Bowfishing Laws in Michigan: Species, Licenses, Equipment, and Where You Can Fish
June 6, 2026
Bowfishing in Michigan is a legitimate and popular pursuit — the state’s thousands of inland lakes, connecting rivers, and Great Lakes shoreline give you an enormous range of water to work with. But the regulations that govern it are more layered than many anglers expect, covering which species you can legally shoot, where your bow is allowed, what your gear must look like, and whether you can run lights after dark.
Getting these details wrong isn’t just a bureaucratic inconvenience. Michigan Conservation Officers enforce bowfishing rules the same way they enforce any other fishing regulation, and violations can result in fines, license suspension, or gear seizure. Whether you’re targeting carp on a shallow inland flat or planning a night run on a river system, this guide walks you through everything the Michigan DNR requires under the regulations currently in effect.
Pro Tip: Michigan’s fishing regulations run April 1 through March 31 of the following year. The rules outlined here reflect the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, which are in effect from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Always verify current rules at Michigan.gov/DNR before heading out.
Is Bowfishing Legal in Michigan
Yes, bowfishing is legal in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources explicitly authorizes the use of bow and arrow as a legal gear type for taking fish, alongside spears and crossbows, under the state’s Bow and Spear Fishing Regulations. The seasons, gear, waters, and species where a spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used are indicated in the DNR’s regulations table, with spearing gear limited to hand-propelled, rubber-propelled, and spring-propelled spears, and bow and arrow and crossbow also permitted.
That said, “legal” comes with significant conditions. Bowfishing is not a free-for-all on any water, for any fish, at any time. Michigan has specific regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of its fish population, including restrictions on seasons, bag limits, and equipment. The core framework limits bowfishing to non-game rough fish in most contexts, restricts access on designated trout waters, and applies location-specific rules that vary by county and water body.
If you also pursue game with archery equipment during hunting seasons, it’s worth reviewing bow hunting laws in Michigan separately — the licensing and equipment rules for hunting and bowfishing are governed by different regulatory frameworks.
Important Note: Anglers should contact local enforcement offices for information concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or crossbow in some locations. Fishing in any manner other than hook-and-line is also prohibited in National Park sites.
What Fish Can You Bowfish for in Michigan
Michigan’s bowfishing regulations are built around a species-specific approval model. You are permitted to bowfish for rough fish and certain non-game species year-round on most open waters, while game fish are protected from bowfishing in the vast majority of situations.
Designated trout streams are open to the use of spearing gear from April 1 through May 31 for taking Bowfin, Bullheads, Burbot, Carp, Catfish, Drum, Longnose Gar, Gizzard Shad, Goldfish, Grass Carp, Cisco (Lake Herring), Smelt, Suckers, and Whitefish. On general open waters outside designated trout streams, these same species are available year-round by bow and arrow.
The term “suckers” in the regulations refers to suckers (longnose, white, northern hog, spotted), redhorse (silver, golden, black, greater, shorthead), buffalo (bigmouth, black), Lake Chubsucker, and Quillback Carpsucker. This is a broader category than many bowfishers realize, so it’s worth knowing exactly which fish fall under that umbrella.
| Species | Bowfishing Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Carp | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Grass Carp | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Longnose Gar | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Bowfin (Dogfish) | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Suckers (all types) | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Catfish | Legal (size limits apply) | Must meet legal size minimums |
| Drum (Sheepshead) | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Gizzard Shad | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Goldfish | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Bullheads | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Burbot | Legal | Year-round on open waters |
| Northern Pike | Restricted | Hook-and-line only in many waters |
| Muskellunge | Prohibited (most waters) | Hook-and-line only statewide in key waters |
| Walleye | Prohibited | Game fish — not legal for bowfishing |
| Bass (all species) | Prohibited | Game fish — not legal for bowfishing |
| Lake Trout / Splake | Prohibited | Protected species |
It is unlawful to fish by any means other than hook-and-line for Northern Pike or Muskellunge in certain waters, including restrictions in St. Joseph County from April 1 through June 15, inclusive. It is also unlawful to fish for Muskellunge by any means other than hook and line in Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and the St. Clair River.
Common Mistake: Catfish occupy a unique middle ground — they are considered a game species in Michigan but can still be taken by bow. Catfish are considered a game species but can still be shot. They must be over the legal size limit. Don’t assume that all rough fish are size-limit-free — check the current regulations digest for each species before you shoot.
A special provision applies in Macomb, St. Clair, and Wayne Counties: a hand-propelled spear or bow and arrow or crossbow may be used to harvest Yellow Perch from December 1 through March 15. This is a location-specific exception that does not apply statewide.
Bowfishing License Requirements in Michigan
Bowfishing in Michigan operates under the standard fishing license framework — you do not need a separate hunting license or a dedicated bowfishing permit beyond what a regular fishing license covers.
A license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and reptiles in public waters of the state. If you are 17 years of age or older and fish in Michigan, you must purchase a fishing license. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations.
As of April 2026, an annual fishing license for Michigan residents costs $26. The cost is $76 for non-Michigan residents. Licenses can be purchased in stores or online. You can also buy your license directly through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and display it on your phone when a Conservation Officer requests it.
