• 2026 quota is six sturgeon with no minimum size requirement.
• Fishing season is Feb. 7-11, or until the quota of six fish are harvested.
• Fishing hours each day are 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. EST, or until quota is met.
• If five fish are harvested by the end of any fishing day, the season will then be closed.
• Current fishing license is required for registration unless angler is 16 or younger.

Register online »

• Registration is online and mandatory. In-person registration is not available.
• Prior to registering, participants will need a current Michigan fishing license (unless under the age of 17; however purchasing a voluntary youth fishing license is encouraged).
  • If you plan to purchase a daily fishing license to participate in this event, you can purchase a Michigan fishing license in advance (you set the date/time for the license to start) 
• By completing this online registration, you certify that you have a current Michigan fishing license and will abide by all season rules.
• Cell phone numbers are mandatory as part of your registration:
  • Event and harvest updates about the season will go out via text message.
  • A cell phone number from someone in your shanty's fishing party is acceptable.

• Anglers fishing for sturgeon are required to hang their own bright red, 1-foot diameter or larger, flagging material on shanties while fishing for sturgeon and immediately remove them when the season is over.
  • At least one 1-foot diameter red flag per shanty is required; however, additional red flags are encouraged to improve visibility.

• Registered anglers will get texts:
  • The night before the season opens.
  • 8 a.m. EST Feb. 7, when the season opens.
  • When a fish is registered as taken by an angler.
  • When the season ends. 

• The DNR may cancel the season up to 48 hours prior to the start of the season if circumstances pose a significant risk to safe and effective implementation of the harvest allocation (per Fisheries Order 240). The Department will post amendments to the DNR website and provide electronic notification through established modes of communication with anglers.
• Ice conditions may vary greatly, and anglers should always use extreme caution when ice fishing. For ice safety information, please visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety.

• Anglers must immediately notify DNR personnel on the ice if they harvest a sturgeon, or if personnel are unable to be found they must call 231-340-0276.
• Successful anglers must then immediately take the fish to be registered at the DNR trailer at the Zolner Road access located at the northwest side of the lake.