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Fishing in Michigan
Michigan Fishing at a Glance
Michigan is a paradise for anglers, with nearly 11,000 lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams providing ample fishing opportunities. Not to mention the wealth of game fish in the area – trout, salmon and bass are all popular choices.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources require anglers to have valid licenses. Check out the DNR links below, but they are typically just $30 for residents or $80 for non-residents.
The timing of your fishing expedition depends on what type of fish you’re targeting. For instance, the spring and fall generally offer the most fruitful results. If you’re after trout, find yourself somewhere near the Au Sable River, Manistee River or Pere Marquette River where cold waters beckon. Or if it’s salmon you fancy then cast your line in Lake Michigan or any one of its tributaries such as Betsie River or Muskegon River. Bass can be found virtually anywhere – Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie and Lake Michigan are all great spots!
Michigan ranks #26 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 10.75% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Michigan offers ample fishing opportunities with nearly 11,000 lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams.
- Valid fishing licenses are required for anglers, typically costing $30 for residents and $80 for non-residents.
- The timing of your fishing expedition depends on the type of fish you’re targeting, with spring and fall being the most fruitful.
- Trout can be found in the Au Sable River, Manistee River, or Pere Marquette River, while salmon are plentiful in Lake Michigan and its tributaries.
- Bass can be found in many areas, including Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Michigan.
- Michigan ranks #26 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita, and over 10.75% of the population has fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 10,077,331 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 1,083,090 |
| Fishing License % | 10.75% |
| Hunters Rank | 26 |
The state of Michigan is mostly private land with just 22.47% of acres considered public land -ranking #15 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 36,357,800 | ||
| Public | 8,168,770 | 22.47% | 15 |
| Private | 28,183,930 | 77.52% | 35 |
| Tribal | 5,100 | 0.01% | 28 |
Michigan Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Michigan DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Michigan DNR
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
- (517) 284-6367
Fishing for Michigan’s stunning array of fish can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. Rainbow trout are beloved by fishing enthusiasts, as they are abundant in the area’s waters and easy to catch. Brown trout are another popular pick due to their fighting spirit on the hook. For those looking for an extra challenge, brook trout and lake trout offer an enticing option among fly fishing aficionados, as these fish can be challenging to take down with traditional tackle. Steelhead also provide anglers a chance to try out their luck at catching that big one!
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Fishing private land in Michigan
Fishing on private land in Michigan has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Michigan or, if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Mackinac Island
2. Michigan State Parks
3. Detroit River
4. Saginaw Bay
5. Lake St. Clair
Fishing private land in Michigan
Fishing on private land in Michigan has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Michigan or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.