A nonresident annual license lets you fish Michigan waters for a full calendar year without buying a daily pass each time
Michigan's nonresident annual fishing license costs $51.95 and covers all inland lakes and streams for the entire calendar year—January through December. You can fish for any species during their open seasons, use any legal method, and fish as many days as you want without buying additional permits. The license is issued the day you purchase it and remains valid through December 31 of that year, regardless of when you buy it.
If you fish Michigan waters more than a few times per year, an annual license saves money compared to daily licenses, which cost $11.95 each. You'll need to carry your license with you whenever you fish—either the physical card or a digital copy on your phone through the Michigan DNR mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- A nonresident annual license costs $51.95 and covers all inland fishing for the full calendar year, expiring December 31.
- You can purchase a license online through the Michigan DNR website, by phone at 1-866-GO-FISH1, or at authorized retailers across the state.
- The license covers inland lakes and streams but does not include Great Lakes fishing, which requires a separate Great Lakes license.
- You must carry your license physically or show it digitally on your phone; Michigan DNR officers check licenses during routine patrols and at boat launches.
- Nonresident licenses are not refundable once purchased, even if you leave the state early or decide not to fish.
Where to buy your license and how long it takes
You can purchase a nonresident annual license three ways: online through the Michigan DNR website, by phone at 1-866-GO-FISH1, or in person at authorized retailers. Online and phone purchases are the fastest—you receive your license immediately and can start fishing the same day. In-person purchases at bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some gas stations also issue licenses on the spot.
When you buy online or by phone, you'll receive a temporary digital license valid for 48 hours while your physical card is mailed to you. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Many anglers simply use the digital version on their phone through the Michigan DNR mobile app and never need the physical card, though carrying both is common practice.
What species you can fish and seasonal rules
Your nonresident annual license covers freshwater fish in Michigan's inland waters: trout, bass, pike, walleye, panfish, catfish, and others. Each species has its own open season and daily catch limit. Trout season runs year-round in most areas, while bass season typically opens in June. Walleye and pike seasons vary by region and water body.
The Michigan DNR publishes a detailed fishing guide each year listing every species, open dates, and bag limits by region. You can download it free from the DNR website or pick up a printed copy at most bait shops and sporting goods retailers. Seasons and limits change annually, so checking the current guide before your trip prevents accidental violations.
Your annual license does not cover Great Lakes fishing (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, or Lake Erie). Great Lakes fishing requires a separate Great Lakes license, which costs $20.95 for nonresidents and covers the same calendar year.
Regulations you must follow while fishing
Michigan requires you to have your license on your person at all times while fishing. DNR officers conduct routine patrols at popular fishing spots, boat launches, and along shorelines and will ask to see your license. Fishing without a valid license results in a civil infraction with fines starting at $100, plus court costs.
You must also follow all gear restrictions: some waters allow only fly fishing, others prohibit live bait, and some limit the number of rods you can use. These rules vary by water body and are listed in the annual fishing guide. Catch and release is always legal, but you must follow daily bag limits for species you keep. Violating bag limits or using prohibited methods can result in fines and loss of fishing privileges.
Nonresident vs. resident licenses and other options
Michigan residents pay $26.95 for an annual license—roughly half the nonresident price. If you own property in Michigan or establish residency, you may may have access to for a resident license. Residency typically requires living in Michigan for at least 6 months of the year and having a Michigan driver's license or state ID.
If you fish only occasionally, a daily nonresident license costs $11.95 and covers one calendar day. A 7-day license costs $30.95. The annual license becomes the better value after about five fishing days per year. Some nonresidents also purchase a Great Lakes license separately if they plan to fish both inland and Great Lakes waters during the year.
What to do if your license is lost or damaged
If you lose your physical license card, you can fish legally using the digital version on your phone through the Michigan DNR mobile app. The app stores your license information and displays it for DNR officers to verify. If you lose both your physical card and digital access, contact the Michigan DNR at 1-866-GO-FISH1 to request a replacement card, which will be mailed to you.
Replacement cards are issued at no additional charge, but you must provide your original purchase information. Keep your receipt or confirmation email from your initial purchase so you can prove you own a valid license. If your license was damaged by water or wear, the DNR may issue a replacement if you show the damaged card.
Planning your fishing trip with an annual license
An annual license works best if you plan multiple trips throughout the year. If you fish 5 or more days per year in Michigan, the annual license pays for itself compared to daily licenses. Many nonresidents buy an annual license in spring and use it through fall, then let it expire at year's end rather than renewing early.
Before your first trip, download the current Michigan fishing guide and check the open seasons for the species and waters you plan to fish. Seasons change each year, and some waters have special restrictions. The DNR website also lists which waters are stocked with trout and which have special regulations for catch-and-release or fly-fishing only. Checking these details before you arrive prevents wasted time and accidental violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the Great Lakes with a nonresident annual license?
No. Your inland nonresident annual license covers only freshwater lakes and streams. The Great Lakes (Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Erie) require a separate Great Lakes license, which costs $20.95 for nonresidents and covers the same calendar year. You can purchase both licenses together if you plan to fish both inland and Great Lakes waters.
What happens if I buy an annual license in December?
Your license expires on December 31 of that same year, regardless of when you purchase it. If you buy in December, you have only a few weeks to use it before it expires. If you plan to fish Michigan regularly starting in January, it's more economical to wait and buy your license in early January so it covers the full year ahead.
Can I use my Michigan nonresident license if I move to another state?
Yes. Once purchased, your nonresident license is valid through December 31 of that year, no matter where you live. You can fish Michigan waters during visits or trips without buying a new license. The license is tied to the purchase date, not your residency status.
Is the nonresident annual license refundable?
No. Michigan DNR does not issue refunds for nonresident annual licenses once purchased, even if you leave the state early or decide not to fish. If you're unsure whether you'll fish enough to justify the cost, consider buying a 7-day license first to test the waters and decide whether an annual license makes sense.
Do I need a separate license to fish private property?
Yes. Your nonresident annual license is required on all Michigan waters, including private lakes and streams, unless the owner has posted "no fishing" signs. Always ask permission from the property owner before fishing on private land. The license itself does not grant you access to private property—only the owner's permission does.