Michigan Fishing Compliance Checklist
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Fees verified for 2026. Generated by FishFig — informational only, not legal advice.
1 · What license do you need?
| Angler | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Resident | $26.00 |
| Non-resident | $76.00 |
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources — 2026 fishing license announcement (michigan.gov/DNRLicenses). (2026). Verify the exact product and any one-day or short-term options with the agency.
2 · Size & bag limits
| Species | Min size | Bag limit | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | — | 5 | MI DNR 2026 Fishing Guide (possession season opens late May; C&R all year on most waters). |
| Walleye | — | 5 | MI DNR 2026 Fishing Guide. |
3 · Required stamps & report cards
MI DNR 2026: resident annual all-species $26 (+$1 surcharge); nonresident $76 (+$1); senior (65+/legally blind) $11. License year Apr 1–Mar 31. Ages 17+ need a license.
4 · Legal citations
- MI DNR 2026 Fishing Guide (possession season opens late May; C&R all year on most waters).
- MI DNR 2026 Fishing Guide.
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources — 2026 fishing license announcement (michigan.gov/DNRLicenses). (2026)
Always confirm current fees, seasons, and closures with Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) before fishing. This checklist is a planning aid and may not reflect in-season changes.