The Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that new fishing licenses go on sale Sunday, March 1. The licenses are good from the date of purchase through March 31, 2010. Anglers are not required to possess a 2009 fishing license until April 1, when the new season begins, along with new fishing regulations.

Also new this year is the ability to purchase E-Gift Cards online through the DNR's Web site that can be redeemed online for any hunting or fishing license or snowmobile or off-road vehicle trail sticker. The E-Gift Cards will be available online starting March 1, and make a great gift idea for outdoor enthusiasts. The E-Gift Cards can only be used for online purchases of licenses, and cannot be redeemed at a retailer or a DNR office. The E-Gift Cards are available in $15, $30 and $50 increments.

In recent years, the DNR has printed two fishing guides, one specifically for trout and salmon. This year, 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 fishing 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 vendors statewide.