Anglers need to possess a sturgeon tag when targeting lake sturgeon (prior to angling, including catch and release). The sturgeon tag is not a substitute for a fishing license and all anglers must have at least a restricted fishing license to use the sturgeon tag. Sturgeon fishing season information can be found on page 11 (Table 4 Lake Sturgeon) of the Fishing Guide.

Lake Sturgeon Angling Opportunities and Regulations

Sturgeon Tag Distribution and Fish Check-In Sites

NOTICE: Import and Export Permits are required by Federal Law for transporting sturgeon between the U.S. and Canada.

We are using locking tags for this year which are blue colored with white print. NOTE: The same color combination was used in 2007, however, a new tag must be requested for the 2008 season. Tags below series number 3001 (or 0003001) will NOT BE VALID since those tags were used for prior seasons.

12 inch Plastic Locking Sturgeon Tag

Sturgeon Tag

Remember that all legal lake sturgeon harvested shall be immediately tagged with a locking tag and be validated at a designated registration site within 24 hours. Tag through the operculum (gill cover) or through the fleshy part of the dorsal or tail fin so it will not easily pull out. Anglers are only required to tag sturgeon they are harvesting (see harvest seasons below) and sturgeon being released do not need to be tagged. If there are any questions, please call the nearest DNR Operations Service Center.

Great Lakes and connecting waters (except Lake St. Clair and St. Clair R.) all inland waters except Otsego L. and Black L. (Cheboygan Co.)

• If targeting lake sturgeon then locking sturgeon tag must be obtained prior to fishing.
• Season: July 16 - November 30
• Harvest: Catch and release only. No possession.

Lake St. Clair and St. Clair R.

• If targeting lake sturgeon then locking sturgeon tag must be obtained prior to fishing. Fish must be tagged immediately and registered at a designated registration station.
• Harvest Season: July 16 - September 30
• Catch and Release Season: October 1 - November 30 - NEW
• Size Restriction: Between 42" - 50". All fish less than 42" and greater than 50" must be released immediately.
• Harvest: 1 per season (during open harvest season only)

Otsego Lake (Otsego Co.)

• If targeting lake sturgeon then locking sturgeon tag must be obtained prior to fishing. Fish must be tagged immediately and registered at a designated registration station.
• Season: July 16 - March 15
• Size Restriction: 50 inch minimum
• Harvest: 1 per season

• If targeting lake sturgeon then locking sturgeon tag must be obtained prior to fishing. Fish must be tagged immediately and registered at a designated registration station.
• Season: September 1 - September 30
• Size Restriction: 60 inch minimum
• Harvest: 1 per season
• For the Menominee River (from Hattie Street Dam to the end of the breakwalls in Green Bay) the daily possession limit of lake sturgeon is 0. This area is closed to lake sturgeon harvest.

Black Lake (Cheboygan Co.)

• Tags will be issued by random drawing.
• Season: First Saturday in February to Sunday following the second Saturday
• Harvest: Spearing - Lottery Draw Only - 5 fish quota for the season.
• Contact DNR Gaylord office for details 989-732-3541

Bluewater Bait & Accessories
8089 Dixie Hwy
Fairhaven, MI 48023
(586) 725-1448

Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station
33135 South River Rd
Harrison Twp, MI 48045
(586) 465-4771

Lakeside Fishing Shop
25110 Jefferson
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
(586) 777-7003

Professional Fishing Center
36257 Jefferson Ave
Harrison Twp., MI 48045
(586) 469-2070

Weavers Market
3847 Green Drive
Harsens Island, MI 48028
(810) 748-9929

DNR Southfield Operations Service Center
26000 W Eight Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48034
(248) 359-9040

Lumberjack's Store
3470 Pt. Trumble Rd
Algonac, MI 48001
(810) 794-4921

Gaylord DNR Office
1732 M-32 West
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 732-3541, ext. 5071

Don's Sport and Marine
3819 Old 27 South
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 732-4157

Parkside Country Store
7131 S Old 27
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 732-5866

Otsego Lake State Park
7136 Old 27 South
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 732-5485

Jay's Sporting Goods
150 Dale Drive
Gaylord, MI 49735
(989) 705-1339

JJ's Service
Hwy 41
Wallace, MI 49893
(906) 788-4255

Camp Shakey Bait Shop
G12 Shakey Lakes Road
Stephenson, MI 49887
(906) 753-4977

Holiday Gas Station Store
1051 10th Ave
Menominee, MI
(906) 863-4001

BP Amoco
Hwy 41
Stephenson, MI 49887
(906) 753-4455

Martin Creek Sport N Feed
Hwy 41
Menominee, MI 49858
(906) 863-4868

If a lake sturgeon needs to be registered and none of the below stations are open in the Marinette area, call (715) 732-0846 for assistance.

Peshtigo Service Center
101 N. Ogden Rd.
Peshtigo, WI 54157
(715) 582-5000