Home/Fishing licenses/Michigan
Fishing license
Michigan Fishing License: Cost and Where to Buy
A resident annual Michigan fishing license costs $26 and a nonresident annual license $76, with a 1-day nonresident option at $10, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Here is who needs one, every license type and price, and where to buy it.
Prices
Michigan fishing license prices
| License | Who | Covers | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual All-Species Fishing License | Resident | freshwater (all species) | annual | $26 |
| Annual All-Species Fishing License | Nonresident | freshwater (all species) | annual | $76 |
| Annual All-Species Fishing License – Senior (65+ or legally blind) | Resident | freshwater (all species) | annual | $11 |
| Annual All-Species Fishing License – Youth (under 17, voluntary) | Resident/nonresident | freshwater (all species) | annual | $2 |
| Daily All-Species Fishing License | Resident/nonresident | freshwater (all species) | 1-day (per day) | $10 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo | Resident | fishing + base hunting + two deer licenses | annual | $76 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo | Nonresident | fishing + base hunting + two deer licenses | annual | $266 |
| Hunt/Fish Combo – Senior (65+) | Resident | fishing + base hunting + two deer licenses | annual | $43 |
Prices from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026. Some vendors add a small processing or agent fee. Prices change – confirm on the official license site before you buy.
Rules
Who needs a Michigan fishing license
- Who needs one: Everyone 17 and older fishing public waters; under 17 may fish without a license, but an adult actively assisting a minor must be licensed.
- Kids: Under 17 no license required; optional youth all-species license $2 (residents or nonresidents under 17).
- Seniors: Residents 65+ (or legally blind): annual all-species $11.
- Saltwater: No saltwater – Great Lakes and inland waters are freshwater; the all-species license covers all fishing.
Fish with a local
Fishing charters in Michigan
Charter captains and guides we list in Michigan, A to Z on each town page.
Questions
Michigan fishing license questions
How much is a fishing license in Michigan?
A resident annual license is $26 and a nonresident annual license is $76, and a 1-day nonresident license is $10. Full list above, from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Who needs a fishing license in Michigan?
Everyone 17 and older fishing public waters; under 17 may fish without a license, but an adult actively assisting a minor must be licensed.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter in Michigan?
The agency fee pages we checked do not say. In many coastal states a licensed charter boat covers its paying passengers, but not everywhere – ask the captain when you book.
Where do I buy a Michigan fishing license?
Online from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at mdnr-elicense.com, or from licensed sporting-goods and bait shops.
Sources:
For captains and guides
Your boat, listed free. No commission, ever.
Anglers call you or book on your own website, and you keep 100% of every trip. Want more detail or the one Featured spot in your town? Enhanced is $19/month and City Spotlight $49/month.