LANSING — A new order from the Natural Resources Commission will open more of the Great Lakes to recreational spearfishing.
Proponents of spearfishing say that the expanded reach will allow more people to try the sport and could spark more interest in the outdoors.
Spearfishing is relatively small compared to other outdoor activities in Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources says that fewer than 500 fish are caught by spearfishers each year.
For context, the DNR says that it has stocked more than 18 million fish just in the year 2025. More than a million fishing licenses are issued in Michigan annually.
Jonathan Durtka, president of the Michigan Spearfishing Association, says that the activity lets participants appreciate Michigan’s natural resources from a new angle.
“Expanding this opportunity isn’t just expanding spearfishing opportunity — it’s expanding opportunity to go underwater and explore these different things,” he said. “I’ve gone to so many different places I never would have gone if it wasn’t for this underwater spearfishing thing.”
The expanded waters only include those south of the 45th Parallel, also excluding Grand Traverse Bay.
There are additional restrictions on inland lakes and waterways, and certain species also have region-specific restrictions.
The changes will take effect on April 1 of next year.