Frequently Asked Questions
Question: At what age does Michigan require anglers to possess a valid fishing license?
Answer: All persons 17 years of age and older are required to posses a valid fishing license to fish in Michigan.
Question: I am an adult helping my child who is under 17 fish. Do I still need a valid fishing license?
Answer: Yes. Any adult actively assisting a minor under the age of 17 is required to possess a valid Michigan fishing license.
Question: Is a Michigan fishing license required when targeting frogs?
Answer: Yes. A valid Michigan fishing license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and reptiles.
Question: When does a Michigan fishing license expire?
Answer: Annual Michigan fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through March 31 the following year for a maximum duration of 13 full months. If you purchased on June 1 for example, the license still expires on March 31 the next year.
PRICES DISCLOSURE: We do our best to stay current, but prices can change without notice to us. The prices below may or may not be the exact current prices for the license(s) listed.
How much does a fishing license cost?
Fishing licenses in Michigan can range from about $5.00 for a Resident Annual Junior Base fishing license to under $300.00 for a Nonresident Combo license. Take a look below for all the resident and nonresident fishing licenses and prices.
Michigan Resident Fishing License Prices
Note: If you are a resident who wants to primarily fish, but also hunt small game in Michigan, you are required to possess a [hunting] Base License*, unless otherwise noted. The Base license allows residents to hunt small game and to purchase additional hunting licenses.
Michigan Resident Annual Fishing License:
$26.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Senior Annual Fishing License: Residents 65 years of age or older or residents who are legally blind
$11.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident 1-Day (24 hours) Fishing License:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident 3-Day (72 hours) Fishing License:
$30.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Includes Base*, 2 Deer and Michigan Resident Annual “all-species” Fishing License
$76.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Senior Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Includes Base*, 2 Deer and Michigan Resident Annual “all-species” Fishing License. RESIDENTS ONLY – 65 years of age or older
$43.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Annual Base* License (Adult):
$11.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Annual Base* License (Junior):
$6.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Annual Base* License (Senior 65+):
$5.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Resident Sturgeon Permit:The sturgeon permit and harvest tag are NO LONGER REQUIRED. However, you must register your sturgeon harvest within 24 hours.
N/A – Register Harvest Here
How much does a nonresident fishing license cost?
Michigan Nonresident Fishing License Prices
Note: If you are an adult nonresident who wants to primarily fish, but also hunt small game in Michigan, you are required to possess a [hunting] Base License*, unless otherwise noted. The Base license allows adult nonresidents to hunt small game and to purchase additional hunting licenses.
Michigan Nonresident Annual Fishing License:
$76.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Nonresident 1-Day (24 hours) Fishing License:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Nonresident 3-Day (72 hours) Fishing License:
$30.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Nonresident Combo Fishing/Hunting License: Includes Base*, 2 Deer and Michigan Resident Annual “all-species” Fishing License
$266.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Nonresident Annual Base* License (Adult):
$151.00 BUY NOW
Michigan Nonresident Sport Card:
$1.00 BUY NOW
View the Michigan Fishing Regulations.
Where can I buy a fishing license?
Here are some of the best places to fish in Michigan.
All information listed above can also be seen on the fishing license page of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
Other disclosures from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Information regarding anglers with disabilities and current/former military can also be found here on the MDNR website under the NOTES section at the bottom of the page