Michigan Fishing License Cost 2026: $26 Resident, $76 Nonresident
A resident annual fishing license in Michigan costs $26. Non-residents pay $76 for an annual license. Short-term, senior, and combination licenses are listed below, and where to buy.
In Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources handles fishing licensing — annual, short-term, senior, and combination options each carry their own price, listed in full below.
Season dates and bag limits in Michigan are set statewide by species, and individual waters can carry special regulations that override the defaults — always check the current Michigan regulations for the specific lake you plan to fish. Once licensed, the Michigan lake pages on LakeQuality show which waters hold the best quality grades, the clearest water, and improving trends — a data-first way to pick where to fish next.
2026 License Fees
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual all species resident | $26 | — | Includes $1 surcharge. Valid March 1 – March 31 of following year. |
| Annual all species nonresident | — | $76 | Includes $1 surcharge. |
| Annual all species senior | $11 | — | Michigan residents only, age 65+ or legally blind. Includes $1 surcharge. |
| Daily all species (resident or nonresident) | $10/day | $10/day | Valid 24 hours; purchaser sets the start date/time; may be purchased as needed. |
| Annual all-species youth (voluntary) | $2 | $2 | Voluntary license for anglers under age 17; not required for ages 16 and under. |
| Hunt/Fish Combo | $76 | $266 | Includes base hunting license, 2 deer licenses, and annual all-species fishing license. |
| Hunt/Fish Combo senior | $43 | — | Michigan residents only, age 65+. |
| Underwater spearfishing (resident or nonresident) | No cost | No cost | Free; a DNR Sportcard ($1) may be needed. |
Trout Stamp
Michigan does not require a separate trout or salmon stamp — a standard fishing license covers trout where seasons are open. Check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations for water-specific trout rules.
How much is a non-resident (out-of-state) Michigan fishing license?
$76 for an annual non-resident license — $50 more than the $26 residents pay. Michigan also sells 4 shorter or alternate options to out-of-state anglers, which is usually the cheaper choice for a single trip.
- Daily all species (resident or nonresident) — $10/day · Valid 24 hours; purchaser sets the start date/time; may be purchased as needed.
- Annual all-species youth (voluntary) — $2 · Voluntary license for anglers under age 17; not required for ages 16 and under.
- Hunt/Fish Combo — $266 · Includes base hunting license, 2 deer licenses, and annual all-species fishing license.
- Underwater spearfishing (resident or nonresident) — No cost · Free; a DNR Sportcard ($1) may be needed.
Non-resident license cost by state
Michigan ranks 10 of 12 on non-resident price among the states we carry verified fee tables for. Each agency sets its own fees and license year, so this compares annual non-resident prices as published.
| # | State | Resident | Non-resident | License year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $15 | $31.50 | 2026 |
| 2 | Iowa | $22 | $48 | 2026 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $20 | $50 | 2026 |
| 4 | New York | $25 | $50 | 2026 |
| 5 | Minnesota | $25 | $51 | 2026 |
| 6 | Missouri | $14 | $57 | 2026 |
| 7 | Indiana | $23 | $60 | 2026-27 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $27.97 | $60.97 | 2026 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $27 | $68 | 2026-27 |
| 10 | Michigan (this page) | $26 | $76 | 2026 |
| 11 | Ohio | $25 | $76.96 | 2026-27 |
| 12 | South Dakota | $31 | $80 | 2026 |
Headline prices only. Several states add a mandatory stamp or certificate on top — South Dakota's Habitat Stamp and North Dakota's Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate both apply to the figures above, and each state page notes its own add-ons.
Who Needs a License?
A fishing license is required at age 17 and older; anglers under 17 may fish without a license but must follow all fishing rules (a voluntary $2 youth license is offered for ages 16 and under, and any adult actively assisting a minor must be licensed). Michigan residents 65+ or legally blind residents qualify for the $11 senior annual license; license fees are waived for Michigan resident veterans with 100% disability, resident active-duty military, and individuals with a developmental disability.
Season & Regulations
Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 through March 31 of the following year, and the 2026 regulations apply April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Fishing is available year-round — many species are open all year — but gamefish have possession seasons (e.g., walleye and northern pike on Lower Peninsula inland waters open the last Saturday in April through March 15, Upper Peninsula waters May 15 – March 15, and bass opens the Saturday before Memorial Day on most waters).
For complete bag limits, slot limits, and water-specific rules, see the Michigan fishing regulations ↗.
Where to Buy
- Online: https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/ ↗
- In person: Sporting goods stores, bait shops, and county auditor / clerk offices that act as license agents.
- At DNR offices: Any Michigan Department of Natural Resources office.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026.