What Michigan fishing licenses cost

A Michigan resident fishing license costs $26.97 for a year. A three-day license costs $12.97. A one-day license costs $8.97. Non-residents pay $51.97 for a year, $31.97 for three days, or $12.97 for one day. These prices are current as of 2024 and cover freshwater fishing in inland lakes and rivers; saltwater licenses (for Lake Michigan and Lake Huron) cost the same but are separate permits.

You can buy a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, by phone at 1-866-GO-FISH-1, at any authorized vendor (bait shops, sporting goods stores, Walmart locations), or in person at a DNR office. Online purchases are when ready; phone and vendor purchases take a few minutes. If you buy in person at a DNR office, bring your driver's license or state ID.

Prices do not vary by county or region within Michigan. The state sets one price statewide. However, some vendors add a small processing fee (usually $1 to $3) on top of the license price, so ask before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan resident annual licenses cost $26.97; non-residents pay $51.97, with shorter options available at lower prices.
  • You can buy online when ready through the DNR website, by phone, at sporting goods stores and bait shops, or at a DNR office.
  • Saltwater licenses for the Great Lakes cost the same as freshwater licenses but must be purchased separately.
  • Some vendors charge a processing fee on top of the license price, so confirm the total cost before paying.

Who needs a Michigan fishing license

Anyone 17 or older who fishes in Michigan must have a valid license. This includes residents and non-residents, and it applies whether you fish alone or with a guide. The only exceptions are children under 17 (who can fish free with a licensed adult) and people fishing on private property with the owner's written permission.

If you hold a valid Michigan hunting license, you do not need a separate fishing license—your hunting license covers both. Similarly, if you have a combination hunting and fishing license, you are covered for both activities.

Resident vs. non-resident pricing

Michigan charges different prices depending on where you live. A resident is someone with a Michigan driver's license or state ID, or someone who has lived in Michigan for at least 30 consecutive days. Non-residents pay roughly double the resident price across all license types.

If you are a Michigan resident but do not have a Michigan ID, you can still buy a resident license—you will need to show proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or property tax statement. Bring this document to a DNR office or have it ready if you call to order by phone.

License types and what they cover

The annual license runs from January 1 to December 31 and covers all freshwater fishing statewide. The three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days and is popular with visitors. The one-day license covers one calendar day only.

All three types allow you to fish with rod and reel, cast net, or hand line in inland lakes and rivers. None of them cover commercial fishing, spearfishing, or netting for sale. If you want to fish the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, or Lake Erie), you need a separate saltwater license at the same price as the freshwater license.

Michigan also offers a combination hunting and fishing license for $51.97 (residents) or $101.97 (non-residents), which covers both activities for a year. This is cheaper than buying them separately if you do both.

How to buy online through the DNR website

Go to michigan.gov/dnr and look for the "Buy a License" link on the homepage. You will be taken to the Michigan licensing system. Enter your name, date of birth, and address. If you are a non-resident, you will select that option and may need to enter your home state or country.

Choose the license type (annual, three-day, or one-day) and whether you want freshwater, saltwater, or both. Review the total cost, including any processing fees. Pay by credit or debit card. Your license will be emailed to you when ready as a PDF, and you can print it or show it on your phone when you fish.

Keep your license with you while fishing. Michigan law requires you to show it to a conservation officer if asked. A printed copy or the PDF on your phone both count as proof.

Buying at a vendor or by phone

Authorized vendors include Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart, and independent bait and tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm they sell Michigan licenses, as not every location does. The vendor will ask for your name, date of birth, address, and residency status, then print your license on the spot.

To order by phone, call 1-866-GO-FISH-1 (1-866-463-4741). A DNR representative will ask the same information and process your payment. Your license will be mailed to you, which takes about a week. If you need it sooner, buy online or at a vendor instead.

Some vendors charge a $1 to $3 processing fee in addition to the license price. Ask what the total will be before you hand over payment.

Special licenses and exemptions

Michigan offers a disabled veteran license at no cost to veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You will need to show your VA disability rating letter and a Michigan ID or proof of residency.

Residents 65 and older pay $11.97 for an annual license (half the standard resident price). Children under 17 fish free as long as they are with a licensed adult. Some tribal members may be exempt from licensing requirements under federal treaty rights—contact the DNR if you believe this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Each person fishing must have their own valid license. A licensed adult can supervise a child under 17 who fishes without a license, but the adult cannot share their license with another adult. If you are caught fishing without your own license, you face a fine.

Do I need a license to fish on private property?

Not if you have written permission from the property owner. The exemption applies only to the owner's private land and water. If you are unsure whether the property is private or public, ask the owner or contact the local DNR office.

What happens if I lose my license?

If you bought online, you can print another copy from your email or read it again from the DNR website. If you bought at a vendor or by phone, contact the DNR at 1-866-GO-FISH-1 and they can reissue it. There is no replacement fee.

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

Yes. Buy online using the recipient's name, date of birth, and address, or buy a gift card from an authorized vendor. The recipient can then use the card to purchase their own license in the type and duration they prefer.

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

No. One Michigan fishing license covers all freshwater fish species. You do not need different licenses for trout, bass, walleye, or panfish. However, some fish have catch limits or seasonal closures—check the Michigan fishing guide before you fish to know the rules for the species you are targeting.