DNR - Winter 2013 Free Fishing Weekend Events

Winter 2013 Free Fishing Weekend Events

Check out the list of officially registered 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend events. Perhaps you'll attend one, or perhaps one will spark your interest in planning your own event!

All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. For Free Fishing events in your area, click on any county listed below.

Please note that some events do require pre-registration and/or the DNR's Recreation Passport.

Antrim County
Bay County
Clinton County
Gogebic County
Ingham County
Iron County
Monroe County
Montcalm County

Oakland County
Ogemaw County
Presque Isle County
Roscommon County
Tuscola County
Van Buren County
Washtenaw County
Wayne County
Wexford County

Antrim County
Event Name: Ellsworth Shiverfest
Location: Ellsworth Community Park, Ellsworth
Date: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day
Details: Shiverfest includes winter events for all ages such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fishing, sledding, as well as several indoor events.
Contact: alanajhaley@yahoo.com, 231-360-0676

Bay County
Event Name: Winter Festival
Location: Bay City State Recreation Area, 3582 State Park Drive, Bay City
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Details: A full day of activities that focus on getting children outdoors, fishing and exploring Michigan's Winter Wonderland. Events include a Family Ice Fishing Derby complete with free loaner rods, free bait, pre-drilled holes, hot refreshments and free raffle for kids as well as trophies for the best catch; Youth Ice Fishing Clinic where children can make their own ice fishing jig and lure while they learn about ice fishing; Snow Snake Clinic & Contest where participants can make their own Chippewa snow snake and see how far they can make it slide across the ice; Snow Shoe Hike; Winter Wildlife programs; Owl Calling Hike & much more! Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: blaschkav@michigan.gov, 989-667-0717

Clinton County
Event Name: Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Location: Bath Community Center (5959 Park Lake Road), Bath
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: Registration for this event will begin at 8:30a.m. Participants will be able to fish from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Park Lake. Following the event, participants can stay for the presentation of prizes. Trophies will be awarded for longest fish in three categories and 50/50 and grand prize drawings will also take place. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. The fee to participate is $10 per person.
Contact: bgoodwin@bathtownship.us, 517-641-6728 (extension 131)

Gogebic County
Event Name: 4th Annual Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing Contest
Location: Sunday Lake, Wakefield
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CST)
Details: The Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) is planning its Fourth Annual Ice Fishing Contest, which is its main fundraising event. Sunday Lake has a variety of fish species, such as perch, panfish, walleye and northern pike, which makes it an ideal spot for the Ice Fishing Contest. Although the contest will be geared towards children, prizes will be available for all ages. The contest fee is $3 for children aged four to 12 and $5 for people 13 and up. Children three and under are free. The funds raised are used to purchase lifesaving Fire Suppression Equipment.
Contact: clerk@cityofwakefield.org, 906-229-5131

Event Name: Family Friendly Free Fishing Weekend
Location: Bass Lake, north of Watersmeet
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST)
Details: This event is a free fishing class for all interested individuals. Youth and adults can attend with all youth participants accompanied by an adult. Bait will be supplied by the DNR and equipment will be available on a limited basis. Participants can bring their favorite fishing rod and/or tip-up if they wish. Staff from the DNR's Porcupine Mountains State Park and Crystal Falls Field Station will be on hand to assist and instruct individuals on techniques and methods to take fish on our area water.
Contact: mylchreestm@michigan.gov, 906-875-6622

Ingham County
Event Name: Meridian Fishing Derby
Location: 1990 Central Park Drive, Okemos
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Details: This fishing derby will include prizes awarded for first fish caught, biggest fish caught, second biggest fish caught and the most fish caught.
Contact: grothous@meridian.mi.us, 517-853-4616

Iron County
Event Name: Family Friendly Free Fishing Weekend
Location: Runkle Lake, east of Crystal Falls
Date: Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST)
Details: This event is a free fishing class for all interested individuals. Youth and adults can attend with all youth participants accompanied by an adult. Bait will be supplied by the DNR and equipment will be available on a limited basis. Participants can bring their favorite fishing rod and/or tip-up if they wish. Staff from the DNR's Porcupine Mountains State Park and Crystal Falls Field Station will be on hand to assist and instruct individuals on techniques and methods to take fish on our area water.
Contact: mylchreestm@michigan.gov, 906-875-6622

Monroe County
Women Fish Too?ice fishing weekend (same as event listed for Wayne County)
Location: Point Mouillee State Game Area, Rockwood
Date: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: For this event women of all ages are invited to come and participate in ice fishing. See the contact below for additional information.
Contact: surgtech369@gmail.com, 734-674-6639

