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.
- 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.
- Inland Waters Guide List
To help connect you with fishing guides we are providing this list of fishing guides authorized to do business on state lands. This is provided as a convenience, we do not endorse or certify a guide's knowledge or ability.
- Inland Fishing Guide Lease Application
Application for the use of state land for the purpose of fishing guiding.
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
