Michigan Fishing License Cost
Prices checked against official sources on
A Michigan annual all-species fishing license costs $26 for residents and $11 for residents 65 and older. Nonresidents pay $76 a year. Anyone can buy a daily license for $10 a day. Anglers under 17 don't need a license.
Ready to buy? Licenses are sold by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Official license page ↗
Michigan fishing license prices
Prices as listed by the Michigan DNR.
Fishing licenses
| License | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual all-species, resident | $26 |
| Annual all-species, senior (65+ or legally blind, residents only) | $11 |
| Annual all-species, nonresident | $76 |
| Daily all-species, resident or nonresident | $10 per day |
| Annual all-species youth (under 17, voluntary) | $2 |
Hunt/fish combo licenses
| License | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident (base hunting, 2 deer, annual all-species fishing) | $76 |
| Senior, residents 65+ | $43 |
| Nonresident | $266 |
What common trips cost
Totals worked out from the official prices above.
| Situation | What to buy | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Resident, full year | Annual all-species | $26 |
| Nonresident weekend (2 days) | 2 × daily $10 | $20 |
| Nonresident week (7 days) | 7 × daily $10 | $70 |
| Nonresident, 8 days or more | Annual all-species | $76 |
| Resident who also hunts deer | Hunt/fish combo | $76 |
Who needs a fishing license in Michigan
- Anyone 17 or older needs a license to fish Michigan's public waters.
- Anglers under 17 can fish without a license but must follow all fishing rules.
- An adult who is actively helping a minor fish needs a license.
- A license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans or reptiles.
When the license is valid
Michigan's annual fishing license runs from March 1 through March 31 of the following year, which gives a one-month overlap with the next season's license.
Free fishing days in Michigan
During Michigan's Free Fishing Weekends, residents and nonresidents can fish all species on inland and Great Lakes waters without a license. All fishing regulations still apply.
| Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| February 14–15, 2026 | Winter Free Fishing Weekend |
| June 13–14, 2026 | Summer Free Fishing Weekend |
Dates for next year are added as soon as the agency announces them.
Where to buy
Online through the Michigan DNR's license system or at license agents across the state.
How to pay less, and what to watch out for
Daily licenses add up fast
At $10 a day, a nonresident breaks even with the $76 annual license after eight days. For a week-long trip (7 days, $70), daily licenses are still slightly cheaper; for anything longer, buy the annual license.
You set the start time of a daily license
When you buy a daily license you choose the date and time it starts, so you can buy it in advance of a trip.
The combo license for hunters
Residents who also hunt deer can get base hunting, two deer licenses and annual fishing in one $76 combo license. Seniors pay $43.
One license for all species
The annual all-species license covers every species, trout and salmon included, so there is no separate stamp to buy.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Michigan fishing license?
$26 a year for residents, $11 for residents 65 and older and $76 for nonresidents. A daily license is $10.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Michigan?
At 17. Anglers under 17 can fish without one.
When does a Michigan fishing license expire?
The annual license is valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Do I need a trout stamp in Michigan?
No. The all-species license covers every species.
Sources
Every price and rule on this page comes from these official pages. If the agency changes a fee, its page wins over ours; tell us and we'll correct it.