Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Michigan
State, United States. Authority : Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
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- Licence
- US$76Nonresident Annual Fishing License
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 106.7 cmMuskellunge (incl. tiger)
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearFish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm RulerTo check the minimum size: Muskellunge 106.7 cm here.
€48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Fishing Accessory Box, 329 PiecesFor : northern pike, zander, walleye · feeder fishing
€45.90£25.90Not shipped to the United States
Responsible gearSingle-Hook Casting Spoons 26 g, Pack of 5For : brown trout, rainbow trout, european perch · spoon and spinner fishing
€23.90£12.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Type-specific inland trout & salmon regulations apply (maps on DNR site)
Open all year on Lower Peninsula Great Lakes, L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit R.
May 15, 2026 opener
3rd Sat. in June (June 20, 2026) for L. St. Clair, St. Clair R., Detroit R.; catch-and-immediate-release open all year on nearly all waters
catch-and-release open all year; harvest must be registered within 24 h
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–110 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass2 statewide general regulation | 35.6 cm | |
| Walleye2 statewide general regulation | 38.1 cm | |
| Northern pike2 statewide general regulation (see Note 4 exceptions) | 61 cm | |
| Muskellunge (incl. tiger)2 statewide general regulation (see Note 4 exceptions) | 106.7 cm | |
| Channel catfish2 | 30.5 cm | |
| Flathead catfish2 | 38.1 cm |
To check the minimum size: Muskellunge 106.7 cm here. Fish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm Ruler €48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass (any combination)2 | 5 per day |
| Walleye2 Lake Erie, Detroit R., St. Clair R./L. St. Clair: 6/day, 15 in min (updated each May 1) | 5 per day |
| Northern pike2 some waters 5/day with only 1 >= 24 in | 2 per day |
| Channel catfish2 | 10 per day |
| Flathead catfish2 | 5 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing License (all species)1 | annual (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) | US$26 |
| Resident Annual Fishing License1 + $1 surcharge | annual | US$26 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License1 + $1 surcharge | annual | US$76 |
| Senior Annual Fishing License (residents 65+ or legally blind)1 + $1 surcharge | annual | US$11 |
| Daily Fishing License (residents and nonresidents 17+, 24 hours)1 | 1-day | US$10 |
| Daily Fishing License (nonresident, 24 hours)1 | 1-day | US$10 |
| Optional Youth Fishing License (16 and younger)1 | annual | US$2 |
Buy the licence on michigan.gov
- Ages and exemptions1
- All anglers 17 and older must buy a fishing license; under 17 not required (optional $2 youth license). Senior license $11 for residents 65+.
Good to know
License year runs April 1 - March 31. Separate walleye/pike openers: Lower Peninsula inland waters last Saturday in April (April 25, 2026), Upper Peninsula May 15. Bass catch-and-release year-round, harvest from the Saturday before Memorial Day. Mandatory harvest registration for lake sturgeon and muskellunge.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- pas de licence 3 ou 7 jours au Michigan (seulement journalière 24 h à 10 $ et annuelle)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Au Sable River (Main Branch) river, Crawford and Oscoda Co View on the map
- Pere Marquette River river, Mason and Lake Co View on the map
- Manistee River river, Kalkaska and Crawford Co View on the map
- Pine River river, Manistee, Lake and Osceola Co View on the map
- Two Hearted River river, Luce Co View on the map
- Little Manistee River river, Mason and Lake Co View on the map
- Boardman River river, Grand Travers Co View on the map
- Pigeon River river, Cheboygan and Ostego Co View on the map
- Sturgeon River river, Cheybogan and Otsego Co View on the map
- Jordan River river, Antrim Co View on the map
- Black River river, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Montmorency and Ostego Co View on the map
- Tahquamenon River (East Branch) river, Chippewa Co View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Michigan in 2026?
The “Nonresident Annual Fishing License” licence costs US$76 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for muskellunge in Michigan?
Muskellunge: 106.7 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- Michigan DNR news release 2026-03-02 - 2026 Michigan fishing licenses now available (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027), General Fishing Regulations table p.12 (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Michigan DNR - Fishing regulations (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.