MI Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Restitution & Creel Limits (2026)

MI fishing penalties: $50–$500+ AND restitution costs! DNR RAP (800) 292-7800. Great Lakes salmon limit is 5. Walleye 5.

Fishing without a valid MI fishing license carries penalties from MI DNR Conservation Officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 – $500Misdemeanor + up to 90 days jail
Over bag limit$50 – $500Plus restitution costs!
Three (3) violations within 5 yrsLicense RevocationLoss of fishing privileges in MI + 48 other states!

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Salmon & Trout (Great Lakes)5 (combined)No more than 3 of any one species (usually)
Walleye515" minimum (Saginaw Bay rules vary slightly)
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass5 (combined)14" minimum
Lake SturgeonZero (or 1 per year)Mandatory reporting if kept; mostly C&R
Yellow Perch25Varies by lake

Call Report All Poaching (RAP): (800) 292-7800.

Last verified for the 2026 fishing season. Regulations subject to change.

An MI All-Species license is just $26. learn how to get your MI license step-by-step.