Do Senior Citizens Need a Fishing License in Michigan in 2024?

As a senior citizen in Michigan, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to enjoy the state’s abundant waterways in 2024. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) currently requires all persons 65 years of age and older who wish to fish the state’s waters to obtain fishing licenses and allows Michigan seniors to purchase discounted licenses, such as the “senior restricted fishing license,” “senior all-species fishing license,” or a senior 24-hour fishing license.

Senior Fishing License Fees in Michigan

In 2024, the fees for senior fishing licenses in Michigan are as follows:

Annual all-species senior (65 or legally blind, Michigan residents only) – $11
Daily all-species senior – $10/day

These discounted rates are significantly lower than the standard annual fishing license fees, which are $26 for residents and $76 for non-residents.

Exemptions for Seniors and Disabled Veterans

In addition to the discounted senior fishing licenses, Michigan also offers exemptions for certain individuals:

State residents who are blind or permanently and totally disabled and entitled to full veteran benefits for a disability other than blindness are eligible to purchase senior restricted and all-species fishing licenses at a 60% discount from the standard fees.
Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or full-time active-duty military have their fishing license fees waived.

However, it’s important to note that selling, lending, or permitting another person to use one’s driver’s license or state ID card to avoid obtaining a fishing license is considered a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for 90 days and a fine of $25-$250.

Purchasing a Senior Fishing License in Michigan

In 2024, seniors can purchase their fishing licenses through various convenient methods:

Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
On the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App
At a License Agent (find the list at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents)
At a DNR Customer Service Center

Seniors can also replace a lost fishing license through these channels if needed.

Fishing License Revenue and Conservation Efforts

The revenue generated from fishing license sales, including the discounted senior licenses, plays a crucial role in funding conservation efforts in Michigan:

A $1 surcharge is included in the senior annual fishing license, with the revenue used to educate the public on the benefits of fishing and its impact on natural resource conservation.
Fishing license funds are also used to maintain and improve Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and stocking programs.

So while seniors in Michigan do need a fishing license to fish in 2024, the state offers discounted rates and exemptions to make it more accessible for this age group to enjoy the sport and support conservation efforts.