Beyond hook and line: spearing, bowfishing, netting, and smelt dipping

2026 rules. The Bow & Spear, Netting, and Lawful Methods tables in the official regulations carry the species and water lists — read them before trying any of this.

The short version

Hook and line is the default legal method, but Michigan carves out honest space for the old ways. The catch — pun intended — is that each method comes with a species list and often a water list. Here’s the map:

• Bowfishing and above-water spearing: carp, suckers, bowfin, longnose gar — and on many waters, in season, pike and muskie — may be taken by spear, bow, or crossbow per the Bow & Spear table. Artificial lights are allowed. Never in waters closed to fishing, and local weapons ordinances can apply.
• Underwater spearfishing: legal for certain species — and, expanded again in 2026, for walleye, pike, and lake trout on designated Great Lakes waters. It requires a free annual underwater spearfishing license with monthly reporting, and the diver must be fully submerged.
• Smelt dipping: the beloved spring night ritual. Hand nets are legal for smelt (plus suckers, carp, bowfin, and gar per the netting table); a fishing license is required. Bring a lantern and a frying pan.
• Seines, cast nets, and minnow traps: legal only per the netting table — seines for minnows only, and no cast nets on inland waters. Minnow rules tie into the bait and invasive-species rules: never move live fish or release unused bait.
• Never legal: firearms, explosives, set lines, and snag or grab hooks as a method of take. (A gaff may land a legally hooked fish — but never on a designated trout stream, and never on a fish you’re releasing.)
• Frogs, turtles, and crayfish: your fishing license covers them, with their own seasons and rules — see the reptile and amphibian section of the regulations.

The signpost

Rules change every year. The method tables live in the official Michigan Fishing Regulations at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

New to fishing here? Start with Fishing in Michigan, explained.