New fishing licenses required April 1 in Michigan

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April 7, 2017

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that a new fishing season began Saturday, April 1, which coincided with the new regulation cycle; 2016 licenses were good only through March 31, 2017.

Five options are available when making a purchase. All fishing licenses are good for all species. 

• Resident Annual - $26

• Non-Resident Annual - $76

• Senior Annual (for residents age 65 or older) - $11

• 24-Hour (resident or non-resident) - $10

• 72-Hour (resident or non-resident) - $30

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A temporary 10-percent discount on non-resident annual licenses enacted two years ago has expired, returning that license to its original cost of $76.

Those targeting lake sturgeon and/or muskellunge also will need to obtain free fishing and harvest tags from their local license retailer.

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When anglers purchase licenses at retail stores, they often receive copies of the current Michigan Fishing Guide. For those making the purchase in 2017, they should consider visiting michigan.gov/fishingguide to see the latest version. The online guide includes any regulation changes made since its February 2016 printing, ensuring those who fish are aware of the current rules.

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Residents and non-residents also can purchase the Hunt/Fish combo license for $76 and $266, respectively, which consists of a base license, annual fishing license and two deer tags. There also is a Hunt/Fish combo license available to senior residents for $43. A base license is not required when purchasing just a fishing license.

Michigan’s fishing licenses generate revenue that is invested into the state’s fisheries, including providing greater access to world-class fishing opportunities, improving fisheries habitat in inland lakes and streams, and increasing the health and quantity of fish stocked in the state.

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The DNR Fisheries Division depends primarily on angler dollars (through license sales and federal excise tax dollars for fishing tackle) to manage the state’s fisheries. Buying a fishing license, even if you do not plan to fish, can make a big difference to the future health of Michigan’s prized freshwaters.

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There are two simple ways to purchase fishing licenses in Michigan:

1. Visit your local license retailer or DNR Customer Service Center and make a purchase in person.

2. Use the E-License system to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just visit mdnr-elicense.com on your computer, smartphone or tablet to get started.

For more information on fishing in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/fishing.

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