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

A gigantic large-mouth bass is seen pulled from a Michigan lake.
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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.

A walleye is displayed after being landed in a Michigan lake.
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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.

Out of State Fishing License Revenue By State

Captain Experiences researched U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2024 data to rank fishing destinations by non-resident license sales in 2022, factoring revenue in for ties. For complete methodology, see the link in the #1 entry. Now let's countdown to the State that generates the most dollars from out-of-state fishing licenses.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Michigan's 58 Fishing Records: Species, Weight, Length, and Date

While fishing is considered a leisure sport, it can be incredibly competitive. From fishing tournaments to combo rod dock fishing, it's a sport that doesn't have age requirements to set records. All you need is a means to fish and measure your catch. According to LandBigFish.com, here's a look at the 58 fishing records set in Michigan.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow