You Can Fish for Free in Michigan February 15-17

Michigan's annual winter Free Fishing Weekend is coming up!

The Michigan DNR has added an extra day this year, Monday the 17th, to coincide with a changeover to a new license sales system. (The DNR asks everyone to note that license sales, both online and in stores, will be unavailable from Saturday, Feb. 15, through noon Tuesday, Feb. 18.)

February 15-17, residents and non-residents can fish on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for free in Michigan. A license is not required, but the DNR says all other fishing regulations still apply.

Throughout the weekend as well, the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and more than 1,300 DNR-managed boating access sites will be waived.

While you're free to bundle up and head out on your own, there are also special fishing events scheduled throughout the state:

• Winter Festival at Bay City State Park in Bay County
• Wild About Winter Activity Day at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Van Buren County
• Winterfest at Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County

Find the full list of Free Fishing Weekend events here.

The next Free Fishing Weekend is June 13-14, 2020.