Regulations, Lake Erie (western basin)

Summary only. Check the official regulations before fishing.

Date

Status on Sat, Oct 3

Smallmouth bass, Michigan: Open. From 2027-01-01: catch and release only.
largemouth, Michigan: Open. From 2027-01-01: catch and release only.
Smallmouth bass, Ontario (Zone 19): Open. From 2026-12-01: closed.
largemouth, Ontario (Zone 19): Open. From 2026-12-01: closed.

Smallmouth bass

Jurisdiction	Season 2026	Limits	Rule
Ohio	2026-05-01 to 2026-06-26	1 a day, at least 18 in	From May 1 until the fourth Saturday in June (2026: May 1 to June 26) you may keep only 1 black bass a day, smallmouth combined with largemouth and spotted bass, and it must be at least 18 in long; fishing, including catch and release, stays open Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-13-08(Q) (effective 2026-07-06) and 1501:31-13-09(F) (effective 2025-03-01); 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, Lake Erie regulations, effective 2026-03-01, as of 2026-10-03
Ohio	2026-01-01 to 2026-04-30	5 a day, at least 14 in	From the fourth Saturday in June through April 30 (2026-27: June 27, 2026 to April 30, 2027) you may keep 5 black bass a day, smallmouth combined with largemouth and spotted bass, each at least 14 in long; this row covers January 1 to April 30 of the season that started the previous June Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-13-08(B) (effective 2026-07-06) and 1501:31-13-09(E) (effective 2025-03-01); 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, Lake Erie regulations, effective 2026-03-01, as of 2026-10-03
Ohio	2026-06-27 to 2026-12-31	5 a day, at least 14 in	From the fourth Saturday in June through April 30 (2026-27: June 27, 2026 to April 30, 2027) you may keep 5 black bass a day, smallmouth combined with largemouth and spotted bass, each at least 14 in long; this row covers the fourth Saturday in June to December 31 (the season continues to April 30, see the matching row) Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-13-08(B) (effective 2026-07-06) and 1501:31-13-09(E) (effective 2025-03-01); 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, Lake Erie regulations, effective 2026-03-01, as of 2026-10-03
Michigan	2026-05-23 to 2026-12-31	5 a day, at least 14 in	Smallmouth bass may be kept from the Saturday before Memorial Day (2026: May 23; 2027: May 29) through Dec 31 if at least 14 in long, up to 5 fish a day combined with largemouth bass; at all other times bass may only be caught and released at once, never held in a livewell Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-215.23A, statewide warmwater regulations; 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, effective 2023-09-15, as of 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19)	2026-06-27 to 2026-11-30	6 a day on a sport licence, 2 a day on a conservation licence	Open from the fourth Saturday in June to November 30 and closed to all bass fishing, including catch-and-release, the rest of the year; limit 6 bass (sport licence) or 2 bass (conservation licence), smallmouth and largemouth combined, any size, and that number is also the most you may possess in total Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Fisheries Management Zone 19, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03

Ohio

Anglers 16 years or older need an Ohio fishing licence, which does not cover Michigan or Ontario water; 2026-27 fees: nonresident 1-day $27.04, 3-day $52.00, 1-year $76.96; resident 1-day $14.00, 1-year $25.00; a 1-day licence can be credited toward a 1-year licence; a transaction fee may apply online
2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, licence information, effective 2026-03-01, as of 2026-10-03
Each angler may fish with at most 3 lines
2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, general and Ohio River regulations, effective 2026-03-01, as of 2026-10-03

