Fishing season is around the corner in Michigan, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said fishing licenses are now available.
Michigan’s fishing license and regulation season for 2025 doesn’t officially start until April 1. However, anglers can purchase a fishing license now to prepare for the season, and it is valid through March 31, 2026.
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To purchase a fishing license, all anglers must be 17 years old or older.
The fishing license is good for all species, but there could be additional reporting requirements for some species and fishing methods.
Fishing license options
Michiganders have the option to purchase an annual fishing license at $26. Non-Michigan residents can purchase a license to fish in the state for $76. Both carry an additional $1 surcharge.
A daily dishing license costs $10 per day. An optional youth fishing license is also available for $2 for anglers 16 years old and younger.
How to buy a fishing license
Anglers can purchase a fishing license at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and buying it through the app.
Anglers have the option to select auto-renew at the online checkout or in the Auto Renewals sections of the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
There’s also the option of buying a fishing license at a store in Michigan, view a map of locations selling fishing licenses here.
Upcoming fishing seasons
- The statewide trout opener and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons all open Saturday, April 26.
- In Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike seasons open Thursday, May 15.
- Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7.
- Michigan DNR is reminding anglers that catch-and-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year.
- The catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters unless otherwise closed to fishing — Michigan DNR said to check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations for specifics.
- The possession season for bass opens statewide on Saturday, May 24, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open on Saturday, June 21.
