DNR reminds anglers about walleye possession limit on Detroit River

Conservation officers highlight several instances from spring patrols of boat/shore anglers exceeding the legal limit

As the seasonal peak of the world-class Detroit River walleye runs slow, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers share several cases of overlimit fishing to remind anglers of the legal possession limit.

“Walleye catches seemed to be average to slightly above average this spring,” said John Buszkiewicz, a DNR fisheries biologist based in southeast Michigan. “Boat and shore anglers had great success catching walleye pre-, during and, now, post-spawn. While a cold spring season can delay the run and peak spawning activity — which usually occurs when the water is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit — this year, the warmup rate was relatively normal.”

Throughout April and May, DNR conservation officers conducted increased fish patrols on the river to ensure anglers stayed within the legal daily limit. The daily walleye limit for the Detroit River is six fish per angler.

“This time of year is always busy for us, as people come from all over to fish the Detroit River,” said DNR 1st Lt. Damon Owens. “We’re on the water doing this job because, unfortunately, some people abuse daily limits. If everyone takes what they want, it will deplete the resource.”

Patrol highlights

On May 15, COs observed two anglers return to shore in Wyandotte and clean 12 walleye. Later in the day, the same anglers returned from a second fishing trip with an additional eight walleye. After officers made contact, the anglers were found in possession of 20 walleye — eight over the legal daily limit.

One angler admitted they knew they could not legally take limits from both U.S. and Canadian waters, but stated they wanted to “load up” because they would not be returning soon. A citation was issued for possessing more than the daily limit of walleye.

The next day, COs observed four anglers fishing from a vessel with Indiana registration. The officers saw the group return to the marina in the afternoon with at least 15 walleye before heading back onto the water later in the day. When the anglers returned that evening, officers observed at least 14 additional walleye, putting the group’s total at 29 walleye – five over the legal limit for four anglers. When the officers made contact, the anglers admitted they possessed 14 walleye from the second trip and an additional 24 from the morning trip. A citation was issued to one person for taking an overlimit of walleye.

Earlier in the month, a group fishing north of Milliken State Park was found with more than double the daily walleye limit.

The DNR reminds anglers that daily possession limits are strictly enforced to help protect Michigan’s fisheries and ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for current and future generations.

Michigan’s current fishing season started April 1 and runs through March 31, 2027. A license is required for anyone 17 and older fishing public waters in Michigan.

Get more information at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Walleye: Throughout April and May, DNR conservation officers conducted increased fish patrols on the river to ensure anglers stayed within the legal daily limit. The daily walleye limit for the Detroit River is six fish per angler.