Michigan's 2018 fishing license season kicks off April 1

Bookmark and Share
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

- DNR NEWS -

March 26, 2018

Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839 or Christian LeSage, 517-284-5830

Don't forget! Michigan's 2018 fishing license season kicks off April 1

2018 Michigan Fishing Guide and fishing license

For those interested in going fishing in Michigan, a new license is required starting Sunday, April 1. That day is the kickoff to the state’s 2018 fishing license season, as well as the new fishing regulation cycle. All 2018 fishing licenses are good through March 31, 2019.

Anglers have eight options to choose from when making their purchase. All fishing licenses are good for all species.

  • 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
  • Resident combo hunt/fish (base, annual fishing, two deer) - $76
  • Senior resident combo hunt/fish (base, annual fishing, two deer) - $43
  • Nonresident combo hunt/fish (base, annual fishing, two deer) - $266

There are several regulation changes this year, creating many new fishing opportunities for anglers. The new regulations go into effect on April 1, 2018, including the following: 

  • Muskellunge harvest season has changed statewide to the first Saturday in June and includes a new catch-and-immediate release season open all year.
  • A new suite of waters has been added where anglers may retain an additional five brook trout in their daily possession limit of trout (10 brook trout possession waters).

Additionally, a new registration system has been put into place for anglers who harvest a lake sturgeon or muskellunge. The lake sturgeon fishing permit and harvest tag and the muskellunge harvest tags are no longer required or available. An angler who harvests a lake sturgeon or muskellunge is now required to report the harvest within 24 hours, either online at michigan.gov/registerfish, by calling the toll-free number 844-345-FISH (3474) or in person at any Department of Natural Resources Customer Service Center during normal state business hours with advance notice of arrival. Please note that fish registrations won’t be accepted at any state fish hatcheries or DNR field offices, only at DNR Customer Service Centers.

For more information on Michigan fishing licenses and regulation changes, check out the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide – available at license retailers or online at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests. The online version is always up to date and available to download.

Don’t forget, there are two simple ways to buy a fishing license in Michigan:

  1. Visit a local license retailer or DNR Customer Service Center and make a purchase in person.
  2. Use the E-License system to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just visit mdnr-elicense.com on your computer, smartphone or tablet to get started.

/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

A new fishing license is required April 1 to coincide with the 2018 fishing season. Anglers can pick up a license - and a 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide - at retailers located across the state./


    The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.