How to Join the Black Lake Sturgeon Fishing Experience

The biggest fish you can catch in Michigan is the lake sturgeon. One of the best places to enjoy the experience is on the ice at Black Lake, and you can be a part of it.

Michigan's Largest Fish

Michigan has many fishing opportunities for anglers with a huge variety of fish to catch. There is one fish that towers above them all, and that is the lake sturgeon.

If you are unfamiliar with a lake sturgeon and happen to see one, you might think you have seen a prehistoric-looking fish. Sturgeon are kind of dinosaur-like fish that can live to over 100 years old and some reach 7 to 12 feet long and weight over 200 pounds.

The biggest fish ever caught in Michigan, and the state record, is a 193-pound lake sturgeon. The sturgeon was caught in Cheboygan County on Mullett Lake in 1974.

Read More: Should Michigan's Lake Sturgeon Be An Endangered Species?

A much larger sturgeon was caught by the Department of Natural Resources during a fishing survey. In 2021, the DNR netted a 240-pound sturgeon in the Detroit River.

Black Lake Sturgeon Fishing: How to Be Part of It

Each year in Michigan, Black Lake in Cheboygan, hosts an annual sturgeon fishing contest. The 2026 contest will be on February 7 at 8 a.m. but anglers must be registered online to participate and if 17 or older, must have a valid Michigan fishing license.

This is one time where you leave the fishing pole at home in exchange for a spear. The season lasts from February 8 through 11 with fishing hours being between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Only six fish can be harvested which equates to one fish per angler, but once a sixth fish is speared the season is over. Last year the season only lasted 17 minutes, so it's important to be ready at 8 a.m.

According to the DNR, anyone who wants to participate must register online by close of business Friday, February 6. Get registration and season information here.

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If you would like to see some footage from last year's sturgeon event on Black Lake, watch the video below:

👇BELOW: Different Types Of Sturgeon Around The World👇