What Michigan Fishing Licenses Cost

A Michigan resident fishing license costs $26.97 for a year. A three-day license is $12.97. A one-day license is $8.97. Non-residents pay $51.97 for a year, $31.97 for three days, and $16.97 for one day. These prices include a small administrative fee added by the state.

If you fish in both inland waters and the Great Lakes, you need separate licenses. An inland license covers lakes and rivers. A Great Lakes license covers Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. Both cost the same amount, so a resident who wants to fish everywhere pays $53.94 for a year.

Some people do not need a license. Children under 17 can fish free on any day. Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $13.97 instead of paying yearly. Disabled residents may may have access to for a reduced-price license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan resident annual licenses cost $26.97 for inland waters or $26.97 for Great Lakes, and you need both if you fish in both places.
  • Non-residents pay roughly double: $51.97 per year for either inland or Great Lakes fishing.
  • Short-term licenses (one day or three days) cost less and are available to both residents and non-residents at lower rates.
  • Children under 17 fish free, and residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $13.97.

Where to Buy a Michigan Fishing License

You can buy a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. You will need your driver's license number or state ID number. The online purchase takes a few minutes, and you can print your license when ready or show it on your phone.

You can also buy a license at any bait and tackle shop, sporting goods store, or Walmart that sells fishing supplies. The staff can answer questions about which license you need for the water you plan to fish. Some smaller towns have only one or two places to buy licenses, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Licenses bought online arrive when ready. Licenses bought in person are ready the same day. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive by mail.

Inland Versus Great Lakes Licenses

Michigan divides fishing into two separate zones. Inland means all lakes and rivers except the Great Lakes themselves. Great Lakes means Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie, plus a strip of water near the shore.

If you fish only in a small lake or river, you need only an inland license. If you fish from a boat on Lake Michigan or Lake Huron, you need a Great Lakes license. If you do both, you must buy both licenses. There is no combined discount.

The boundary between inland and Great Lakes is not always obvious from the shore. The Michigan DNR website has maps showing which license applies to specific locations. If you are unsure, call the DNR or ask at the bait shop where you buy your license.

Discounts and Special Licenses

Michigan offers a lifetime resident license for $13.97. This is a one-time purchase that never expires. It is available only to Michigan residents and is a good deal if you plan to fish for many years. You can buy it at any place that sells regular licenses.

Disabled residents may may have access to for a reduced-price license. You will need proof of disability from the state. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to learn what documents they accept and whether you meet their definition of disability.

Active military members and veterans may have access to special rates through federal programs, though Michigan does not offer a separate military discount on its own licenses. Check with your branch or the Veterans Affairs office in your area.

Who Does Not Need a License

Children under 17 can fish without a license on any day of the year. They still must follow all other fishing rules — catch limits, season dates, and gear restrictions. A parent or guardian does not need to buy a license for them, but the adult fishing alongside them does need one.

Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $13.97 instead of paying yearly. This is the best deal for older anglers. Once you buy it, you never pay again.

Some state parks and private property have their own rules. Always check with the property owner or park office before you fish, even if you have a valid state license.

License Rules and What You Must Carry

You must have your license with you while you fish. If you bought it online, you can show it on your phone or print a copy. If a conservation officer stops you, they will ask to see it. Fishing without a license or without it on you can result in a fine.

Your license is valid only for the person whose name is on it. You cannot share a license or use someone else's. Each person fishing needs their own.

Licenses expire on December 31 of the year you buy them, except for lifetime licenses, which never expire. If you buy a license on December 15, it is good only until December 31, so plan ahead if you fish late in the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Michigan with an out-of-state license?

No. You must have a Michigan license to fish in Michigan waters, even if you have a valid license from another state. Non-residents can buy a Michigan license for one day, three days, or a year. The one-day license is the cheapest option if you are visiting.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One inland or Great Lakes license covers all fish species in that water. You do not pay extra to fish for walleye instead of bass or trout instead of pike. The license is the same price regardless of what you catch.

What if my license expires while I am on a trip?

You must buy a new license before you fish again. You cannot fish on an expired license even if you are in the middle of a multi-day trip. Buy your new license online or at a shop before your current one runs out.

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

Yes, but the license must be registered in the person's name. You can buy it for them online if you have their driver's license number, or you can buy a gift certificate at a bait shop and let them register it themselves.

Is there a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Michigan does not refund unused licenses. Once you buy a license, it is yours for the time period you purchased, whether you fish or not. Make sure you want to fish before you buy.