Michigan Fishing License Changes

Michigan fishing license changes for 2014.

Don’t forget: New fishing license required April 1

LANSING—The DNR reminds anglers that a new fishing license season begins Tuesday, April 1, which coincides with the new regulation cycle. All 2013 fishing licenses are good through March 31, 2014.

Michigan’s fishing licenses were restructured March 1. Anglers now have five options when making their purchases:

–Resident annual – $26

–Nonresident annual – $76

–Senior annual (for residents age 65 or older) – $11

–24-hour (resident or nonresident) – $10

–72-hour (resident or nonresident) – $30

All fishing licenses are good for all species.

Residents and nonresidents also can purchase the hunt/fish combo license for $76 and $266, respectively, which consists of a base license, annual fishing license and two deer tags. A base license is not required when purchasing just a fishing license.

Revenue generated from the new fishing licenses will be invested into Michigan’s fisheries, including greater access to world-class fishing opportunities, improving fisheries habitat in inland lakes and streams, and increasing the health and quantity of fish stocked in state waters.

The DNR Fisheries Division depends primarily on funds received from license sales and federal excise taxes on fishing tackle to manage the state’s fisheries. Buying a fishing license, even if you do not plan to fish, can make a big difference in the future health of Michigan’s prized freshwaters.

There are two simple ways to purchase a fishing license in Michigan:

–Visit a local license retailer or DNR customer service center and make a purchase in person.

–Use the E-License system website to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit www.mdnr-elicense.com on your computer, smartphone or tablet to get started.

For more information on fishing in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.

Fishing.