Types
You must purchase a license if you are 17 or older. Anyone under 17 may fish without a license but must obey all regulations. Those in the military, who are Michigan residents, may get a license for $1.
Residency
Licenses for out-of-state residents are more expensive. A resident is one who has a settled or permanent address in the state, a full-time college student in the state or a member of the military stationed in Michigan.
Angler Rights
An angler has a right to get on the bank of private or fenced property, without permission, in order to avoid an obstruction on the water. Harassing anglers, or interfering with fishing, is a misdemeanor.
Benefits
Two weekends per year, in February and June, anyone may fish in Michigan without a license on free fishing days. The free weekend applies to non-residents, as well. Normal fishing regulations for size and limits still apply.
Seasons
Bass and walleye are among the most popular freshwater fish in Michigan. Bass--largemouth or smallmouth--season starts in June and goes through the end of the year. Walleye season goes from May until March.
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
