What You Pay for a Michigan Fishing License

A Michigan fishing license costs between $11 and $51 depending on whether you fish in inland waters, Great Lakes, or both, and whether you are a resident or non-resident. Residents pay less than non-residents for the same license type. A resident inland license is $11; a resident combination (inland plus Great Lakes) is $26. Non-residents pay $31 for inland and $51 for combination. These prices are current as of 2024 and are set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

You do not need a license to fish in private ponds on your own property, but you do need one for any public water, including state-owned lakes and rivers. The license covers you for one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31, regardless of when you purchase it.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan resident inland fishing licenses cost $11 per year; combination licenses (inland plus Great Lakes) cost $26.
  • Non-residents pay $31 for inland and $51 for combination licenses.
  • You can buy a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • The license is valid for one calendar year and covers all public waters in Michigan.
  • Children under 17 and adults 65 and older do not need a license to fish in Michigan.

Where to Buy Your License

You can purchase a Michigan fishing license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website (michigan.gov/dnr), by phone at 1-866-GO-FISH-1, or in person at authorized retailers. Authorized retailers include Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Gander Outdoors, and independent bait and tackle shops throughout the state. Most retailers can issue a license on the spot.

Online purchase is the fastest option. You receive your license when ready as a PDF that you can print or display on your phone. If you buy in person, the retailer prints your license right away. Phone orders take one to two business days to arrive by mail.

License Types and What They Cover

Michigan offers two main license categories: inland and Great Lakes. An inland license covers all lakes, rivers, and streams within Michigan's borders. A Great Lakes license covers Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie where they border Michigan. A combination license covers both and is the most flexible option if you fish in multiple locations.

Inland licenses are cheaper because most anglers fish in inland waters. Great Lakes licenses are separate because they require different regulations and often target different species. If you fish only in one type of water, buy the license for that water. If you fish in both, the combination license costs less than buying both separately.

Who Does Not Need a License

Children under 17 can fish without a license in Michigan. Adults 65 and older also do not need a license. If you are 17 or older and under 65, you must have a license to fish in any public water.

Residents of other states who are visiting Michigan must purchase a non-resident license. There is no exemption for out-of-state visitors based on age alone, though the under-17 exemption still applies.

What Your License Includes

Your license gives you the right to fish for most species in Michigan's public waters. It does not include special permits for trout streams, salmon, or other restricted fisheries. Some waters and species require additional stamps or permits beyond the base license.

For example, if you want to fish for trout in designated trout streams, you need a trout stamp in addition to your license. A trout stamp costs $3.95 for residents and $11.95 for non-residents. If you want to fish for salmon in the Great Lakes, you need a salmon-steelhead stamp, which costs $11.95 for residents and $24.95 for non-residents. Check the Michigan DNR website for the full list of restricted species and required stamps before you fish.

How to Check Your License Status

If you bought your license online, you receive a confirmation email with your license number and a PDF. Keep this email or print the PDF and carry it with you while fishing. Conservation officers can check your license status by your name and date of birth if you do not have the physical copy.

If you bought your license at a retailer, ask for a printed copy. If you bought by phone, your license arrives by mail within one to two business days. You are required to have proof of your license with you while fishing. A photo of your license on your phone is acceptable in most cases, but carrying the printed version is safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a fishing license for just one day?

Michigan does not offer one-day licenses. The shortest license period is one calendar year. You must purchase a full-year license even if you fish only once. Some states offer short-term licenses, but Michigan does not.

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

No. One license covers all fish species in the waters it permits. You may need additional stamps for certain species like trout or salmon, but the base license itself covers everything in its category.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Michigan is a civil infraction. Penalties include fines up to $500 and possible confiscation of equipment. Conservation officers patrol public waters and check licenses regularly.

Can I fish in another state with my Michigan license?

No. Your Michigan license is valid only in Michigan. If you travel to another state to fish, you must purchase that state's license. Each state manages its own fisheries and license requirements.

Does my license cover ice fishing?

Yes. The same license covers fishing year-round, including ice fishing in winter. You do not need a separate license for ice fishing. Any additional stamps required for specific species explore to ice fishing as well.