The Important Stuff

Michigan DNR Spearfising Regulations

I’m an idiot. All the information on this page is for entertainment purposes only. It is your responsibility to confirm the regulations from the Michigan, DNR website. If you see an error on this page, please contact me.

Plese consult the the Michigan Fishing Digest. You can find answers to any questions or concerns in the MI fishing digest. We are human beings that make mistakes, please confirm any and all information found on this website via the link below before you suit up.

Fishing Digest

Fisheries Order 219.22 Highlights

  • The species and location-specific size limits and daily possession limits shall apply.

  • Underwater spearfishing shall be prohibited daily from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

  • This activity shall be prohibited within 150 feet of designated swimming areas, boat docks, boat access or egress sites and power intake tubes.

  • This activity shall be prohibited where placement of a diver-down flag would restrict boater navigation or access to boating access site.

  • All spearguns must have the bands unloaded from the spear and the safety on when the diver is moving between fishing areas and when entering and exiting the water.

  • Use of artificial breathing devices such as scuba, re-breather or similar devices shall be prohibited while underwater spearfishing.

Michigan Fishing Digest Spearfishing Highlights

The seasons, gear, waters and species where a spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used as specified in the table below and lists that follow (except as otherwise prohibited). Spearing gear shall be limited to: hand-propelled spear, rubber-propelled spear, spring-propelled spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow. Artificial lights are permitted.

It shall be unlawful to use a rubber-propelled spear or a spring-propelled spear without being submerged and the spear must be attached to a line not exceeding twenty feet in length.

It is unlawful to spear any fish in a waterbody closed to fishing, except as noted in the spearing exceptions list. Unless noted otherwise, all general regulations apply for the species listed.

Anglers should contact local enforcement offices for information concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or crossbow in some locations. Maps have been developed to assist anglers in identifying designated trout waters and the regulations associated with each Type as indicated by color scheme and text.

*Designated Trout Lakes and Designated Trout Streams are closed to spearfishing. Please review the DNR’s fishing digest for the full list.