The Department of Natural Resources reminds fishing guides who utilize state-owned lands to access Michigan’s inland lakes or streams as part of their commercial operation that they are required to have written permission from the DNR prior to using state- owned lands.

Since 2006, inland fishing guides in Michigan have been required to obtain written permission, in the form of a lease to use state-owned public water access sites.  Guides pay an annual Use of Land fee, must also provide proof of general liability insurance, and must have a state-issued inland pilot’s license or a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license.  Use of Land fees provide funding for maintenance of state forest lands, including public-water access sites.

Michigan residents and visitors have an abundant supply of freshwater inland lakes, streams and Great Lakes that provide a variety of recreational fishing opportunities.  Annually, it is estimated that two million residents and visitors fish Michigan waters.  Michigan’s recreational fishery has an annual economic value of more than $2 billion and provides more than 15,000 jobs statewide.

For more information, contact, Brenda Mikula, DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 231-597-0472 or visit www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing and click on Angler Information, Inland Fishing Guides, to find a link for the fishing guide lease application form.

For information on how to obtain an inland pilot license, contact, Sylvia Roossien, DNR Law Enforcement Division, at 517-241-3793.