Michigan Fishing License and Regulations
The all-species license, prices, openers, 2026 changes and a page for each MDNR rule set.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of St. Ignace: Notorious4life ( Uploads ), CC0 1.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Which anglers must buy a Michigan license
Anyone 17 or older fishing public waters in Michigan needs a fishing license; under 17 may fish without one but must follow all rules. A license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. An adult actively assisting a minor must have a license; an unlicensed adult may help land, unhook or net a fish, set up the rod, bait the hook, fix tangles and cast for a young angler who is actively participating.
All fishing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest; there is no separate trout or salmon stamp.
2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations (Michigan DNR; rules run April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027), page 2. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
Michigan fishing license prices
| License | Fee | Who | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual All-Species Fishing License | $26 | resident | License season (see note) |
| Nonresident Annual All-Species Fishing License | $76 | nonresident | License season (see note) |
| Senior Annual All-Species Fishing License | $11 | resident | License season (see note) |
| Daily All-Species Fishing License | $10 | resident and nonresident | 24 hours; purchaser sets the start date and time |
| Voluntary Youth All-Species Fishing License | $2 | resident and nonresident | License season |
| Underwater Spearfishing | $0 | resident and nonresident | License season |
| DNR Sportcard | $1 | resident and nonresident | |
| Hunt/Fish Combo (Resident) | $76 | resident | License season |
| Hunt/Fish Combo (Nonresident) | $266 | nonresident | License season |
| Hunt/Fish Combo (Senior Resident) | $43 | resident | License season |
A $1 surcharge is included in the resident annual, nonresident annual and senior annual fishing licenses and the combo hunt and fish licenses. MDNR license page and digest, retrieved October 22, 2026.
When a Michigan license starts and ends
The two MDNR sources print different start dates. The digest says: “The license season runs April 1 – March 31; anyone turning 17 during the season needs a license.” The DNR license page says: “Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.” Both end on March 31.
MDNR license info page and the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations, page 2; retrieved October 22, 2026.
Michigan season openers for 2026
| Species | Water | Opens |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and northern pike | Lower Peninsula inland waters | Last Sat. in April |
| Walleye and northern pike | Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys River | May 15 |
| Bass (possession) | All waters except St. Clair system | Sat. before Memorial Day |
| Bass (possession) | Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River, Detroit River | 3rd Sat. in June |
| Muskellunge (possession) | All waters | 1st Sat. in June |
| Trout (Type 1 and 2 streams, Type A and D lakes) | Inland trout waters | Last Sat. in April |
Seasons chart pp. 4-5 and General Fishing Regulations p. 12. 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations.
Michigan rule changes for the 2026 season
- Lake Superior lake trout and splake limit change at Stannard Rock and Big Reef (pp. 20-21)2026 change
- Upper Peninsula walleye protected slot limit lakes (L. Independence and Teal L., Marquette Co.)2026 change
- New burbot possession limit of 5 per day2026 change
- Underwater spearfishing waters expanded (pp. 16-17)2026 change
- Bead fishing defined for inland trout and salmon (p. 8)2026 change
- Menominee River lake sturgeon catch-and-immediate-release season from Grand Rapids Dam to Sturgeon Falls Dam, 1st Sat. in June – 1st Sun. in March2026 change
Buying a Michigan license and fee waivers
- Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, a license agent (Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents) or a DNR Customer Service Center. License help desk 517-284-6057.where to buy
- Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military, and for individuals with a developmental disability as defined in MCL 330.1100a.fee waivers
- Lake sturgeon and muskellunge harvest must be registered within 24 hours (online, DNR Hunt Fish app or 888-636-7778); Black Lake sturgeon are registered on site.registration
- 888-367-7060 (prerecorded regulation updates); report poaching 800-292-7800phone lines
Michigan regulation pages by topic
- Michigan Fishing License Pricesthe all-species license, daily license, combos and waivers
- Michigan Inland Trout and Salmon Ruleslake Types A to F and stream Types 1 to 4
- Michigan Great Lakes and Connecting Waters Ruleslake trout units, walleye, perch and the St. Clair system
- Michigan Boundary Waters RulesWisconsin, Indiana, Ontario, Ohio and Sylvania
- Michigan Sturgeon and Muskellunge Rulesharvest tags, registration and the 50-inch musky waters
- Michigan County Fishing Exceptionswater-by-water rules printed by county
- Free fishing weekendslicense-free dates in February and June
Michigan water in pictures
Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, CC BY-SA 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Hgjudd, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Jamesdisher, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Notorious4life ( Uploads ), CC0 1.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Michigan license and rule questions
Who must buy a Michigan fishing license?
Anyone 17 or older fishing public water; anglers under 17 fish free but follow every rule.
How much is a Michigan all-species license?
$26 for a resident annual all-species license, $76 for nonresidents, $11 for seniors and $10 for a 24-hour daily license.
Does Michigan sell a trout or salmon stamp?
No; every Michigan fishing license covers all species, trout and salmon included.
When does the Michigan license year start?
The 2026 digest prints April 1 and the DNR license page prints March 1; both run to March 31 of the next year.
When does walleye season open in the Lower Peninsula?
Last Sat. in April on Lower Peninsula inland waters; May 15 in the Upper Peninsula.
Is a daily license available?
Yes, $10 for 24 hours, with the buyer choosing the start date and time.
Where do I buy a Michigan fishing license?
Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, in the DNR Hunt Fish app, at a license agent or at a DNR Customer Service Center.
What changed for 2026?
Lake Superior lake trout and splake limit change at Stannard Rock and Big Reef (pp. 20-21); new burbot possession limit of 5 per day.
Must sturgeon and musky be registered?
Yes, within 24 hours of harvest online, in the DNR Hunt Fish app or by phone.