Anglers have been tracking catches of steelhead with and without fin clips. Most stocked steelhead in Michigan rivers now have an adipose fin clip, but some do not.
Survey results suggest that catch-and-release anglers are in favor of a one-fish limit while those who keep their catch prefer a higher limit, but the biological impact of a harvest reduction is somewhat unclear.
The pandemic hit Michigan fishing guides hard in 2020, but many businesses had recovered by summer 2021. With outdoor recreation gaining in popularity, concerns now center on issues related to overcrowding.
Licensing and reporting requirements are different for charter captains and fishing guides in Michigan. This makes for a lower barrier to entry for fishing guides, but also leads to safety concerns and gaps in our understanding of river fisheries.