Michigan

Anglers 17 years or older, resident or not, need a Michigan fishing license and must carry it with the ID used to buy it; anglers under 17 years need none but must follow all rules; regulations run Apr 1 to Mar 31 and an annual license is valid from Mar 1 to Mar 31 of the next year
2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, pp. 2 and 6 (Michigan DNR), effective 2026-04-01, as of 2026-10-02
Every Michigan fishing license covers all species including bass: annual $76 nonresident, $26 resident, $11 resident senior (65 years or older); daily $10 per 24 h for anyone, starting at a time the buyer sets; no 72-hour license is listed
Michigan DNR: fishing and hunting license information, as of 2026-10-02
Each angler may fish up to 3 lines with no more than 6 hooks in total, a lure or harness counting as 1 hook except umbrella and perch or crappie rigs where every hook counts, and every line must be under immediate control
2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, p. 10 (Michigan DNR), effective 2026-04-01, as of 2026-10-02
Besides one day's limit an angler may hold up to 2 more daily limits only if processed (canned, smoked, dried or frozen solid), processed fish aboard a boat count, and catch-and-immediate-release fishing may continue after the daily limit
Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-248.25, possession limits for fish, effective 2025-09-11, as of 2026-10-02
While fishing Michigan waters, Michigan size and possession limits apply to every fish aboard even with an Ohio or Ontario licence, and an angler holding licences from more than one jurisdiction may carry only one licence's limit while travelling
2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, pp. 9 and 11 (Michigan DNR), effective 2026-04-01, as of 2026-10-02
A fish cut so that its species or length cannot be checked may not be possessed on the water, so bass must stay measurable against the 14 in minimum
Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-248.25, possession limits for fish, effective 2025-09-11, as of 2026-10-02
A fish hooked anywhere but in the mouth must be released at once and may not be kept, even in the harvest season
Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-218.26, gear restrictions for fishing, effective 2026-04-01, as of 2026-10-02
Do not launch with plants attached, and before trailering away pull all drain plugs, drain live wells and bilge, clear plants and animals from boat and trailer, and release fish only into the water body they came from (civil fine up to $100)
Michigan Compiled Laws 324.41325, effective 2019-03-21, as of 2026-10-02
Baitfish may be used only on a hook in the water where they were collected, bait may never be released, live bait must come from Michigan-licensed sellers, and a live round goby may not be kept or moved
2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, pp. 10, 11 and 27 (Michigan DNR), effective 2026-04-01, as of 2026-10-02

Ontario (Zone 19)

Anglers who live outside Canada need an Outdoors Card and an Ontario sport or conservation fishing licence at 18 and older, with no exemption at 65, except that a 1-day sport licence needs no card; anglers under 18 may fish without either when with a licensed angler, whose limit then includes their fish
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Recreational fishing licences and fees, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
While fishing, carry your Outdoors Card (not needed with a 1-day licence) and your licence summary unless the licence is printed on the card, and a summary kept on a phone must be the PDF from the licensing service, not a photo or screenshot
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Recreational fishing licences and fees, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
Ontario licences follow the calendar year: a 1-year licence ends on December 31 of its year whenever it was bought, an 8-day licence covers 8 consecutive calendar days, a 1-day licence covers one calendar day from midnight, and an Outdoors Card is valid for 3 calendar years
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Recreational fishing licences and fees, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
2026 fees for non-Canadian residents in Canadian dollars, before 13% HST: Outdoors Card $8.57; 1-day sport $24.86; 8-day sport $54.38; 8-day conservation $31.52; 1-year sport $83.19; 1-year conservation $52.71; 3-year sport $249.57; 3-year conservation $158.13
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Recreational fishing licences and fees, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
Each angler may use only 1 line when fishing from shore, because the 2-line allowance in FMZ 19 applies to boats only
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations (Hooks and lines), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
Each angler may use up to 2 lines when fishing from a boat in open water anywhere in FMZ 19, including Lake Erie
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Fisheries Management Zone 19 (Waterbody exceptions), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
Limits apply to each angler: every fish you keep, eat or give away counts toward your own daily limit, and your possession limit counts all fish you hold anywhere, including in a cooler or freezer
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
From a boat you may keep fishing after reaching the bass limit and swap bass in a livewell, but you may never hold more than 6 bass (sport licence) or 2 bass (conservation licence) at once, the livewell must be part of the boat, hold at least 46 L (12.2 US gal), exchange water and be aerated the whole time, and every bass you release must be fit to survive
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations (Catch and retain rules; Livewell), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
You may take no more than your Ontario limit out of the province, fish must be packed so an officer can count and identify each one (fillets laid flat with a large patch of skin left on), and U.S. law forbids importing fish taken illegally in Canada
Packaging, transporting or exporting fish, as of 2026-10-03
Fish kept anywhere in a water body shared with a state, such as the Ohio or Michigan part of Lake Erie, count toward your Ontario catch and possession limits when you bring them into Ontario
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations (Boundary waters), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
A line may carry no more than 4 hooks, and each single, double or treble hook on a lure counts as 1 hook, so a crankbait with 2 trebles uses 2
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations (Hooks and lines; Hook), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
It is illegal to bring live fish, or any leeches, crayfish or salamanders, into Ontario for use as bait, so live minnows, leeches or crayfish bought in Michigan may not be used in Ontario water
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Bait, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
During a species' closed season you may not fish for it at all, even to release it, and a fish caught by accident must be released at once where it was caught, without holding it for photos or weighing
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations, effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
It is illegal to possess, move or release live round goby, tubenose goby, rudd or ruffe, or to use gobies as bait, so a round goby you catch must be killed, not released
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Invasive species and viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), effective 2026-01-01, as of 2026-10-03
Taking live fish other than baitfish away from the water where they were caught needs an Ontario licence to transport live fish, and a livewell should be drained before the boat leaves that water
Packaging, transporting or exporting fish, as of 2026-10-03

