Michigan anglers can now purchase 2025 Michigan fishing season licenses, valid through March 31, 2026, as new regulations and season openers approach.
Michigan Fishing License Sales Begin for 2025 Season
Fishing enthusiasts across the state can now secure their 2025 Michigan fishing season licenses, with the season officially beginning on April 1, 2025. The licenses, which are required for all anglers aged 17 and older, grant access to fishing for all species, though additional regulations apply for specific methods and species. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages anglers to purchase their licenses early to avoid delays.
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. To streamline future purchases, the DNR offers an auto-renewal option, allowing licenses to be automatically renewed each season.
Cost of Michigan Fishing Licenses and Options for 2025
Michigan offers several fishing license options for both residents and nonresidents:
- Annual fishing license: $26 for residents, $76 for nonresidents (both include a $1 surcharge).
- Daily fishing license: $10 per day.
- Youth fishing license: $2 for anglers 16 and younger (optional).
Anglers can choose to enroll in auto-renew at checkout to ensure they never miss a season.
2025 Michigan Fishing Seasons and Key Dates
The 2025 fishing seasons bring excitement for anglers targeting a variety of species across Michigan’s lakes and rivers. Below are the major season openers:
- April 26: Statewide trout season and Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike season open.
- May 15: Upper Peninsula walleye and northern pike season begins.
- June 7: Muskellunge possession season opens across Great Lakes, inland waters, and key rivers (catch-and-release remains open all year).
- May 24: Bass possession season begins statewide, except for Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers, which open on June 21.
For detailed regulations and species-specific guidelines, anglers can consult the 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species and Protecting Michigan Waters
As fishing season begins, the DNR urges all anglers to take precautions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. These species disrupt ecosystems and threaten Michigan’s fisheries.
To protect Michigan’s waters, anglers should follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol:
- Clean: Remove debris, plants, and mud from boats, trailers, and gear.
- Drain: Empty live wells, bilges, and bait buckets before leaving the water.
- Dry: Let boats and equipment dry for five days or disinfect before entering a new body of water.
For more information or questions about fishing licenses, anglers can contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License@Michigan.gov or call 517-284-6057.
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