Montcalm County
Winter Family Weekend
Location: 3789 E. Vestaburg Road, Vestaburg
Date: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time: The event actually starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 15 and runs until 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 17.
Details: A family weekend full of indoor and outdoor activities including ice fishing, archery, worship and more. All equipment will be provided. Please note there is a cost to attend, $30 for adults and $10 for children. See the contact below for additional information.
Contact: dan@rlca.org, 989-268-5377

Oakland County
Event Name: Ice Fishing Derby
Location: Seven Lakes State Park, 14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: This event is sponsored by Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park. A fishing derby will be available and participation is FREE. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for park entry. Some equipment will be available to use for those that don't have any. Lots of prizes will be given out! Bring the whole family for a day of fun. Refreshments will be available.
Contact: 248-634-7271

Ogemaw County
Event Name: Winterfest
Location: Rifle River Recreation Area, 2550 East Rose City Road, Lupton
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: At this event a hay ride, warming fire, coffee, hot cocoa and hot dogs will be provided. Visitors are encouraged to take part in outdoor winter recreation activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, etc. There will also be a nice sledding hill for the young ones available. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 989-473-2258

Presque Isle County
Event Name: Reel Fun Ice Fishing Tournament
Location: Metzelaar Bay, Grand Lake
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: This family-friendly event held on Grand Lake will have more than 30 prizes given away. Purchase of each ticket enters you into a drawing to win a 42" TV. Tickets are $25 and only 1,000 are available. Tickets may be found at Clem's Bait and Tackle, Buck's Bait and Tackle, Alpena Chamber of Commerce, or Top O' Michigan Insurance Agency locations. All proceeds benefit The Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary River Center. For more information visit www.icefishingalpena.com.
Contact: esbushey@hotmail.com, 989-464-3697

Roscommon County
Event Name: Catch Us If You Can
Location: Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Lake St. Helen
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: All day
Details: Catch one of the nearly 100 tagged fish in Lake St. Helen, Higgins Lake or Houghton Lake and you will receive a $50 gas card and be entered for a chance to win $100,000 and a new boat. The first five tagged fish caught over Free Fishing Weekend will receive an extra free gift.
Contact: info@visithoughtonlake.com, 989-366-8474

Event Name: WinterFest
Location: North Higgins Lake State Park (1747 N. Higgins Lake Drive), Roscommon
Date: Saturday, February 16
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: This Annual Winter Festival includes a pancake breakfast, cardboard sled race, chili cook-off, ice fishing contest, Kids Karnival, games and various others activities. A truly fun family event.
Contact: info@hlrcc.com, 989-275-8760

Tuscola County
Event Name: 18th Annual Ice Fishing Contest
Location: The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning, 2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Details: The Fowler Center will be hosting its 18th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament with two fishing sessions available (7:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-5:30 p.m.). The cost to participate is $20 each for fishermen 17 and over and $5 each for those under 17. In addition to the $7,000 grand prize pike contest, there will be cash prizes for first pike, largest fish, smallest fish, youngest fishermen with a fish, and more! Also available throughout the day will be concessions, raffle, 50/50, door prizes, and a delicious $8 chicken dinner! On-site accommodations are available for $15/person/night, call now to reserve your spot! Come enjoy a day of free fishing, hosted by Rob and Susie Trott of Great Lakes Outdoors, while supporting their camp for individuals with special needs.
Contact: info@thefowlercenter.org, 989-673-2050

Van Buren County
Event Name: Ice Fishing 101
Location: Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 34270 County Road 652, Mattawan
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Details: Youth ages five to 16 will learn the basics of ice fishing and get a chance to try their new skills out on the ice! This program will include both an inside and outside portion. The ice fishing portion of the program is dependent on ice conditions and subject to cancellation. Participants and chaperones should dress appropriately for weather conditions. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. On-site hatchery tours will also be available at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Contact: ramseys2@michigan.gov, 269-668-2876

Washtenaw County
Event Name: Family Ice Fishing & Bonfire
Location: Mill Lake Boat Launch at Waterloo Recreation Area, 16345 McClure Road, Chelsea
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: This event will allow participants to make their own fishing rods, learn to play snow snake, ice skate, drink hot cocoa, and roast marshmallows. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: mcglashenk@michigan.gov, 734-475-3170

Wayne County
Women Fish Too?ice fishing weekend (same as event listed for Monroe County)
Location: Point Mouillee State Game Area, Rockwood
Date: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, 2013
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: For this event women of all ages are invited to come and participate in ice fishing. See the contact below for additional information.
Contact: surgtech369@gmail.com, 734-674-6639

Wexford County
Event Name: DNR Youth Fishing Tournament
Location: Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, 6087 E M-115, Cadillac
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Details: Come visit the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center for its first-ever Free Fishing Weekend ice fishing tournament. Participants can be youth age 16 and under. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. All state and local fishing regulations apply. Participants must register prior to the event, call or email the contact below. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: shawe@michigan.gov, 231-779-1321