During the weekend of June 10-11 (Michigan’s annual #MiFreeFishingWeekend), give a kid the outdoors experience of a lifetime.
Everyone is invited to fish for free Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, for the 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend. A license is not required to fish those two days, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
These two days make up #MiFreeFishingWeekend – an annual effort celebrated since 1986 to promote Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, the DNR points out that there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend, too. Some of these events include:
• Marshall Rec 2017 Fish ‘N Float at Stuart’s Landing (Calhoun County)
Held Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this second annual event will include youth fishing and casting contests, root beer floats, canoes, kayaks, an archery range and much more.
• 13th Annual Eunice Passeno Youth Fishing Tournament (Cheboygan County)
Come to the DNR’s Cheboygan Field Office Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon to fish the youth tournament. The event is open to anglers ages 16 and younger. Participants should bring their own fishing rods and life jackets.
• Kids Fishing Club (Genesee County)
Bring your fishing rod and Genesee County Parks and Recreation will provide the bait. A short lesson Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. will cover things like fish identification and knowing how to use the right fishing equipment.
• Lake Linden-Hubbell Sportsmen’s Club Rice Lake Fishing Derby (Houghton County)
Head to Lake Linden for this annual event Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fishing, a raffle, food and refreshments all will be available.
• Family Fishing Event & Cookout (Ingham County)
Visit Crego Park in Lansing Saturday at 5 p.m. for a fun-filled fishing event complete with free food and drinks. All ages are welcome but participants should bring their own fishing equipment.
• Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce Free Fishing Weekend Demonstrations (Luce County)
Dollarville Dam will play host to basic fishing instruction Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., with topics focused on knot tying, casting, hook baiting and safety.
• Go Fish! (Oakland County)
Join West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission at the fishing pier located inside Marshbank Park on Cass Lake Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is required.
Also during the 2017 Summer #MiFreeFishingWeekend, no DNR Recreation Passport is required for entry to any state park or recreation area. It’s also Free ORV Weekend, meaning off-road enthusiasts will not need to possess an ORV license or trail permit on these dates.
There are many more Free Fishing Weekend events scheduled in various locations throughout the state. For more information about the 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend, visit michigan.gov/freefishing.
