Downriver Walleye Federation
Southeast Michigan’s Premier Walleye Fishing Club!
News & Notes
New Proposed Legislation Has Sportfishermen Throughtout The State Up In Arms
May 25th, 2026, To the surprise of the Michigan DNR and sportfishing groups and individuals around the State, a pair of “Tie-Barred” Bills were introduced into the MI State House of Representatives on April 16th, 2026. The Bills – HB 5801 and HP 5802 – are intended to “update and modernize” the commercial fishing regulations on the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes. A move that many feel is long overdue! But the fact that the language in the proposed Bills includes provisions for adding Lake Trout, Walleye and Yellow Perch to the list of species that could be commercially targeted set off a firestorm of opposition. For a bit more detail on the Bills and where things stand click HERE to view a PDF document.
DWF Sends Letters Of Opposition To HB 5801 and 5802
May 19th, 2026, The DWF submitted letters of opposition to the Michigan DNR and to the Michigan Anglers Consortium prior to the May 20th Committee Hearing in Lansing. The letters were signed by Club President Terry Pickard and extended the Club’s majority view that these two bills, as currently written, should not be signed into law. To see a copy of the letter, click HERE.
MUCC Shutting Down After Nearly 90 Years
May 4th, 2026, The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is being dissolved. They are expected to cease operations by Mid June of this year. The MUCC has been a huge presence on the Michigan outdoor landscape for nearly 90 years. Click HERE to read the announcement.
The DWF Has Endorsed Michigan House Bill (HB) 5093
April 28th, 2026, Following a straw pole vote at the 4/20 DWF Membership meeting and a formal vote at the 4/27 DWF Board of Directors Meeting, the DWF has added their endorsement to a long list of supporters backing the advancement of HB 5093.
This Bill is being spearheaded by the Great Lakes Salmon Initiative (GLSI) – Ed Blissick, President. It addresses primarily fishing license fees and regulations affecting fishing license fees in the State of Michigan. The purpose of the Bill is to reinstate fiscal viability to the Michigan DNR, Fisheries Division after many years of declining revenues. Click Here for more details about the Bill.
Online Tournament Registration Is Now Available!
March 13, 2026, As of today, you can now register for DWF Tournaments online and pay with a credit card. Visit our “Tournaments” page for all the details. You can go also directly to the “Tournament Sign Up” page from there, or you’ll find a drop down link below the “Tournaments” link in the main menu.
If you prefer the more traditional approach, you can also print out the paper registration form from either of the Tournaments pages. This form can be mailed in with a check, turned in with cash or check at the Bait and Tackle Box on Jefferson in Trenton, or turned in directly to the Tournament Director (Dan Porter) with the payment.
Full details and supporting documents are now available on our “Tournaments” page. Go check it out!
A Fish Cleaning Station May Be Coming To The Lake Erie Metro Park Boat Launch!
February, 2026, The Huron Clinton Metroparks has developed a proposal for adding a comprehensive fish cleaning station to the boat ramp area of the Lake Erie Metropark. The proposal (click the link below for more of the proposed details) is now in the approval and funding stages from what we understand.
The Downriver Walleye Federation (DWF) has submitted a formal letter of support to Huron Clinton Metroparks to be included in the pending grant applications.
To view a copy of the preliminary site proposal; CLICK HERE!