Michigan Fishing Regulations
Managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Summary below verified 2026-07-27.
⚠️ This is a planning summary, not the law. Rules change mid-season and many waters carry special regulations. Verify with the official Michigan rules before keeping fish.
License fees
One all-species license covers inland and Great Lakes waters. Anglers 17+ need a license.
| Resident all-species annual | ≈$26 |
| Non-resident all-species annual | ≈$76 |
Fees approximate as of 2026-07-27; agency fees pages have exact current pricing.
Season, size & bag limits — popular species
| Species | Waters | Season | Daily bag | Size limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Inland (Lower Peninsula) | Last Sat in April – Mar 15 | 5 | 15" minimum | Great Lakes and UP seasons differ |
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass | Statewide | Possession late May – Dec 31; catch-and-release all year | 5 combined | 14" minimum | |
| Northern pike | Inland | Last Sat in April – Mar 15 | 2 | 24" minimum | Some waters allow 5 with no size limit |
| Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch) | Statewide | Open year-round | 25 combined | None statewide | Yellow perch limits differ on some Great Lakes waters |
| Trout & salmon | Type-designated streams/lakes | Varies by water type | 5 (no more than 3 of one species on many waters) | Varies by water type | Check the Michigan Fishing Guide water listings |
Michigan regulates trout/salmon by water 'type' — the same species can carry different rules one stream over. The annual Michigan Fishing Guide is the authority.
Plan your Michigan trip
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