UPDATE 2/2/24 9:10 a.m.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the cancellation of the 2024 Black Lake sturgeon season, which was scheduled to start Saturday, Feb. 3.
With the current ice conditions, there’s concern over safety and the ability to track harvests.
“In addition to protecting the lake sturgeon population, the safety of anglers and staff is critically important,” said Randy Claramunt, DNR Fisheries chief. “We encourage all anglers across Michigan to use extreme caution while on the ice, as we have been experiencing above-average temperatures.”
This is the first time the Black Lake sturgeon season has been canceled. It is too soon to determine whether this cancellation will influence the harvest limit next year.
2/1/24 6:30 p.m.
People will have the unique opportunity this weekend in Cheboygan County to harvest one of michigan’s most prehistoric fish, the lake sturgeon.
You can head out to Black Lake from Saturday to Wednesday, but you’ll probably want to get there sooner than later. Only six sturgeon can be claimed during the season, or five if they’re all caught on the same day.
RELATED: 2023 Black Lake sturgeon season ends in just 65 minutes
Anglers have to register by Friday, Feb. 2 and must have a valid Michigan fishing license. Fishing hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Due to poor ice conditions, there will be limited DNR personnel on the ice. Anglers who harvest a fish will need to immediately call 231-340-0753 to report their harvest.
