Nets of the Great Lakes

Commercial fishing is an active industry in Michigan waters, feeding Michiganders with fresh, local, and sustainable wild-caught fish. Gill nets and trap nets are active in Great Lakes waters to catch fish for food and fisheries research. Many fish harvested this way become fresh, healthy, and sustainable food for our local communities. 

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Look for orange: Gill nets

  • Gill nets are active in Great Lakes waters to catch fish for food and fisheries research. Many fish harvested this way become fresh, healthy, and sustainable food for our local communities.
  • Orange markers (flags, jugs, or buoys) indicate nets below surface. They typically mark the end of a net and anchored line, which can be dangerous if snagged. 

Stay Safe

  • Pull gear off bottom, TURN AWAY from visible marker, and navigate out of the area: 
    • If additional markers are visible, DO NOT pass between them. Give a wide berth. 
    • Additional markers could be out of sight. Waves, glare, fog, or low light limit visibility.
  • Stay mindful in surrounding waters for more nets or floating ropes. Give a wide berth. 

If you get tangled

  • Put boat in neutral or turn off engine if prop is tangled. 
  • Cut yourself free using wire cutters. Label fishing gear to be returned to you.
  • Mark location on GPS. Attach buoy or jug to mark net for officials. Leave net in water.
  • Report GPS coordinates to agencies:
    • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Hotline: (800) 292 – 7800
    • Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC): (715) 685 – 2113
    • Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA): (906) 632 – 0043

Look for orange: Trap nets

  • Commercial fishing is an active industry in Michigan waters, feeding Michiganders with fresh, local, and sustainable wild-caught fish.
  • Orange flags indicate trap nets below surface. Nets can cover 1+ acres on lake bottom and can be dangerous if snagged.
  • Single flag marks shallower end of net near shore. Double flag marks deeper end farther from shore.

Stay safe

  • Pull gear off bottom, TURN AWAY from visible marker, and navigate out of the area: 
    • If additional flags are visible, DO NOT pass between markers. Give a wide berth. 
    • Additional flags could be out of sight. Waves, glare, fog, or low light also limit visibility.
  • Stay mindful in surrounding waters for more nets or floating ropes. Give a wide berth. 

If you get tangled

  • Put boat in neutral or turn off engine if prop is tangled. 
  • Cut yourself free using wire cutters. Label fishing gear to be returned to you.
  • Mark location on GPS. Attach buoy or jug to mark net for officials. Leave net in water.
  • Report GPS coordinates to agencies:
    • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Hotline: (800) 292 – 7800
    • Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC): (715) 685 – 2113
    • Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA): (906) 632 – 0043