Check out the list of officially registered 2012 Winter Free Fishing Weekend events.

All fishing license fees were waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors enjoyed fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still applied. For Free Fishing events in your area, click on  the counties listed below.

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

Clinton County
Event Name: Free Fishing (and more!) at Sleepy Hollow
Location: Sleepy Hollow State Park, 7835 E. Price Road, Laingsburg, MI 48848
Date: February 18, 2012
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Come visit Sleepy Hollow State Park for the opportunity to participate in two fun, outdoor winter activities: ice fishing and hiking! This event will feature activities for the whole family ? regardless of the weather. If there's safe ice, come out and learn from local experts on how to ice fish successfully. Fly fishing instruction will also be provided! Also come enjoy a general hike through nature. All activities will be provided in alternative formats if the weather does not cooperate. This event is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-373-9719, waltere@michigan.gov

Ionia County
Event Name: Free Fishing Weekend Special Event
Location: Ionia Recreation Area
Date: February 19, 2011
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Details: Stop by and learn all about ice fishing at this special event during Free Fishing Weekend. Gear will be provided and cool fishing swag to be given away to attendees. This event is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: Tracy Ball, 616-527-3750, ballt4@michigan.gov

Kent County
Event Name: Pack 3188/3189 Winter Fishing & Skating at Murray Lake
Location: Murray Lake in Lowell
Date: February 18, 2011
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Details: Join the scouts of Pack 3188/3189 as they enjoy an afternoon of ice fishing, skating and hotdog roasting! Join your fellow scouts for some outdoor winter fun! Parents and siblings are welcome, but siblings must be accompanied by a parent. Not a scout? Come out and see what it's all about! Boys in grades first through fifth from local area schools are also welcome, accompanied by a parent. Dress warmly and bring your skates. Event subject to cancellation pending safe ice condition. This event is free.
Contact: Jill DeCator, 616-450-9109, jdecator@northcountrytrail.org

Livingston County
Event Name: Free Fishing Weekend Special Event
Location: Brighton Recreation Area
Date: February 19, 2012
Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: Come on out for this special one hour of ice fishing instruction and find out more about fishing in Michigan's State Parks. Fishing goodies will be given away to attendees. This event is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: Tracy Ball, 810-229-6566, ballt4@michigan.gov

Newaygo County
Event Name: Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Contest
Location: 8249 S. Croton Hardy Drive, Newaygo
Date: February 18, 2012
Time: unknown
Details: This annual event raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition to fishing, the event will have an Ice Golf Tournament, Ice Skating and two Fishing Experience Tents on the ice. It costs $5 per adult to participate and that includes a raffle ticket. Children under the age of 13 are free this year with a paying adult.
Contact: Michelle Doan, 231-652-2250, michellescbtp@gmail.com

Ogemaw County
Event Name: 2012 Winterfest
Location: Rifle River Recreation Area, Lupton
Date: February 18, 2012
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Come enjoy a winter hayride, warming fire, coffee, hot cocoa, free hotdogs (cook your own), sledding hill available, hiking and ski trails available and many lakes for ice fishing opportunities. This event is free, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: Eric Downing, 989-473-2258, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rifle-River-Recreation-Area

Roscommon County
Event Name: 2012 Higgins Lake WinterFest
Location: North Higgins Lake State Park
Date: February 18, 2012
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Admission for all events at the 2012 WinterFest are $5, children age five and under are free. On Saturday, February 18 there will be a Lake Fishing Derby at North Higgins Lake State Park from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Connie Allen, info@hlrcc.com, 989-275-8760

Schoolcraft County
Event Name: Youth Fishing Derby
Location: McDonald Lake Access Site, Gulliver
Date: February 18 & 19, 2012
Time: 8 a.m. to dark (Saturday) and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Sunday)
Details: This event will consist of a youth fishing derby for kids age 14 and under. All youth must be registered and accompanied by an adult. Those attending can pre-register or wait until the day of the event. Bring your own pole and bait. Prizes and awards will be given away after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Refreshments will be available at the boat launch.
Contact: B.G. Kokesh, 906-283-3266

Van Buren County
Event Name: Winter Fishing Days, Ice Fishing 101
Location: Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, Mattawan
Date: February 18, 2012
Time: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.
Details: Youth ages five to 16 are invited to come learn the basics of ice fishing and get a chance to test out their new skills on the ice! The program includes both an indoor and outdoor portion. Ice fishing portion of the program is dependant upon ice conditions and subject to cancellation. Participants and chaperones should dress appropriately for weather conditions. This event is free, but pre-registration is REQUIRED as space is limited.
Contact: Shana Ramsey, 269-668-2876, ramseys2@michigan.gov