As the weather warms and the ice melts, anglers across Michigan are eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024 fishing season. One of the first steps in preparing for a successful year on the water is purchasing a valid fishing license. But how much does a Michigan fishing license cost in 2024, and what are the different options available?
Annual Fishing Licenses
In Michigan, fishing licenses are valid from March 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. The most popular option is the annual all-species license, which allows anglers to fish for all legal species in Michigan’s public waters. The cost of an annual all-species license varies depending on residency and age:
Annual all-species resident: $26
Annual all-species nonresident: $76
Annual all-species senior (65 and older or legally blind, Michigan residents only): $11
For anglers 16 and younger, a voluntary youth all-species license is available for $2.
Daily Fishing Licenses
In addition to annual licenses, Michigan also offers daily all-species licenses for both residents and nonresidents. These licenses are valid for one day and allow the holder to fish for all legal species. The cost of a daily all-species license is $10 per day, and the start date is set by the purchaser.
Purchasing a Michigan Fishing License
There are several ways to purchase a Michigan fishing license in 2024:
Online at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website
At any of the state’s license agents, which can be found on the DNR website
At a DNR Customer Service Center
To purchase a license, anglers will need a valid form of ID and the necessary information, such as their driver’s license number and date of birth.
License Requirements and Exceptions
In Michigan, anyone 17 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. Anglers under 17 may fish without a license but must still follow all fishing rules and regulations.
There are a few exceptions to the license requirement. Developmentally disabled individuals or residents of a home for the aged may obtain a permit from the DNR to fish without a license if they are part of a group accompanied by licensed anglers. Additionally, anglers can fish without a license during Michigan’s free fishing weekends, which occur twice a year.
Purchasing a fishing license not only allows anglers to pursue their passion, but it also supports the DNR’s efforts to protect and enhance Michigan’s aquatic resources for current and future generations.