglers who fish the rivers and lakes that dot our area (as well as providing an excuse for a bit of partying). If I recall ta couple of clergy  performed this rite of spring at Brooks Park to those who gathered, poles in hand. Later on Sportsman’s hosted an evening of events including a minnow eating contest that seemed to be the high point of the celebration.
Nostalgia aside we are indeed coming up on the opening of the trout season and our friends from the DNR are here to provide the skinny on Angler’s ‘Opening Day’.

Put your 2022 fishing license to good use next weekend during the trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons, all of which open Saturday, April 30. Enjoy Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities on your own or bring your family and friends along for the fun.

Anglers are reminded that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open Sunday, May 15. Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 4. Remember that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year.  

The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing – check the current Michigan Fishing Guide for specifics). The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 28, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 18. The Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River daily possession limit for walleye will remain at six fish through April 30, 2023.

The new license season began April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023. To purchase a fishing license, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

Anglers can make a real difference in helping to prevent the spread of invasive species by taking the time to clean, drain and dry waders and gear before heading to a new location.

Two invasive species, New Zealand mudsnail and didymo (rock snot), have been detected in Michigan. Both thrive in high-quality waters and can have harmful effects on stream ecosystems.
The NZMS Collaborative offers these simple steps for cleaning boots and waders:

• Stomp and inspect as soon as you leave the water to remove attached debris.
• Brush waders, soles and laces to loosen remaining debris and mud.
• Spray boots and waders thoroughly with a disinfecting agent.
• Rinse after 20 minutes.
• Dry waders thoroughly before next use.

​The 2022 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online along with a lot of other helpful fishing information. Visit Michigan.gov/Fishing for the most up-to-date information. 

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