Regulations, Lake St. Clair
Summary only. Check the official regulations before fishing.
Status on Fri, Oct 2
- Smallmouth bass, Michigan: Open. From 2027-01-01: catch and release only.
- Largemouth bass, Michigan: Open. From 2027-01-01: catch and release only.
- Smallmouth bass, Ontario (Zone 19): Open. From 2026-12-01: closed.
- Largemouth bass, Ontario (Zone 19): Open. From 2026-12-01: closed.
- All fishing, Walpole Island First Nation: Closed. From 2027-06-21: open.
Smallmouth bass
| Jurisdiction | Season 2026 | Limits | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 2026-06-20 to 2026-12-31 | 5 a day, at least 14 in | Possession season third Saturday in June to Dec 31; catch-and-immediate-release allowed all year; minimum size 14 in; 5 per day in any combination of bass Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-215.22, as of 2026-09-30 |
| Ontario (Zone 19) | 2026-06-27 to 2026-11-30 | sport licence 6 a day, conservation licence 2 a day | Fourth Saturday in June to Nov 30; Sport licence 6 per day; Conservation licence 2 per day (bass combined) Ontario fishing regulations summary: Zone 19, as of 2026-09-30 |
Largemouth bass
| Jurisdiction | Season 2026 | Limits | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 2026-06-20 to 2026-12-31 | 5 a day, at least 14 in | Possession season third Saturday in June to Dec 31; catch-and-immediate-release allowed all year; minimum size 14 in; 5 per day in any combination of bass Michigan DNR Fisheries Order FO-215.22, as of 2026-09-30 |
| Ontario (Zone 19) | 2026-06-27 to 2026-11-30 | sport licence 6 a day, conservation licence 2 a day | Fourth Saturday in June to Nov 30; Sport licence 6 per day; Conservation licence 2 per day (bass combined) Ontario fishing regulations summary: Zone 19, as of 2026-09-30 |
General rules
Non-member fishing licences are sold for June 21 to Sept 14 only. A pleasure craft licence is required in all Walpole Island territory.
- Michigan: Michigan fishing license required (non-resident options sold by Michigan DNR)
Michigan DNR, as of 2026-09-30 - Ontario (Zone 19): Two lines may be used when angling from a boat in open water
Ontario fishing regulations summary: Zone 19, as of 2026-09-30 - Ontario (Zone 19): Non-resident fees (HST included): 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
Ontario fishing licence fees for non-Canadian residents, as of 2026-09-30 - Walpole Island First Nation: Non-member fishing licence season June 21 to Sept 14 (no non-member fishing in October); boat fishing needs both the fishing permit and the pleasure craft licence (2026-06-21 to 2026-09-14)
Walpole Island First Nation: hunting and fishing, as of 2026-09-30 - Walpole Island First Nation: Pleasure craft licence required in all Walpole Island territory, Apr 1 to Dec 31, fishing or not: $20 day, $50 week, $200 season (2026-04-01 to 2026-12-31)
Walpole Island First Nation: hunting and fishing, as of 2026-09-30 - Canada Border Services Agency: No report needed if you enter Canadian waters for a day and make no stops; you must report if you land, anchor, moor or come alongside another boat; Telephone Reporting Centre 1-888-226-7277; minimum fine $1,000 for failing to report
CBSA reminds private boaters of reporting requirements, as of 2026-09-30 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection: U.S. boaters need not report if they made no contact with foreign soil or a foreign vessel and received no merchandise
CBP: U.S. recreational vessel and fisherman clearance procedures, as of 2026-09-30