%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F81699%2Fimages%2F1769146887837gemini_generated_image_t5jrm4t5jrm4t5jr-removebg-preview.png&w=1200&q=100)
Securing Your License for Salmon and Walleye Trips
- Published Date: January 23, 2026
- Fishing
- Lake Michigan
Summary
Anglers 17+ need an All-Species license for Lake Michigan or Saginaw Bay. Get a $10 24-hour pass online via the DNR website or app. Kids 16 and under fish for free on our family trips!
/users/bcdb4b0f-f2eb-4f28-8896-1cd558f114d0/pagedata/487309801_122119437344730893_8487657292900435891_n1-mkqhrm4d.jpg)
Securing Your License for Salmon and Walleye Trips
King Salmon battle on Lake Michigan waters.
Catching Saginaw Bay gold with Rod Hawgz.
Lake Michigan silver: Giant salmon strikes!
Spring Lake salmon fishing at its finest.
Limiting out in Au Gres. Best walleye fishing.
Rod Hawgz: Premier Lake Michigan salmon trips.
Landing a trophy King on Lake Michigan.
Gold on the line! Saginaw Bay walleye action.
Meet your Captain David Edgerton
- Expert Lake Michigan Salmon & Walleye Charters
Michigan Fishing License Information for Travelers and Anglers
Navigating the premier waters of the Great Lakes with Rod Hawgz Fishing Charters is an experience of a lifetime, but before we hit the "hotspots" in Lake Michigan or Saginaw Bay, ensuring you are legally licensed is the first step. In Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages our world-class fisheries to ensure they remain productive for generations. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of state, the licensing process is straightforward, and we are here to guide you through it so you can focus on the fishing.
Who Needs a License?
- Ages 17 and Older: All anglers age 17 or older are required to have a valid Michigan fishing license to participate in any fishing activity, including catch-and-release.
- Youth (16 and Younger): Children under the age of 17 do not need a license to fish. This makes our family-friendly trips even more accessible for young explorers.
- Charter Passengers: Every adult on a charter boat who intends to fish must possess their own license. Even if you are just "helping" a child, a license is required.
2026 License Options and Pricing
Michigan offers several flexible options to fit your travel schedule. Most of our guests find that a 24-hour license is the most convenient and cost-effective choice for a single-day adventure.
License Type Resident Price Non-Resident Price
24-Hour All-Species $10.00 $10.00
72-Hour All-Species $30.00 $30.00
Annual All-Species $26.00 $76.00
Senior (Residents 65+) $11.00 N/A
Note: As of 2026, Michigan does not have "saltwater" licenses. Because we are fishing the Great Lakes, all licenses are "All-Species" freshwater licenses, which cover everything from our Saginaw Bay walleye to the heavy-hitting Lake Michigan salmon.
Special Exemptions and Discounts
- Active Duty Military: Michigan residents currently in active-duty military service are eligible for free fishing licenses.
- Disabled Veterans: Resident veterans with 100% disability are also eligible for free licensing.
- Seniors: Michigan residents 65 and older can enjoy a discounted annual rate of $11.00.
Where to Get Your License
Obtaining your license is quick and can be done entirely from your smartphone:
- Online (Recommended): Visit the Michigan DNR E-License website.
- Mobile App: Download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to purchase and store your digital license directly on your phone.
- In-Person: Many local bait shops and sporting goods stores in Spring Lake and Au Gres are authorized DNR retailers.
Catch the Action
Step inside the world of Rod Hawgz Fishing Charters and witness the pulse-pounding excitement of the Great Lakes. Our gallery captures the raw beauty of Lake Michigan at dawn, where the mist rises off the water just as a massive King Salmon breaks the surface. You will see the gleaming silver of trophy catches and the "Saginaw Bay gold" of limit-style walleye hauls, all showcased against the backdrop of our state-of-the-art 2024 Hewescraft 270 Alaskan. From the sun-drenched docks of Spring Lake to the scenic, rocky shorelines of Au Gres, these images tell the story of the adventures waiting for you.
Beyond the thrill of the catch, explore the serene side of Michigan’s outdoors. Our photos highlight the quiet moments that make these trips unforgettable: golden sunsets painting the horizon, bald eagles soaring over the bay, and the cozy local cabins where our guests recharge after a day on the water. You’ll get a true feel for the family-friendly atmosphere on board, seeing the smiles of young anglers holding their very first fish. Dive into our collection to see the landmarks, the wildlife, and the world-class gear that define the Rod Hawgz experience.
