DETROIT (WWJ) -- Five fishermen from Northern Michigan received misdemeanor citations after being caught last Friday with more than double the legal daily limit of walleye on the Detroit River.
Conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division spotted the group fishing north of Milliken State Park the morning of May 8.
When the group returned to their Detroit rental property several hours later, officers said they witnessed the anglers taking additional fish.
Acting on a search warrant, DNR officers discovered the group was in possession of 34 walleye over the legal limit.
Under current regulations, the daily walleye limit for the Detroit River is six fish per person.
"People visit Detroit from all over to take advantage of the abundant fishing offered by the Detroit River," said Todd Szyska, acting captain for the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s south region. "Our walleye fishery is world-class in part because of the many respectful anglers who follow the daily limits."
The fishermen were permitted to keep their legal daily limit of fish but were issued citations for the overlimit, which is classified as a misdemeanor offense.
The DNR maintains strict daily limits to ensure the long-term sustainability of the regional walleye population.
Michigan’s current fishing season started April 1 and runs through March 30, 2027. A license is required for anyone 17 and older fishing Michigan waters. Get more information at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
