April is when you can start getting your new Michigan fishing license and the DNR has made some changes like spearfishing in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

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2022 Michigan Fishing Licenses

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Bsd555/Getty Images/iStockphoto
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It's that time again to get your new 2022 fishing license for Michigan residents. The new season officially kicks off on April 1 and your license will be good through March 31, 2023. You can get your license at your usual location or you can go online here to get your license straight from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR has added the opportunity of getting your fishing license set up with automatic renewal if you get your license online.

Lake Michigan and Lake Huron Underwater Spearfishing

Man diving in a seawatter and hunt with speargun
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Underwater spearfishing is something I have only done once in my lifetime and it was an absolute blast. There are some new rule changes for Michiganders this year with new opportunities for spearfishing additional species.

According to the DNR, beginning April 1, you can now underwater spearfish for lake trout, northern pike, and walleye in Lake Michigan south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven. This also applies to Lake Huron south of the southernmost pier of Thunder Bay River down to the mouth of the St. Clair River.

Spearfishing. Underwater gun, fins and fish on the grass on the waterfront.
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Underwater Spearfishing License

Underwater split shot of the fisherman in wet suit and with a speargun
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Your standard Michigan fishing license doesn't cover spearfishing, you will need a new underwater spearfishing license and will have to report your harvests on a monthly basis. The good news is, the license is free, but you still need a DNR Sportscard. Spearfishing licenses are only sold online.

Here is a link to the Michigan fishing guide or you can flip to page 16 if you already have your 2022 guide. If you are looking for tips, locations, species, and other how-to information click here.

How to Spearfish in Freshwater

Underwater DSLR photo - Spear fisherman with speargun
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I don't know much about spearfishing but I did find some videos of some people who do. The first video was shot in Lake Michigan before the new spearfishing rule where you can get walleye. Wait until you see this school of walleye the guy has to pass on.

Spearfish to Remove Junk Fish

Free diver spearfishing in the abyss
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Spearfishing is another way to get junk fish like carp, bowfin, and other evasive species that can really damage a lake's ecosystem. This next video shows a guy plugging some carp out of Lake Michigan.

Good luck if you happen to take up spearfishing. I know I will be checking some rummage sales this year for some gear.

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