As the weather warms and open-water fishing season approaches, Michigan residents eagerly await the opportunity to purchase their 2024 fishing licenses. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that new license sales will begin on Friday, March 31, 2023, for the season starting on April 1, 2024.
Fishing License Requirements
In Michigan, anyone aged 17 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters. Those under 17 may fish without a license but are still required to follow all fishing rules and regulations. If an adult is actively assisting a minor who does not have a license, the adult must possess a valid fishing license.
There are a few exceptions to the fishing license requirements. Developmentally disabled individuals or residents of a licensed 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 one or more licensed adults. Additionally, Michigan offers free fishing weekends twice a year, during which residents and nonresidents can fish without a license.
Types of Fishing Licenses
Michigan offers various types of fishing licenses, each with its own set of fees. The fees for 2024 are as follows:
**Residents:** – Annual all-species: $26 – Senior annual all-species (65 or legally blind): $11 – Youth annual all-species (under 17): $2 – Daily all-species: $10/day
**Nonresidents:** – Annual all-species: $76 – Daily all-species: $10/day
A $1 surcharge is included in the combination licenses, resident annual, nonresident annual, and senior annual fishing licenses. This surcharge is used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing, and trapping in Michigan, and their impact on the conservation, preservation, and management of the state’s natural resources.
Active-duty U.S. military personnel who have maintained Michigan residency are eligible for waived license fees.
Purchasing a Fishing License
There are several ways to purchase a Michigan fishing license for 2024:
Online: Licenses can be purchased through the Michigan DNR website at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
In-person: Licenses are available at DNR Customer Service Centers, licensed retailers, and other authorized agents.
When purchasing a license, anglers will need to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
Fishing Regulations and Resources
Michigan has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that must be followed to protect the state’s fish populations. These regulations include catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures. Anglers can find detailed information about Michigan’s fishing regulations in the DNR’s annual fishing guide, which will be available online starting April 1, 2024.
The DNR uses the revenue generated from fishing licenses to support various conservation efforts, including fish hatcheries, habitat restoration, and research. By purchasing a fishing license, anglers contribute to the protection and enhancement of Michigan’s aquatic resources for current and future generations.
As the 2024 fishing season approaches, Michigan anglers can look forward to a variety of fishing opportunities, from the popular walleye fishery to the spring steelhead run on the Betsie River. With a valid fishing license in hand, they can enjoy the state’s abundant natural resources and the thrill of the catch.