Settle a conversation about fishing licenses

You can fish without a license June 11-12 this year. I think after that, your license purchase counts for the next year.

LINK

I would call ldwf.

This doesn't exactly answer your question, but....
I once needed a new fishing license. I was at the camp and decided to go fishing and didn't have a license for the new year. I bought one online on my phone and took a screen shot for proof. I'd imagine they can run your liscense to see if you're current.