What You Need to Fish in Michigan
Every angler age 17 and older must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish any public water in the state. The license covers all species. Children 16 and under do not need a license but must follow all regulations.
- ✓Valid 2026 Michigan fishing license (required for all anglers 17+)
- ✓Knowledge of open seasons and special regulations for the water you are fishing
- ✓For trout fishing: awareness of gear restrictions on designated fly-fishing-only stretches
- ✓DNR Sportcard if purchasing from a retailer without a valid driver's license
2026 Michigan Fishing License Prices
All 2026 licenses are valid through March 31, 2027. Annual resident and non-resident licenses include a $1 surcharge, already included in the prices below.
| License Type | Cost | Valid For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual — Michigan Resident | $26 | All species, all public water, through March 31, 2027 |
| Annual — Non-Resident | $76 | All species, all public water, through March 31, 2027 |
| Senior Annual — Resident (65+) | $11 | Michigan residents 65 and older, or legally blind residents |
| Daily (24-hour) | $10 | Residents and non-residents; purchaser sets start date and time |
| Youth (optional) | $2 | Anglers 16 and younger; not required but can be purchased |
For Michigan residents, the annual license at $26 pays for itself after just three fishing days compared to the $10 daily option. For non-residents visiting for more than one day, the $76 annual is better value than buying multiple $10 daily licenses. If you are visiting for a single day only, the daily license is the right choice.
Where and How to Purchase Your License
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
Visit Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and purchase in minutes. You can display your license digitally on your phone — no printing required. The digital license is accepted by Conservation Officers throughout Michigan.
Option 2: Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
Download the free Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app (iOS and Android). Purchase directly in the app and your license is stored digitally. The app also has an auto-renew option — set it once and your license is automatically purchased each season without any action required on your part.
Option 3: Retail Locations
Licenses are available at authorized retailers throughout Michigan including sporting goods stores (Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Dunham's Sports), Walmart stores, and local bait shops. You will need a valid driver's license or DNR Sportcard as identification.
Michigan's DNR offers auto-renew at checkout or in the Hunt Fish app. Your license is automatically purchased each year as they become available. One less thing to think about before opening day.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
| Who | Exemption |
|---|---|
| Children 16 and under | No license required (an optional $2 youth license is available) |
| Active-duty Michigan residents | No license required with proof of active-duty status |
| Veterans — 100% disability | Fish free; any license not requiring separate application is complimentary |
| Non-resident military stationed in Michigan | Eligible for Michigan resident license rates |
| Michigan residents who are legally blind | Eligible for senior annual license at $11 |
What Fly Fishers Specifically Need to Know
The fishing license covers all species, but trout fishing in Michigan comes with specific regulations that vary by river, section, and time of year. Ignoring these is the most common and costly mistake visiting anglers make.
Trout Season Dates
The statewide Lower Peninsula trout season opens the last Saturday in April — in 2026, that was April 25. Certain rivers have extended seasons that allow fishing year-round, including stretches of the Au Sable, Manistee, Muskegon, and Boardman rivers. Always check the specific section of the specific river you are fishing before wading in outside of normal season dates.
Special Regulation Waters
Michigan's blue-ribbon trout rivers have their own rules that override the general statewide regulations. The most important ones for fly fishers:
Flies-only sections: Certain stretches of the Au Sable, Manistee, and other rivers require fly fishing tackle only. No spinning gear, no bait. The Upper Manistee from M-72 to CCC Bridge is flies-only. The Au Sable Holy Waters (Stephan Bridge to Wakeley Bridge) is flies-only, catch-and-release.
Catch-and-release: Some sections require releasing all trout. The Au Sable Holy Water catch-and-release section is the most famous example. Others vary by season.
Size and bag limits: Vary significantly by river and section. The Muskegon River's 15-inch minimum size limit on brown trout is a notable example that has transformed that fishery.
Download the current Michigan Fishing Regulations from the DNR website and look up the specific county and water body before fishing any new river. Regulations for the same river can differ by section and change annually.
Trout Stamp — Is One Required?
Michigan does not require a separate trout stamp. The base fishing license covers trout fishing on all legal waters during open season. This is different from some other states — your $26 (resident) or $76 (non-resident) annual fishing license is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
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