Parks Canada (Point Pelee National Park)

Boats may not come within 100 m of the Tip of Point Pelee, swimming at the Tip is prohibited, and visiting the park beaches by boat needs a day pass bought at the park gate; anchoring off the Tip and swimming ashore can bring a fine of up to CAD 10,000
Parks Canada: Point Pelee National Park, regulations and guidelines, effective 2024-07-02, as of 2026-10-03
Visiting Middle Island, part of Point Pelee National Park, is prohibited from March 1 to September 1; the island has no docks or services (2026-03-01 to 2026-09-01)
Parks Canada: Point Pelee National Park, regulations and guidelines, effective 2024-07-02, as of 2026-10-03
Fishing, including catch and release, is prohibited in all waters within Point Pelee National Park, by order of the Superintendent under section 35(1) of the National Parks Fishing Regulations (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31)
Parks Canada bulletin: Restricted Activity: Fishing, Point Pelee National Park (issued May 19, 2022), effective 2022-05-08, as of 2026-10-03
Recreational fishing in the Point Pelee marsh is prohibited, and only non-motorized boats are allowed in the marsh (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31)
Parks Canada: Point Pelee National Park, regulations and guidelines, effective 2024-07-02, as of 2026-10-03

U.S. Coast Guard (security zones)

The waters around the Enrico Fermi 2 nuclear power station (Michigan) are a security zone: entry is prohibited unless the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Detroit allows it; to transit, call (419) 418-6050 or VHF channel 16 first and follow the instructions given (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31)
33 CFR 165.915, Security zones; Captain of the Port Detroit, effective 2014-01-24, as of 2026-10-03
The waters around the Davis-Besse nuclear power station (Ohio, Locust Point) are a security zone: entry is prohibited unless the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Detroit allows it; to transit, call (419) 418-6050 or VHF channel 16 first and follow the instructions given (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31)
33 CFR 165.915, Security zones; Captain of the Port Detroit, effective 2014-01-24, as of 2026-10-03

U.S. Army (Camp Perry danger zone)

Danger Area I off Camp Perry is a small-arms impact area: during firing announced in special firing notices (authorized 6 am to 6 pm daily) no person or vessel may enter or stay without permission; red flags fly from the Camp Perry safety tower while Area I is in use; the area is open for fishing when no firing is scheduled. The app leaves areas inside Area I out of plans because firing times are not available to it
33 CFR 334.850, Lake Erie, west end, north of Erie Ordnance Depot, Lacarne, Ohio (enforced by the Adjutant General, State of Ohio), as of 2026-10-03
Danger Area II (includes Area I) is an artillery, antiaircraft and automatic weapons impact area: during firing announced in special firing notices (authorized 8 am to 5 pm, weekdays except holidays) no person or vessel may enter or stay without permission; open for navigation and fishing when no firing is scheduled. The app shows a notice for areas inside Area II
33 CFR 334.850, Lake Erie, west end, north of Erie Ordnance Depot, Lacarne, Ohio (enforced by the Adjutant General, State of Ohio), as of 2026-10-03

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (West Sister Island)

West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge (82 acres, wilderness since 1975) is closed to all access to protect a nesting colony of wading birds: do not land; the page gives no rule for the surrounding water
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge, as of 2026-10-03

Canada Border Services Agency (entering Canada)

A boater who enters Canadian waters does not need to report to the CBSA if the boat does not land, anchor, moor, come alongside another boat, or take on or drop off people or goods in Canada, and leaves Canadian waters directly; any of those acts requires an immediate report.
CBSA: The CBSA reminds private boaters of reporting requirements (news release), effective 2026-04-27, as of 2026-10-03
To report, go directly to a CBSA telephone reporting site and call the Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-888-226-7277, or report in person at an open designated marine reporting site; if everyone aboard holds NEXUS, call 1-866-996-3987 30 min to 4 h before arrival.
CBSA: Reporting requirements for private boat operators, effective 2026-03-13, as of 2026-10-03
Failing to report to the CBSA carries a minimum fine of CAD 1,000 and can lead to detention, seizure or forfeiture of the boat.
CBSA: The CBSA reminds private boaters of reporting requirements (news release), effective 2026-04-27, as of 2026-10-03
Even when no report is needed, everyone aboard should carry a passport or NEXUS card, and restricted or prohibited goods aboard, including firearms and cannabis, must be reported to the CBSA.
CBSA: Travellers Reporting Exceptions, effective 2018-07-25, as of 2026-10-03

