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Are you a Chicago angler planning to fish across state lines in Michigan? Before loading your tackle box and heading out, it’s crucial to understand the reciprocal fishing license agreements-or lack thereof-between Illinois and Michigan. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about fishing legally in both states in 2025.
The Bottom Line: No Reciprocal Agreement Exists
Illinois and Michigan do not have a reciprocal fishing license agreement as of 2025. This means your Chicago (Illinois) fishing license is not valid in Michigan waters, and a Michigan license is not valid in Illinois waters. Each state requires anglers to purchase its own specific license when fishing within its boundaries.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and confirmed by FishingBooker’s 2025 guide, there is currently no reciprocal arrangement between these neighboring states, despite both bordering Lake Michigan.
Understanding Fishing License Requirements in Both States
Illinois Fishing License Requirements (2025)
Based on the most current information from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
- Age requirement: Anyone 16 or older needs a valid fishing license
- Residency qualification: Must have resided in Illinois for at least 30 days before purchasing a resident license
- License validity: March 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026
- License types and fees:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $15.00 | $31.50 |
| 24-hour | $5.50 | $10.50 |
| 3-day | N/A | $15.50 |
| Senior Annual (65+) | $7.75 | N/A |
| Lifetime | $435.00 | Not available |
For more complete information on Illinois fishing license options, visit Take Me Fishing’s Illinois page.
Michigan Fishing License Requirements (2025)
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and TeenFish’s Michigan License Guide:
- Age requirement: Anyone 17 or older needs a valid fishing license
- Residency qualification: Must have resided in Michigan continuously for six months
- License validity: Purchase date through March 31, 2026
- License types and fees:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual All-Species | $26* | $76* |
| Senior Annual (65+) | $11* | N/A |
| Daily All-Species | $10 | $10 |
| 72-Hour | $30 | $30 |
| Voluntary Youth (Under 17) | $2 | $2 |
*Includes a $1 surcharge for conservation education
For the most up-to-date Michigan fishing regulations, you can check the Michigan DNR official website.
Navigating Lake Michigan: Where State Jurisdiction Matters
Lake Michigan borders both Illinois and Michigan, creating potential confusion for anglers. Here’s what you need to know:
- The rule is straightforward but strict: You need a license from the state in whose waters you’re fishing
- Border lines matter: If you’re fishing from the Illinois shoreline or in Illinois waters, you need an Illinois license
- Boating across boundaries: If you’re on a boat that crosses from Illinois waters into Michigan waters, you legally need both licenses
Tip for boaters: Use GPS technology or fishing apps that display state boundary lines on Lake Michigan to ensure you’re properly licensed for your location.
Michigan’s Actual Reciprocal Agreements with Other States
While Michigan does not have a reciprocal agreement with Illinois, it does maintain such arrangements with:
Indiana
According to FishingBooker’s 2025 guide: “Residents of both Michigan and Indiana can fish in each other’s interstate waters with just the one license. An agreement between the two states means that if you have a resident-issued Michigan fishing license, you can wander along the southern basin of Lake Michigan and smaller bodies of water along the state border and fish for free.”
Wisconsin
Michigan and Wisconsin have a reciprocal agreement for certain interstate waters. This means:
- You can fish parts of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior with either state’s license
- Special rules apply for certain species like Sturgeon and Musky
- Reporting requirements may differ based on which license you hold
Learn more about Michigan fishing regulations through TeenFish’s Michigan Fishing Guide.
