The 2009 fishing season opens on April 1; and anglers have three major regulations changes to note this season, the Department of Natural Resources said today.

Fishing licenses are on sale at all license retailers and online at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Unlike last year, when the DNR printed two fishing guides -- including specifically for inland trout and salmon -- the 2009 Michigan Fishing Guide includes all fishing regulations. The color-coded maps that were previously printed in the trout and salmon guide are not included this year. Color-coded trout stream maps will be available online at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing beginning April 1. Changes to lake and stream types are noted in red in the Fishing Guide.

There are three major regulations changes for 2009:

• The daily limit of five trout and salmon in combination may now include up to five Chinook or coho salmon. In the past, the limit included a maximum of three fish of one species.
• Anglers may now use up to three rods. In the past the limit was two, except anglers trolling for salmon in the Great Lakes could use three rods.
• There is a two-gallon daily limit on smelt. Previously, there was no limit.

The 2009 Michigan Fishing Guide is available at license retailers statewide.