Is Catfish Noodling Illegal In Michigan?

I've seen plenty of YouTube videos of guys and gals noodling catfish, but it's usually down South. Is catfish noodling legal or illegal in Michigan? Let's find out.

Catfish Noodling

Catfish noodling, or hand-fishing, is a technique where anglers catch catfish using only their hands. This often involves reaching into underwater holes or logs where catfish are hiding and pulling them out by the mouth or gills, sometimes after being bitten.

Lots of catfish noodlers do this when the fish are spawning and are guarding their nests. The catfish are much easier to find and very aggressive during this time. To get the fish to bite, the noodlers will wiggle their fingers or make other movements to entice the fish. Some noodlers keep the fish, but most release them since they are so big and old.

If you are thinking of trying catfish noodling, you should know that this can be dangerous. Catfish get huge, especially down south, and can be powerful and even pull an angler underwater. Aside from being exposed to catfish bites and scratches, an angler has to be aware of snakes, beavers, and snapping turtles that can be present in the same areas where catfish hide.

Read More: Michigan Anglers Believe They Know Why Smallmouth Bass are Huge

Is Catfish Noodling Legal In Michigan? Here's The Answer

Michigan does have some big catfish in its rivers and the Great Lakes. The Michigan state record for a flathead catfish is 53.35 pounds and was caught with a fishing pole in the St. Joe River on May 29, 2022.

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In Michigan's fishing rules, the law prohibits taking any fish by any means other than hook and line (except for certain exceptions like spearing). So, if you want to catfish noodle in Michigan, the only place to do it legally is at Catfish Acres in Litchfield, which is a privately owned pond where you pay to noodle. Other than that, it is rod and reel only for Michigan's catfish.

👇BELOW: Michigan Fishing: 1900-1943👇