Your annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. If you’re turning 17 at any point during the current season, you’ll need to purchase a license for that entire season.
Key Insight: Underwater spearfishing opportunities have expanded to additional Great Lakes waters for the 2026 season, though some areas remain excluded. While anglers no longer need to submit monthly reports for underwater spearfishing, they are still required to obtain a free spearfishing license. Standard bow-and-arrow bowfishing does not require this separate license — it falls under the regular fishing license.
Several exemptions apply to license requirements. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your fishing license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. Fishing license fees are also waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability — a resident veteran with a disability is eligible to obtain a fishing license free of charge if they have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service.
When fishing, you must carry your license and the identification used to purchase that license and exhibit both upon request of a Michigan Conservation Officer, a Tribal Conservation Officer, or any law enforcement officer. The Michigan DNR has an electronic license that allows an individual to display a copy of the fishing license using a smartphone or similar device.
Legal Bowfishing Equipment in Michigan
Michigan’s regulations define what gear is permissible for bowfishing and impose specific restrictions on how certain equipment must be used. Understanding these rules before you rig up prevents violations that can be easy to overlook.
Bows: Compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are all legal for bowfishing in Michigan. Crossbows are also explicitly authorized under the same Bow and Spear Fishing regulations. Spearing gear is limited to hand-propelled, rubber-propelled, and spring-propelled spears, and in addition, bow and arrow and crossbow may be used.
Arrows: Bowfishing arrows must be attached to a retrieval line — this is both a practical necessity and a regulatory expectation. The arrow must remain under your control after the shot. There is no state-mandated tip style for bow-and-arrow bowfishing in the standard regulations, though barbed tips are the functional standard for fish retrieval.
Spear-specific rules: It is unlawful to use a rubber-propelled spear or a spring-propelled spear without being submerged, and the spear must be attached to a line not exceeding twenty feet in length. This restriction applies to spear types, not to bow-and-arrow equipment specifically, but it’s relevant if you combine gear methods on the same outing.
Artificial lights: Artificial lights may be used in conjunction with bowfishing and spearing activities. This is a significant green light for night bowfishing operations — Michigan explicitly permits the use of lights, which is not the case in every state.
- Compound bows, recurve bows, longbows, and crossbows are all legal
- Arrows must be attached to a retrieval line
- Artificial lights are permitted during bowfishing
- Rubber-propelled and spring-propelled spears require submersion and a line no longer than 20 feet
- No separate bowfishing-specific gear permit is required beyond a standard fishing license
Pro Tip: Anglers should contact local enforcement offices for information concerning local weapons ordinances banning the use of bow and arrow or crossbow in some locations. Municipal or township ordinances can restrict archery equipment discharge even where state law permits it — always check local rules before shooting near populated areas or public access sites.
If you want to understand how Michigan’s archery equipment standards compare to those used for hunting, the bow hunting laws in Michigan article covers draw weight minimums, broadhead requirements, and transport rules that apply specifically to hunting contexts. Those rules do not carry over to bowfishing, which is governed solely by the fishing regulations.
Where You Can and Cannot Bowfish in Michigan
Michigan offers an extensive range of legal bowfishing water, but certain water types carry hard restrictions that you need to know before you launch.
Open waters (year-round): Most inland lakes, rivers, and the Great Lakes are open to bowfishing for legal species year-round, subject to the species and seasonal exceptions described in the regulations. Bowfishing with spear, bow and arrow, or crossbow is open all year on all waters except designated trout lakes, designated trout streams, and Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters.
Designated trout waters: This is the most important restriction for inland bowfishers. You must stay away from all designated trout streams with a bow and/or spear — it is illegal. However, there is an important nuance: certain designated trout streams are open to the use of spearing gear from April 1 through May 31 for taking specific rough fish species, including Bowfin, Bullheads, Burbot, Carp, Catfish, Drum, Longnose Gar, Gizzard Shad, Goldfish, Grass Carp, Cisco, Smelt, Suckers, and Whitefish. These stream-specific exceptions are listed by county in the DNR’s Fisheries Order 219.
Great Lakes and connecting waters: The Great Lakes are generally open to bowfishing year-round for legal species. Michigan boasts a plethora of fantastic bowfishing spots ranging from its Great Lakes to its rivers and inland lakes. The Great Lakes offer a vast expanse of water providing ample opportunities for bowfishing, and Lake St. Clair is particularly renowned for its bowfishing potential, with a thriving population of carp, gar, and other species.
Seasonal closures on specific waters: It is unlawful to take or attempt to take any species of fish with spearing gear or gaff hook from April 1 through June 15 from certain Cheboygan County waters, including the Black River, Cheboygan River, and Indian River.
Port restrictions (November): It is unlawful to fish by any means other than hook-and-line or to possess bow and spearing gear in certain waters from November 1 through November 30, including at the port of Muskegon and the port of Whitehall/Montague, as well as the port of Grand Haven from the westernmost pier head extending into Lake Michigan to the US-31 bridge.
