Michigan Ranks as One of the Best Fishing Destinations in America

Fishing might be the ultimate chill-out sport, but when it comes to reeling in the revenue, Michigan's waters are anything but calm. Anglers from across the country and worldwide are flocking to the Great Lakes State, rods in hand, to cast their lines in our famous freshwater lakes.

RELATED: Michigan DNR Invasive Species Watchlist: Northern Snakehead

And guess what? All those non-residents aren't just here for the fish--they're on the hook pump some serious cash into the Michigan economy.

Out-of-State Fishing Tourism is Big Business In and For Michigan

Fishing licenses have always been a staple of state wildlife departments, with a portion of those sales going toward conservation efforts. Back in the day, non-resident licenses made up a measly 15% of the annual sales. But since the 90s, that number has skyrocketed like a salmon on a Red Bull. Fast forward to 2022, and Michigan hit a record: non-residents made up 21.2% of all fishing licenses, a trend seen in nearly every state.

According to research conducted by Captain Experiences, a fishing and hunting reservation platform, in 2022 alone, Michigan issued over a quarter of a million fishing licenses to out-of-state visitors. That puts the Mitten State in the top 10 nationwide for the most non-resident anglers.

The best part is that these fish-loving tourists are not just about the license money—they support local businesses, boost the economy, and probably leave with some great fish stories.

RELATED: Koi Fish Caught In Michigan Lake Breaks the World Record

Want to know which state makes the most for non-resident anglers? Well, it's not Michigan--but we are one of the top states, and the figure is impressive. Keep scrolling to find out where fishing tourists are handing over the most cash.