ATTENTION:
The recent "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order states that individuals may still engage in outdoor activities while keeping proper social distance from those around you.
- Individuals and members of the same household may engage in outdoor activities together. Head out to fish only if you're feeling well. Practice social distancing, at least 6 feet away from another person (outside your own household). Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. If driving to or from your nearby fishing spot, roll the windows down a bit for air flow.
- Fishing tournaments and charter fishing and guiding services are prohibited through at least April 13. Additionally, fishing tournaments over 50 people at DNR boating access sites are canceled through at least May 15.
- State parks, trails, boat launches and other public lands remain open, with certain provisions affecting visitor services in place. State harbors and campgrounds are closed.
See all COVID-19-related information for DNR facilities and services.
Wholesale Fish Dealers
Every person who deals in fish by operating a wholesale fish market or fish house, or who solicits the purchase of or buys fish for wholesale distribution, must get a license from the department. This license expires on December 31 of each calendar year, and the fee for the license is $5.00.
Businesses that operate more than one establishment are required to license each business separately and display a copy of the license at each location.
Wholesale fish dealers must keep a record of the purchase of fish in a form as required by the department.
- FACTS WHOLESALE REPORTING WEBSITE
- FACTS WHOLESALE USER GUIDE VIDEOS
- Wholesale Fish, Retail, Catcher and Wholesale Minnow Licenses
Charter Fishing in Michigan
The charter fishing industry provides Michigan with significant economic benefits. The number of active charter fishing boats changes each year as new operators are added and others depart the fishing industry.
- Online Reporting System
- Sport Trolling License
- Wholesale Fish, Retail, Catcher and Wholesale Minnow Licenses
Inland Fishing Guides
Inland Fishing Guides in Michigan are required to obtain written permission in the form of a lease in order to use state owned public water access sites. Guides must also provide proof of insurance and be a licensed inland pilot or Coast Guard captain.
Commercial Bait
Are you interested in joining the commercial bait business? The commercial collection and sale of bait (minnows, wigglers and crayfish) from the wild requires DNR licensing as well as monthly harvest reporting to the department. Are you looking for a place to purchase bait? Our bait shop locator is a great resource.
- Retail Bait Shop Locator
- Wholesale Fish, Retail, Catcher and Wholesale Minnow Licenses
Commercial Fishing on the Great Lakes
Currently there are around 50 state issued commercial fishing licenses in Michigan spread out over all four of the Great Lakes. If you are out fishing or boating on the Great Lakes, you may encounter commercial trap nets, gill nets and hook lines. All state-licensed or Native American commercial equipment are required to be marked with floats or staff/flag combinations.
- Lake Superior
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Huron
- Lake Erie