National Park sites: Fishing in any manner other than hook-and-line is prohibited in National Park sites. This includes areas like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — bowfishing is not permitted within these boundaries.
| Water Type | Bowfishing Allowed? | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| General inland lakes | Yes | Year-round for legal species |
| General rivers/streams | Yes | Year-round unless designated trout water |
| Great Lakes | Yes | Year-round; some port restrictions Nov. 1–30 |
| Designated trout lakes | No (general rule) | Closed to bowfishing |
| Designated trout streams | Limited | Some open April 1–May 31 for rough fish (listed by county) |
| National Park sites | No | Hook-and-line only |
| MI-WI boundary waters | No (general rule) | Excluded from standard bow/spear seasons |
| Specific Cheboygan Co. waters | No (Apr. 1–Jun. 15) | Seasonal closure on Black R., Cheboygan R., Indian R. |
Michigan’s other animal and land-use laws can also affect where you access water for bowfishing. If you’re crossing private land to reach a river or lake, Michigan’s recreational trespass laws apply, and written landowner permission is required where public access is not established. You can also check coyote hunting laws in Michigan if you’re planning a multi-activity outing on public land, as land-use rules can overlap.
Night Bowfishing Rules in Michigan
Night bowfishing is one of the most popular ways to pursue carp, gar, and other rough fish in Michigan, and the good news is that Michigan explicitly allows it on most open waters.
The key regulatory permission is straightforward: artificial lights may be used during bowfishing and spearing activities. This means you can legally run boat-mounted LED arrays, spotlights, or other lighting systems to illuminate shallow water while shooting at night — a practice that is restricted or prohibited in several neighboring states.
There is no general statewide curfew on bowfishing hours for bow-and-arrow equipment on open waters. This contrasts with underwater spearfishing, which carries its own nighttime restriction: underwater spearfishing is prohibited daily from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. That prohibition applies specifically to underwater spearfishing, not to surface-based bowfishing with a bow and arrow.
Important Note: The November 1–30 port restrictions discussed in the previous section apply at night as well as during the day. It is unlawful to fish by any means other than hook-and-line or to possess bow and spearing gear in certain waters from November 1 through November 30, including the ports of Muskegon and Whitehall/Montague. Running lights on your boat doesn’t change that restriction.
Practical considerations for night bowfishing in Michigan:
- Artificial lights are explicitly permitted — boat-mounted LED rigs are legal
- Bow-and-arrow bowfishing has no general nighttime hour restriction on open waters
- Underwater spearfishing is prohibited from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
- November port closures apply around the clock, including at night
- Local weapons ordinances may restrict archery equipment discharge after certain hours — check with your township or municipality
- All standard boating safety rules apply at night, including required navigation lights
Spring and early summer nights are peak season for night bowfishing in Michigan. Lakes and rivers are teeming with fish, and the longer days provide ample opportunity for evening and nighttime bowfishing adventures. Carp in particular become highly visible in shallow water during spawning runs, making them easy targets under bright boat lights.
Saltwater Bowfishing Rules in Michigan
Michigan is a landlocked state with no ocean coastline, so there is no saltwater bowfishing in the traditional sense. However, Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie — and these freshwater bodies are managed under their own set of regulations that differ from inland lake rules in meaningful ways.
Michigan manages Great Lakes and inland freshwater fisheries, with rules differing between lakes, connecting waters, rivers, and border waters. Named lakes and rivers often have special regulations beyond statewide defaults, and border waters with neighboring states or provinces may add more rules.
For bowfishing purposes, the Great Lakes are generally open year-round for legal species, making them some of the most accessible bowfishing water in the state. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan offer exciting bowfishing prospects, but you should check local regulations and restrictions before embarking on a Great Lakes bowfishing adventure.
The Great Lakes connecting waters — including the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River — carry specific restrictions worth noting. It is unlawful to fish for Muskellunge by any means other than hook and line in Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and the St. Clair River. These are critical waters to know before bowfishing, since muskellunge are present in these systems and shooting one would be a serious violation.
Key Insight: Michigan manages Great Lakes and inland freshwater fisheries with rules that differ between lakes, connecting waters, rivers, and border waters. Named lakes and rivers often have special regulations beyond statewide defaults, and border waters with neighboring states or provinces may add more rules. Always match the species, water body, and date you plan to fish to the correct regulation table.
Border water awareness is especially important for Great Lakes bowfishers. Border water awareness can matter around the St. Marys River, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair connections, and other places where international or interstate context becomes part of the trip. If you’re bowfishing near the Michigan-Wisconsin or Michigan-Indiana border on the Great Lakes, the applicable rules may differ from standard Michigan inland regulations.
For context on how Michigan’s broader animal and wildlife laws are structured, you may also find the animal cruelty laws in Michigan and pet laws in Michigan resources useful if you’re navigating the full scope of the state’s wildlife regulatory framework. For those interested in other Michigan-specific outdoor activity rules, the brucellosis laws in Michigan page covers disease management regulations that affect hunters and wildlife managers across the state.
The bottom line on Great Lakes bowfishing: treat each basin and connecting water as its own regulatory zone. The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations are in effect until March 31, 2027. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders on the Michigan DNR’s official website, where water-specific tables are updated each season.