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (returning)

A U.S. boat that enters Canadian waters and returns without touching Canadian soil, without contact with a foreign vessel and without receiving goods does not report to CBP; otherwise the operator must report the arrival to CBP immediately on landing.
CBP: Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements, effective 2024-03-04, as of 2026-10-03
Report a U.S. arrival from Canada with the free CBP ROAM app right after landing, or by the designated telephone reporting numbers; on the Ohio shore the CBP appointment location for inspections and boater interviews is Port Clinton, 709 SE Catawba Rd., telephone (419) 732-4400, Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
CBP: Ohio pleasure boat reporting locations, effective 2025-09-29, as of 2026-10-03
Report the arrival with the free CBP ROAM app right after landing in the U.S.; NEXUS, I-68 or Verified Traveler holders may call (313) 393-3949 in the Detroit and Lake St. Clair area or (810) 985-9972 in the Port Huron and Algonac area; others may report in person at a CBP location such as Metro Beach (Lake St. Clair Metropark).
CBP: Michigan pleasure boat reporting locations, effective 2025-09-29, as of 2026-10-03
Failing to report to CBP can bring a civil penalty of USD 5,000 for a first violation and USD 10,000 for each later one, and the boat can be seized and forfeited.
CBP: Pleasure Boat Reporting Rules for Michigan Waterways with Canada, effective 2014-05-09, as of 2026-10-03

Sources

Ohio: 2026-27 Ohio Fishing Regulations, general and Ohio River regulations, effective 2026-03-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Michigan: Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-215.23A, statewide warmwater regulations; 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, effective 2023-09-15, last verified 2026-10-03
Michigan: 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, pp. 9 and 11 (Michigan DNR), effective 2026-04-01, last verified 2026-10-02
Michigan: Michigan DNR: fishing and hunting license information, last verified 2026-10-02
Michigan: Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-248.25, possession limits for fish, effective 2025-09-11, last verified 2026-10-02
Michigan: Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-218.26, gear restrictions for fishing, effective 2026-04-01, last verified 2026-10-02
Michigan: Michigan Compiled Laws 324.41325, effective 2019-03-21, last verified 2026-10-02
Ontario (Zone 19): Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Fisheries Management Zone 19 (Waterbody exceptions), effective 2026-01-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19): Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: General fishing regulations (Boundary waters), effective 2026-01-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19): Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Bait, effective 2026-01-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19): Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Invasive species and viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), effective 2026-01-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19): Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary 2026: Recreational fishing licences and fees, effective 2026-01-01, last verified 2026-10-03
Ontario (Zone 19): Packaging, transporting or exporting fish, last verified 2026-10-03
Parks Canada (Point Pelee National Park): Parks Canada bulletin: Restricted Activity: Fishing, Point Pelee National Park (issued May 19, 2022), effective 2022-05-08, last verified 2026-10-03
Parks Canada (Point Pelee National Park): Parks Canada: Point Pelee National Park, regulations and guidelines, effective 2024-07-02, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Coast Guard (security zones): 33 CFR 165.915, Security zones; Captain of the Port Detroit, effective 2014-01-24, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Army (Camp Perry danger zone): 33 CFR 334.850, Lake Erie, west end, north of Erie Ordnance Depot, Lacarne, Ohio (enforced by the Adjutant General, State of Ohio), last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (West Sister Island): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge, last verified 2026-10-03
Canada Border Services Agency (entering Canada): CBSA: The CBSA reminds private boaters of reporting requirements (news release), effective 2026-04-27, last verified 2026-10-03
Canada Border Services Agency (entering Canada): CBSA: Reporting requirements for private boat operators, effective 2026-03-13, last verified 2026-10-03
Canada Border Services Agency (entering Canada): CBSA: Travellers Reporting Exceptions, effective 2018-07-25, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (returning): CBP: Pleasure Boat Reporting Requirements, effective 2024-03-04, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (returning): CBP: Ohio pleasure boat reporting locations, effective 2025-09-29, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (returning): CBP: Michigan pleasure boat reporting locations, effective 2025-09-29, last verified 2026-10-03
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (returning): CBP: Pleasure Boat Reporting Rules for Michigan Waterways with Canada, effective 2014-05-09, last verified 2026-10-03