The DNR is waiving all fishing license fees for the two days so residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing both inland and Great Lakes waters. While a fishing license will not be required during the special weekend, all fishing regulations will remain in effect.
Potential anglers will have the opportunity to learn more about the sport by participating in Free Fishing Weekend events taking place at numerous parks and recreational areas across the state.
Bald Mountain Recreation Area Fishing 101
Learn how to cast, what bait to use and how to get the best results when shore fishing during a Fishing 101 workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, June 9, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Oakland County. The recreation area is located east of M-24 just south of Lake Orion. Events take place at the fishing dock at the East Graham boat launch located on the north side of Predmore Road between Harmon and Lake George Roads. The ranger staff will be conducting the class and will provide bait and poles along with instruction. For reservations call the park, 248-693-6767.
Cheboygan Field Office Youth Fishing Contest
The DNR’s Cheboygan Field Office in Cheboygan County will conduct a free catch and release Youth Fishing Contest from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., June 11, on the Cheboygan River near the field office, 120 A Street, next to the State Street Bridge. Registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of the event. The contest is for youth ages 16 years and under with adult supervision. The events are divided into three age groups: 6 years old and under, 7 to 11 years old, and 12 to 16 years old. Smokey Bear will visit around 10:30 a.m. and refreshments will be provided for participants. DNR staff will be available to assist; however, parents are responsible for their children. For details, call 231-627-9011.
Bay City State Recreation Area Free Fishing Festival
The Bay City Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Dr., in Bay City (Bay County), will host a Free Fishing Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 11, sponsored by Frank’s Great Outdoors and the Saginaw Bay Walleye Club. The day’s events include a Family Fishing Derby, Youth Fishing Clinics, a Kasting Kontest and special “How To” programs, Michigan fisheries exhibits and presentations, fishing crafts and water safety presentations and much more. The event includes free refreshments as well as the free loan of fishing poles; bait will be provided. This is a Free Fishing event. A fishing license is not required. For details, call 989-684-3020.
Young State Park Youth Fishing Tournament
Young State Park is sponsoring a Youth Fishing Tournament starting at 10:30 a.m., June 11, for children up to 14 years old. The park is located at 02280 Boyne City Rd. in Emmet County. The tournament takes place at Mirror Pond inside the park. Fishing rods and bait are provided. Prizes will be awarded. For details, call the park, 231-582-7523.
Seven Lakes State Park Spring Fishing Derby
Learn to fish and fish for prizes during Seven Lakes State Park’s Spring Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 11, at the park, 14390 Fish Lake Rd. in Holly (Oakland County). The third annual tournament, sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of America, Benton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park, includes contests for all age groups from 4 to 5 year olds, to senior citizens. Refreshments will be available. For details, call the park at 248-634-7271.
Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area Fishing Derby
Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area in Lapeer County is sponsoring a fun fishing contest during the free fishing weekend. The tournament starts at 8:30 a.m., June 11, and concludes at 11:30 a.m. at the park, 3871 Herd Rd. in Metamora. The contest is for two age groups, those ages 16 years and under and ages 17 years and older and consists of cast fishing from the shore or boats. Register the morning of the tournament at the Red Barn or visitors center campground. For details, call the park, 810-797-4439.
Hartwick Pines State Park Fishing Weekend
Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County will observe the Free Fishing Weekend with a youth fishing derby taking place from 10 a.m. to noon, June 11, on both Bright and Glory Lakes. The park will have some fishing tackle available to loan as well as free bait. Prizes will be awarded. The park is located at 4216 Ranger Rd. in Grayling. For details, call DNR Park Interpreter Craig Kasmer at 989-348-2537.
Pinckney Recreation Area Free Fishing Weekend
Join the Explorer Guide at Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw County for a Free Fishing Weekend event from 9 a.m. to noon, June 11, at the Silver Lake Day Use Area. Free bait and loaner fishing poles will be available for kids. The park is at 8555 Silver Hill Rd. in Pinckney. For details, call the park at 734-426-4913.
Otsego Lake State Park Free Fishing Weekend Fishing Clinic
Otsego Lake State Park in Otsego County will offer a free fishing clinic from 10 a.m. to noon, June 11, at the park, 7136 Old 27 South in Gaylord. The clinic will offer the basics of fishing, rules and regulations. The park has a very limited supply of fishing poles; therefore, participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles, if they have them. Parental supervision is recommended. For details, call the park at 989-732-5485.
Clear Lake State Park Fishing Program
Clear Lake State Park in Montmorency County is hosting a fishing event and games at 4 p.m., June 11, in the campground as well as a fishing program at 7 p.m. in the day use area. The park is located at 20500 M-33 North in Atlanta. For details, call the park at 989-785-4388.
The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.
Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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