On Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, everyone in Michigan – including residents and nonresidents – can fish without a license, but all other fishing regulations still apply.These two days make up the Summer Free Fishing Weekend – an annual effort (it’s the 31st year this has been celebrated) to promote Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well.
Some of these events include:
Baraga County Lake Trout Festival
Held Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this event will be at the L’Anse Waterfront Park and feature a free fishing pond.
Young State Park Kids Fishing Tournament (Benzie County)
Come to the state park for a youth-friendly tournament Saturday, June 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. Fishing rods and bait provided.
Hosted by the Knights of Columbus, this event is geared toward children age 15 and younger and will be held Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held in Montrose, and free lunch will be provided to all participants – parental supervision is required of attendees.
Kids Fishing Derby (Hillsdale County)
Head to Lewis Emery Park and rearing ponds Saturday, June 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this fun event. Lunch and prizes are provided but participants must bring their own fishing gear.
Metamora-Hadley Family Fishing Derby (Lapeer County)
Saturday, June 11, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., this contest at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area will be on Lake Minnawanna. A prize will be given for the biggest fish caught in each age group.
Fishing Rod Availability (Mason County)
Pay a visit to the Mason County District Library locations in Ludington or Scottville Saturday, June 11, or Sunday, June 12, to borrow a fishing rod for free.
Springfield Township Fishing Derby (Oakland County)
Springfield Township Parks and Recreation will host this derby, where multiple prizes will be awarded. It will be held Sunday, June 12, from noon to 2 p.m.
There are many more Free Fishing Weekend events scheduled in various locations throughout the state in nearly 30 Michigan counties. For more information about the 2016 Summer Free Fishing Weekend, visit Michigan.gov/freefishing.
Michigan has celebrated the Summer Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1986. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, Michigan and fishing are a perfect match.
