Pay lakes in Michigan

Yes. Michigan requires anyone 17 or older to carry a fishing license to take fish; the only private-water exemption found is for residents and their families fishing on their own enclosed land, so pay-pond customers should carry a license.

Michigan licenses pay lakes through its Aquaculture Facility Registration (Michigan Aquaculture Development Act, PA 199 of 1996), run by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (fishing licenses); Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (aquaculture registration). The license rule depends on the lake holding that state license, so ask the lake if you are unsure.

"A person 17 years of age or older shall not take aquatic species, except aquatic insects, in or upon any waters over which this state has jurisdiction or in or upon any lands within the state, or possess aquatic species, except aquatic insects, without having in his or her possession a valid license as provided in this part."

Source: MCL 324.43509, checked November 2026. Compare every state on our pay lake license rules page.