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01/21/2025

    Michigan Spearfishing Association is proud to announce that after 3 years of working directly with the Fisheries Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) on Oct. 14th, 2021, voted unanimously to approve fisheries order 219.22. This order now allows those who participate in the sport of underwater spearfishing to harvest Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Walleye on specific portions of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. As well as adding certain safety regulations, this order has temporally implemented a new no cost underwater spearfishing license to track participation, created a mandatory monthly reporting program for the next 3 years to track effort and harvest data for the DNR. This will allow the DNR to get a better understanding of the sport as a whole in our state and allow them to make recommendations to the NRC in the future. Also, special note to regard: during the NRC review process, Chair of the commission; Commissioner Carol Rose had special concerns about the over-harvest of "elite" size northern pike. As an association, we are asking for anglers to take that into special consideration. If you're an angler who has copious opportunity at large northern pike or lake trout for that matter, please remember to be ethical and understanding of the concerns of the NRC.  If it's not good for the resource, MSA does not support it. Please checkout the 2022 fishing digest for all the details on species and location specific regulations. Pay special attention to Notes 3&4. 

      On top of all that we are we're happy to announce our annual spearfishing tournament! It will be held in Au Gres, Michigan on the Saginaw Bay, June18th, 2022. Special thanks to Point Au Gres marina and campground for hosting MSA this year. So, if you like spearfishing, beautiful water, prizes, raffles, food, and fish tales, get excited! Also, we're adding a "trash" category this year. The team that weighs-in the most trash will be awarded a special prize for their efforts to leave the area cleaner than when they arrived. 

    That being said, we ask for your continued support by helping us to continue the growth of our club by adding new members, continuing to be safe and ethical spearos, and donating to our cause to help offset the many costs of USOA dues, MUCC dues, Lobbying costs, website fees, and other expenses associated with hosting the annual tournament. We very much appreciate your help. Much love and happy spearing!

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   Sincerely,

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   Michigan Spearfishing Association