Michigan fishing license
Michigan requires a recreational fishing license from age 17. The state licenses freshwater fishing. The current license year is 2026 (March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027).
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Reviewed July 30, 2026
Your likely official license
Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Michigan, the official match is Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident.
- Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident$10 · "This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed"; the purchaser sets the date and time the licence starts.
What it covers
- Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident — freshwater. $10 per day, the same price for residents and nonresidents, as published by the Michigan DNR. The $1 surcharge applies to the annual and combo licences, not to the daily licence.
Required add-ons
No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.
You may also need
Michigan Department of Natural Resources publishes these for the water you selected. Whether one applies depends on what you fish for and where — something this tool does not ask.
- DNR Sportcard — Needed in order to buy a fishing licence by anglers who do not hold a valid Michigan driver's licence, a valid Michigan ID card, or a valid driver's licence from their state of residency. Issued by licence dealers; when buying one you will be asked to provide two proofs of Michigan residency. A card from a previous year may be reused if its information is still accurate. · $1
- Underwater Spearfishing License (resident or nonresident) — Required, in addition to a fishing licence, for underwater spearfishing as described in the Michigan Fishing Regulations. Published as Free; a $1 DNR Sportcard may be needed to obtain it. · No charge (a report card, not a paid stamp)
Why this answer
- You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
- Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident covers the full trip: "This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed"; the purchaser sets the date and time the licence starts.
Other options you are eligible for
- Nonresident Annual (all species) Fishing License — $76 for this trip · Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.Good for all species allowed for harvest.
- Hunt/Fish Combo License (nonresident) — $266 for this trip · Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year.Includes base hunting licence, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing.
Exceptions that may change it
- Michigan's most recently published free fishing days were February 14, 2026 (Winter Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Saturday)), February 15, 2026 (Winter Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Sunday)), June 13, 2026 (Summer Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Saturday)) and June 14, 2026 (Summer Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Sunday)); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
- "Fishing license fees are waived for full-time, federal, active-duty U.S. military personnel who have maintained resident status." Nonresident active-duty military officially stationed in Michigan instead qualify for Michigan resident rates.
- "A resident veteran with a disability is eligible to obtain a fishing license, that does not require a separate application, free of charge" if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has determined the person to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100% rate (for a disability other than blindness), or has rated the person as individually unemployable.
- "A mentored hunting license (which includes an all-species fishing license) is free for an individual who has a developmental disability and a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1600 to 330.1644." The digest also states fishing licence fees are waived for individuals with a developmental disability as defined in MCL 330.1100a.
- "A resident of a home for the aged licensed under the Public Health Code may obtain a permit from the DNR to fish without a license if the resident of the licensed home for the aged is a member of a group accompanied by 1 or more adults who hold a valid license to fish."
- "Any adult actively assisting a minor must have a fishing license." However, an adult without a licence may still help land a fish with a net or their hands, help unhook a fish, set up the rod with the appropriate gear, bait the hook, fix tangles or snags, and cast the line for a young angler - provided the young angler remains the active participant.
- This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.
Check current Michigan regulations(external, opens the official state website)Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.
- Source
- Fishing and hunting license information - Michigan DNR(external, opens the official state website) — Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Validity
- 2026 · March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
Answers at a glance
Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.
Visiting for a day
Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day
Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident
Published total: $10
Resident for the season
Adult Michigan resident · freshwater · all year
Resident Annual (all species) Fishing License
Published total: $26
Age and residency rules
Who counts as a resident. To qualify for a resident fishing license you must be a person who resides in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state, or be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university and reside in Michigan, or serve full-time in the U.S. Military and be either officially stationed in Michigan or maintain residency in Michigan. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not qualification for a resident license. Nonresident, active-duty military personnel officially stationed in Michigan qualify for Michigan resident rates.
Age-based rules
- "If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations." A licence becomes necessary if the angler turns 17 at any point during the current season (April 1 - March 31). An optional $2 Voluntary Youth licence is available.
