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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Get a Michigan Fishing License

You may be considering a weekend Michigan fishing trip to Cedar River State Harbor in the upper peninsula for northern pike or making a day trip from Detroit to Holly Recreation Area for smallmouth bass. Regardless of which type of trip you take, you will need to buy your fishing license and learn the state fishing laws before you make that first cast.

MICHIGAN FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Fishing laws and regulations are put into effect to help ensure healthy fish populations throughout state waterways. Fishing regulations often change depending on the season and year, so it is important that every angler check for regulation updates prior to each trip.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Each time you go on a fishing trip, you can help contribute towards conservation efforts by practicing proper catch and release techniques. Learn more about using release tools like dehookers and rubberized-mesh nets that help to minimize the amount of stress put on the fish.

FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION

You can purchase your Michigan fishing license online, through a licensed agent or at DNR customer service centers.
Anyone age 17 and older must have a license while fishing in public waters in Michigan. Residents and nonresidents can buy an annual, 72-hour, or 24-hour fishing license.
The fishing license year goes from March 1 to end of the season on March 31 of the following year.