Practical Solutions for Cross-State Anglers (2025)
If you frequently fish in both Illinois and Michigan, consider these practical approaches:
For Occasional Cross-State Trips
- Daily licenses: Michigan offers a daily license for $10, making this economical for weekend trips
- Digital options: Both states offer electronic licenses you can store on your smartphone
- Free fishing days: Take advantage of Michigan’s free fishing weekends (typically in February and June) when no license is required
For Frequent Cross-State Anglers
- Annual licenses: If you fish both states regularly, purchasing both states’ annual licenses is the most cost-effective approach
- Consider location strategy: Plan your fishing trips to maximize time in waters where you hold a valid license
- Join a fishing club: Some clubs offer group outings that may include temporary licenses in their fees
License Exemptions and Special Considerations
Illinois Exemptions
According to Take Me Fishing, these Illinois residents can fish without a license:
- Persons declared legally disabled or blind with proof of disability
- Property owners fishing on their own lands (except for club and organizational lakes)
- Active duty military on leave who entered service from Illinois and are Illinois residents
- Anyone fishing at fee fishing areas licensed by the Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Exemptions
From eRegulations Michigan Fishing guide:
- Youth under age 17
- Michigan residents who are legally blind
- Michigan residents with 100% disability or active-duty military
- Certain veterans with proper documentation
Where to Purchase Licenses in 2025
Illinois License Purchase Options
- Online: Through the Illinois DNR website
- In person: At approved DNR vendors throughout the state
- By phone: Call the Illinois DNR for phone purchase options
Michigan License Purchase Options
- Online: At Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
- Mobile app: Through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app
- In person: At license agents throughout the state (find locations at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents)
- Customer service centers: Visit any DNR Customer Service Center
Tip: For the most current Michigan fishing license information, visit TeenFish’s Michigan Fishing License 2025 guide.
Conservation Impact: Where Your License Dollars Go
Understanding the purpose behind separate licensing systems helps explain why reciprocal agreements may not exist between all states:
- Illinois license fees: Support three state fish hatcheries and conservation initiatives
- Michigan license fees: Fund fish stocking programs, habitat restoration, and conservation law enforcement
By purchasing the appropriate licenses for each state, you directly contribute to conservation efforts in the waters you fish.
Can I use my Illinois fishing license in Michigan waters of Lake Michigan?
No. There is no reciprocal agreement between Illinois and Michigan. You must purchase a Michigan fishing license to fish in Michigan waters, even in Lake Michigan.
If I have a boat launched from Chicago, can I fish in Michigan waters?
You would need both an Illinois license and a Michigan license if you plan to fish in both states’ waters during the same trip.
Are there any exceptions or special zones where reciprocal agreements exist?
No, unlike Michigan’s agreements with Indiana and Wisconsin, there are no special zones or exceptions where an Illinois license works in Michigan or vice versa.
What happens if I’m caught fishing with the wrong license?
Both states enforce their fishing regulations strictly. Penalties may include fines, confiscation of equipment, and in serious cases, loss of fishing privileges or even criminal charges.
Do senior discounts from one state transfer to another?
No. Each state has its own definition of “senior” and its own discount structure. You must qualify separately in each state.
Can I purchase a multi-state license that covers both Illinois and Michigan?
No. There is no multi-state license option available that covers both Illinois and Michigan waters.
How do I know which state’s waters I’m in while on Lake Michigan?
Use marine GPS systems, specialized fishing apps, or nautical charts that show state boundaries. When in doubt, the safest approach is to have both licenses.
Conclusion: Planning Your Cross-State Fishing in 2025
The key takeaway for Chicago anglers hoping to fish in Michigan: You must purchase a separate Michigan fishing license. There is no reciprocal agreement that allows your Illinois license to work across state lines.
For the most hassle-free experience when fishing both states:
- Purchase your licenses online before your trip
- Consider daily licenses for occasional cross-state fishing
- Store digital copies of your licenses on your smartphone
- Research specific regulations for the species you’re targeting in each state
- Check for free fishing days if you want to try fishing in the neighboring state without committing to a license
By understanding and following the licensing requirements of both Illinois and Michigan, you’ll ensure your 2025 fishing season is enjoyable, legal, and contributes to the conservation of these valuable natural resources.
For more comprehensive information on fishing licenses and regulations across other states, visit TeenFish’s complete fishing license guides.