License options
| License | Who | Water | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)"All fishing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this digest." Covers inland waters and Michigan's Great Lakes waters. Underwater spearfishing requires the separate free spearfishing licence. | ResidentA licence is required from age 17; residents 65 or older (and residents who are legally blind) qualify for the cheaper Senior Annual. | freshwater | "Your annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year." | $26 |
| Nonresident Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Good for all species allowed for harvest. | Non-residentA licence is required from age 17; the senior rate is for Michigan residents only. | freshwater | Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. | $76 |
| Senior Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Michigan residents only. The age-65 gate is what this record encodes; a Michigan resident who is declared legally blind may also buy the senior licence at any age, which is a status this checker cannot verify. | ResidentMichigan residents 65 or older. A Michigan resident who is declared legally blind is also eligible to purchase the senior fishing licence at any age. | freshwater | Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. | $11 |
| Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident(external, opens the official state website) | Resident or visitorA licence is required from age 17. | freshwater | "This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed"; the purchaser sets the date and time the licence starts. | $10 |
| Voluntary Youth Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)Entirely optional: "The youth fishing license is voluntary and not required for ages 16 and under." It exists so young anglers can be counted and can hold their own licence. | Resident or visitorVoluntary Youth (Age 16 and under), available to residents or nonresidents under the age of 17. | freshwater | Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. | $2 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo License (resident)(external, opens the official state website)"Combo includes base, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing" - a combined hunting and fishing package. | ResidentA senior combo rate applies to Michigan residents 65 or older. | freshwater | Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year. | $76 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo License (senior resident)(external, opens the official state website)Michigan residents only. Includes base hunting licence, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing. | ResidentMichigan residents 65 or older. | freshwater | Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year. | $43 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo License (nonresident)(external, opens the official state website)Includes base hunting licence, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing. | Non-resident | freshwater | Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year. | $266 |
Resident Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
"All fishing licenses are good for all species allowed for harvest as indicated in this digest." Covers inland waters and Michigan's Great Lakes waters. Underwater spearfishing requires the separate free spearfishing licence.
- Who
- Resident · A licence is required from age 17; residents 65 or older (and residents who are legally blind) qualify for the cheaper Senior Annual.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- "Your annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year."
- Price
- $26
Nonresident Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Good for all species allowed for harvest.
- Who
- Non-resident · A licence is required from age 17; the senior rate is for Michigan residents only.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $76
Senior Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Michigan residents only. The age-65 gate is what this record encodes; a Michigan resident who is declared legally blind may also buy the senior licence at any age, which is a status this checker cannot verify.
- Who
- Resident · Michigan residents 65 or older. A Michigan resident who is declared legally blind is also eligible to purchase the senior fishing licence at any age.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $11
Daily Fish (all species) - resident or nonresident(external, opens the official state website)
- Who
- Resident or visitor · A licence is required from age 17.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- "This license is valid for 24 hours and may be purchased as needed"; the purchaser sets the date and time the licence starts.
- Price
- $10
Voluntary Youth Annual (all species) Fishing License(external, opens the official state website)
Entirely optional: "The youth fishing license is voluntary and not required for ages 16 and under." It exists so young anglers can be counted and can hold their own licence.
- Who
- Resident or visitor · Voluntary Youth (Age 16 and under), available to residents or nonresidents under the age of 17.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $2
Hunt/Fish Combo License (resident)(external, opens the official state website)
"Combo includes base, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing" - a combined hunting and fishing package.
- Who
- Resident · A senior combo rate applies to Michigan residents 65 or older.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $76
Hunt/Fish Combo License (senior resident)(external, opens the official state website)
Michigan residents only. Includes base hunting licence, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing.
- Who
- Resident · Michigan residents 65 or older.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $43
Hunt/Fish Combo License (nonresident)(external, opens the official state website)
Includes base hunting licence, 2 deer and annual all-species fishing.
