Michigan Department of Natural Resources now requires inland fishing guides to obtain a license to take clients on trips on inland lakes, rivers, or streams. This regulation has been in effect since March 1, 2024. The license costs $150 for residents and $300 for nonresidents, and is valid for three years. Guides with a valid U.S. Coast Guard-issued captain’s license can receive a waiver for the fee.
To apply for the license, guides must complete a questionnaire and receive approval from the DNR before purchasing it online. They must also have certification in first aid and CPR, a valid Michigan driver’s license, and no felony convictions within the past three years. Additionally, guides must have the appropriate pilot’s or captain’s license based on the navigability of the waters they will be operating in, and possess a basic first aid kit while on trips.
Licensed guides are required to report their catch activity monthly, except for trips on lakes or ponds smaller than 5 acres. Reporting requirements for Great Lakes and connecting waters are also in place. For further information or assistance with obtaining a license, guides can contact Kendra Kozlauskos at 231-330-2845 or kozlauskosk@michigan.gov.
The goal of this regulation is to ensure the safety and compliance of fishing guides while out on trips with clients, promoting responsible and sustainable angling practices on Michigan’s inland waters.
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