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Learn to fish

Two girls standing on a dock with life jackets on holding up fish they caught

Learn to fish

It's a great time to start fishing!

It’s so easy to get started fishing in Michigan. Here’s a checklist of what you need:

  • Choose your company. Do a solo outing, grab some friends for some fishing fun or make it a family trip.
  • Buy your fishing license. If you’re a Michigan resident, you can get an annual license for just $26.
  • Pick up some gear. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Some basic rods and reels, hooks, sinkers, bobbers and baits are all you need.
  • Decide where you want to go. Fish your local lake, book a charter on one of the Great Lakes or plan a trip to a special stream.
  • Think about what species you want to fish for. Do some bobber fishing for panfish, throw lures at bass, target walleye or fall in love with something else.

Buy your fishing license » How to purchase a Voluntary Youth Fishing License »

Classes and clinics

  • a family with a dad and two children fishing on a spring day

    Hook, Line and Sinker

    This FREE program teaches kids how to fish!

    We'll teach casting and fishing basics, and can provide you with a fishing pole to use if you don't have your own.

  • An instructor teaches people proper ice fishing techniques at an OSA Hard Water clinic

    Outdoor Skills Academy

    The Outdoor Skills Academy classes and clinics provide a more in-depth skill development opportunity for teens and adults.

    The classes are offered for a fee and require registration free. 

General fishing information

Resources

Videos

  • Fishing safety and etiquette

    Fishing in Michigan is fun – but there is always the potential for accidents or misunderstandings with other anglers. But following super simple safety and etiquette rules can help keep all anglers happy and healthy!

  • How to: Catch and release

    Do you know how to properly catch and release a fish to minimize stress and maximize survival rate? Check out this video, featuring step-by-step instructions and some tips and tricks even the most seasoned anglers may not have heard before!

  • How to: Choose the right equipment for panfish

    New to the sport of fishing? Not sure what kind of equipment to buy and use? Watch this video to learn about the basics of what you’ll need!

  • Clean and care for your catch

    Learn how to clean and care for your catch. Tips include keeping your catch cold while out on the water, filleting your fish using the skeleton and fins as a guide, and soaking the fillets in salted ice water.

  • How to: fishing for panfish

    New to the sport of fishing? Not sure how to use your basic equipment? Watch this video to learn about how to fish for panfish, including how to attach bait to the hook, set the hook in the fish's mouth, and reel in and safely release any fish you catch.

  • How to: fishing bait

    Great tips for beginners about what types of fishing bait to choose.