- Who
- Non-resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Fishing privileges run March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
- Price
- $266
Stamps, endorsements and report cards
- DNR Sportcard — Needed in order to buy a fishing licence by anglers who do not hold a valid Michigan driver's licence, a valid Michigan ID card, or a valid driver's licence from their state of residency. Issued by licence dealers; when buying one you will be asked to provide two proofs of Michigan residency. A card from a previous year may be reused if its information is still accurate. · $1
- Underwater Spearfishing License (resident or nonresident) — Required, in addition to a fishing licence, for underwater spearfishing as described in the Michigan Fishing Regulations. Published as Free; a $1 DNR Sportcard may be needed to obtain it. · No charge · this is a report card or registration, not a paid stamp
Exemptions worth knowing
- "All fishing license fees will be waived for the two days of Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply." A Recreation Passport is also not required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends. 2026 dates: Feb. 14-15 and June 13-14.
- "Fishing license fees are waived for full-time, federal, active-duty U.S. military personnel who have maintained resident status." Nonresident active-duty military officially stationed in Michigan instead qualify for Michigan resident rates. Still required: The free licence must still be obtained at a DNR Customer Service Center or a licence retail outlet, presenting military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence of active-duty status along with a valid Michigan driver's licence or voter registration card. "Military members receiving a free license must present the license, along with proof of military status, if requested by a Conservation Officer." Valid for the licence year.
- "A resident veteran with a disability is eligible to obtain a fishing license, that does not require a separate application, free of charge" if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has determined the person to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans' benefits at the 100% rate (for a disability other than blindness), or has rated the person as individually unemployable. Still required: The fee is waived but the licence itself must still be obtained and carried; no separate application form is required, but the angler must qualify under the VA determination above.
- "A mentored hunting license (which includes an all-species fishing license) is free for an individual who has a developmental disability and a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1600 to 330.1644." The digest also states fishing licence fees are waived for individuals with a developmental disability as defined in MCL 330.1100a. Still required: The free mentored hunting licence, which carries the all-species fishing privilege, must still be obtained; eligibility requires a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code.
- "A resident of a home for the aged licensed under the Public Health Code may obtain a permit from the DNR to fish without a license if the resident of the licensed home for the aged is a member of a group accompanied by 1 or more adults who hold a valid license to fish." Still required: A DNR permit must be obtained (available at DNR Customer Service Centers) and the angler must fish as part of a group accompanied by at least one adult holding a valid fishing licence.
- "Any adult actively assisting a minor must have a fishing license." However, an adult without a licence may still help land a fish with a net or their hands, help unhook a fish, set up the rod with the appropriate gear, bait the hook, fix tangles or snags, and cast the line for a young angler - provided the young angler remains the active participant.
Free fishing days
- Winter Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Saturday) — February 14, 2026. "All fishing license fees will be waived for the two days of Free Fishing Weekend." The winter weekend is the Saturday and Sunday of President's Day weekend.
- Winter Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Sunday) — February 15, 2026. Second day of Michigan's winter Free Fishing Weekend; all fishing regulations still apply.
- Summer Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Saturday) — June 13, 2026. The summer weekend is the Saturday and Sunday following the first full week of June, held with "Three Free" weekend; a Recreation Passport is not required for state park and boating access site entry.
- Summer Free Fishing Weekend 2026 (Sunday) — June 14, 2026. Second day of Michigan's summer Free Fishing Weekend; all fishing regulations still apply.
Where this comes from
- Primary source
- Fishing and hunting license information - Michigan DNR(external, opens the official state website) — Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Retrieved
- July 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
- Also consulted
- 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations (rules apply April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027)(external, opens the official state website)
- Free Fishing Weekend - Michigan DNR(external, opens the official state website)
- Ready for spring fishing? 2026 Michigan fishing licenses now available(external, opens the official state website)
Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.
Nearby states
Licenses are issued state by state — a Michigan license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.