ESCANABA — With the current restrictions in place due to the spread of COVID-19, local anglers may be questioning if fishing is something that is even possible, but there’s good news for them.

Despite social distancing and stay-at-home orders, inland trout season will open as planned Saturday.

However, there are a few ground rules any participants should be aware of. Currently under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s orders, motorized boating is not permitted. Canoes, kayaks and similar, unpowered craft are permitted, however.

Social distancing is still necessary, so the DNR recommends not congregating in groups and fishing close to home as some amenities are currently closed. DNR boating access sites are currently open, but restrooms and fish cleaning stations are closed.

Upper Peninsula anglers can expect to encounter cold, high waters for Saturday’s opener. Snow coverage remains in many areas, limiting access to inland waterways. Many inland lakes also remain mostly ice-covered.

Various early DNR reports from Iron, Luce and Alger counties reported lakes remaining frozen, and many smaller waterways are stymied or blocked due to the large storm in late November that toppled and bent small trees into those waterways.

However, a mild winter and higher than average precipitation leading into fall and winter was beneficial for local fish populations.

Steelhead runs are underway in Great Lakes tributaries, and smelt runs are expected within the next few weeks.

Inland trout season remains open through September 30.

Anglers looking for a new spot to fish can check out the DNR’s interactive map ‘Trout Trails’ on its website. It includes information on hundreds of locations including descriptions, photos and other local points of interest.

For more information, visit michigan.gov/DNR.