Evan Petzold

Special to Detroit Free Press

When Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a “stay home” executive order Monday in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, residents in the state were told to stay inside for all but a few circumstances.

One of those conditions was outdoor activity. State parks now serve as a key resource of outdoor exercise and fresh air during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although social gatherings, including camping and using playground equipment are not allowed, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to practice social distancing, especially when fishing.

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Michigan DNR chief of parks and recreation Ron Olson said there has been an increase of people fishing in a time where unemployment claims have surged.

If they and outdoor enthusiasts do not follow social distancing protocols, restrictions could be implemented.

“If we still see that persisting over and over again,” Olson said, “it could result in curtailing more access, including closing the parks ...

“Fishing and hunting are still allowable activities. We’re just telling people to be responsible. If you’re sick or ill, don’t go out.”

At this time of year, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River are popular with those in southeast Michigan looking for walleye and steelhead trout. Other locations around the state considered "hot spots" by Olson: tributary rivers, Saginaw River, Pere Marquette River, Bolles Harbor and the Manistee River by Tippy Dam.

DNR chief of fisheries Jim Dexter said people often end up shoulder-to-shoulder on the Manistee River. Likewise, long lines can build up at boat docks on the Detroit River.

But the state isn't policing key fishing areas — yet.

“We have not had that conversation as a department or administration,” Dexter said, “but law enforcement is fully aware. If they see that things are getting out of hand, law enforcement will address the situation as needed.”

How can people tell if they're properly distanced? The DNR recommends remaining a fishing rod's length away in all directions.

To support outdoor activity, the DNR has made parks free to enter through April 13. But fishing is still considered a non-essential activity, so there are no skip piers set up. If people want to use the launches to go boating, they’ll have to manage without boarding piers.

It's all in the name of keeping crowds dispersed.

“We know that when certain fishing is going on, a lot of people congregate,” Olson said. “We want people to separate. People need to use their common sense.”

Dexter said there’s no reason social distancing would be an issue for people fishing. Michigan has more than 1,300 public boat launches, is home to at least 11,000 inland lakes and has nearly 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline.

Social distancing is also required for other activities, such as going for a walk, hiking or watching the sunset. There haven’t been any civil infraction tickets issued for crowds, but DNR staff members have had to tell people to disperse.

The state parks are operating at the bare minimum. Olson said he has received reports from his staff of stolen toilet paper and hand sanitizer (provided for public use in waterless toilets at parks).

If it continues, state parks could be shut down.

“That hurts everybody and could change things,” Olson said. “All we are asking is for people to be respectful.”

Dexter wants to remind fishermen they still need a new license beginning April 1 despite the shutdown of many businesses — fishing season dates haven't changed. Licenses are available for $26 online.

The DNR hopes Michiganders don’t give up on fishing this spring because of the coronavirus. As long as people practice social distancing, state parks will remain open.

“Getting outside by yourself is a safe place to be,” Dexter said, “so you might as well have some enjoyment and catch some fish.”