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MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Michigan's 2011 fishing season begins in just a month, and this year anglers will notice some changes.

In the 2011 Michigan Fishing Guide, released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, there are many changes highlighted, but only a few really impact fishermen in the Upper Peninsula.

One of the most notable changes is the possession limit.  In previous years, an angler was limited to the daily possession plus one other day's possession on you.

"We identified that people who are traveling for a fishing trip would like to be able to keep more fish, so we decided to change the possession limit to a three daily bag limit," said DNRE Communications Representative Debbie Munson Badini.

That means that, in addition to the daily limit, a fisherman may have two more daily limits on him if the fish is frozen, cured, smoked or canned.

"This should help people who are having a successful fishing trip to be able to keep on fishing without worrying about having to eat the fish they've already caught, and they can bring more home with them," Munson Badini added.

The possession limit change becomes official on March 10 when the Natural Resources Commission approves it.

"Another change in the Upper Peninsula this year is expanded fishing opportunities on Cooks Run in Iron County and the Fox River in Schoolcraft County.  Previously, these rivers were not open to trout fishing during the winter season," Munson Badini said.

Cooks Run and the Fox River will both be open from October 1 through the Friday before the last Saturday in April.  These two waterways have gear restriction of flies only during those winter months.

"We hope to see anglers taking advantage of the new fishing opportunities in the winter,"  Munson Badini said.

You can get a copy of the 2011 fishing regulations when you purchase your 2011 fishing license.