What's new with MSA?

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01/21/2022

    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. 

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05/22/2025​

     Michigan Spearfishing Association is excited to announce that Michigan's Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries Division will be making an official recommendation to the Natural Recource Commission (NRC) regarding the update of Fisheries Order 219.23! This recommendation is stemming from input received from a underwater spearfishing working group established back in 2024 to advise the DNR regarding the consideration of expansion of open waters and species for the 2026 season. This has been a daunting task which we are proud to have taken the lead on. This recommendation will be presented to the NRC later this summer.

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    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 spearfishing anglers, 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