Fishing License Information
License Items & Fees
Purchase your fishing license (and more) online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
All fishing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this Fishing Guide.
A $1 surcharge is included in the resident annual, nonresident annual, and senior annual fishing licenses as well as the combo hunt and fish licenses, as noted with the asterisk (*). Revenue generated
from these funds will be used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan, and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the state’s natural resources in accordance with statute. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Item Type | Fee |
DNR Sportcard | $1 |
All Species Fishing Licenses | |
Resident Annual | $26* |
Nonresident Annual | $76* |
Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally blind – see p. 6) | $11* |
Daily Fish (Resident or Nonresident) This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed | $10/day |
Underwater Spearfishing (Resident or Nonresident) Required for the activity as described on p. 16. Reporting is required. | Free (A DNR Sportcard may be needed. See p. 6.) |
Voluntary Youth (Age 16 and under) | $2* |
Combo Hunt/Fish Licenses (Base, Annual Fishing, 2 Deer) | |
Hunt/Fish Resident | $76* |
Hunt/Fish Senior Resident | $43* |
Hunt/Fish Nonresident | $266* |
Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military.
Who needs a Michigan fishing license?
A license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles in public waters of the state. If you are 17 years of age or older and fish in Michigan, you must purchase a fishing license. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. If turning 17 at any point during the current season (April 1 - March 31) you'll need to buy a license.
Note: The youth fishing license is voluntary and not required for ages 16 and under.
Where does the fishing license revenue go?
For information concerning where fishing license funds are used please see p. 72.
Any adult actively assisting a minor must have a fishing license. However, adults without a fishing license may do the following:
- • Help land a fish with a net or their hands
- • Help unhook a fish
- Set up the fishing rod with the appropriate gear
- Bait the hook
- Fix tangles or snags
- Cast the line for young anglers; however, it should be stressed the young angler must be an active participant while the adult is only assisting
