![]() NPS photo Hidden backcountry beaver ponds and brook trout ... a paddle stroke through loon waters and the hard tug of a smallmouth bass ... Lake Superior's open horizons of wind and surf and spawning steelhead. ![]() NPS photo Ice FishingIce fishing at the park is done mostly in the frozen nearshore areas of Munising Bay just off Sand Point Beach. Since Sand Point Road is plowed all winter, this area is the easiest frozen water body to access. Those ice fishing should ensure safe ice conditions before venturing out. Currents and wave action can affect ice formation, and the thickness of the ice can vary dramatically from one area to another. The responsibility to determine that ice is safe lies solely with the angler.Anglers accessing Munising Bay from the Sand Point area are required to park in designated parking spaces only. The loading zone may be used temporarily to unload equipment and ice shanties. Watch for park snow plow operators in the area. Grand Sable Lake and other inland lakes are accessible only by snowmobile in winter. Snowmobiles are permitted on designated roads, and on Grand Sable Lake and Lake Superior. ![]() NPS Photo LicensesA valid Michigan fishing license is required to fish in the park, and fees vary. Children under 17 years of age do not require a license. Visitors fishing within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore must follow the fishing license requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.You can purchase a Michigan fishing license online, through a licensed agent (check Michigan DNR website for locations) or at DNR customer service centers. Fishing RegulationsUnless otherwise provided for, fishing regulations apply to all finfish found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and are addressed by NPS regulations governing “wildlife” (36CFR2.2). These fishing regulations apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within the park that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States. Fishing regulations for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore follow those set by the State of Michigan (36CFR7). However, commercial fishing methods allowed under State law are not included within the scope of this authorization. For state fishing regulations, please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. For more information on how NPS fishing regulations work, go to the regulations page on the NPS Fish and Fishing website (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fishing/how-regulations-work.htm) The following are prohibited, as per National Park Service natural resource protection regulations:
Fish Consumption AdvisoryThe Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recommends that you use caution when eating certain kinds and sizes of fish from Michigan's lakes and rivers. Some fish have chemicals in them that can be harmful to human health if they are eaten too often.The Michigan Eat Safe Fish Guides show you which fish are okay to eat in your region and how often they can be eaten. Guides are available at Eat Safe Fish Guides (michigan.gov)
To learn more about this topic, the National Park Service maintains information about Fish Consumption Advisories and Mercury and Toxins in Nature. Exotic Aquatic SpeciesAnglers and resource managers across the U.S. are concerned about invasive species that threaten aquatic systems. Their introduction causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the economy, the environment, or to human health. Aquatic invasive species are a growing risk to parks and their values. In the United States alone, there are more than 250 non-native aquatic species.Several occur here at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and in nearby waters. With your help, the impact of these invaders on our lakes and rivers can be minimized.
Nonnative Species Additional Rules and Safety Tips
Fishing Throughout the National Park ServiceWe invite you to visit the Fish and Fishing website for more information about fish and fishing in the National Park Service. You will learn about conservation, different fish species, and parks that offer fishing. |
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Last updated: November 18, 2022