Check out the current list of officially registered 2013 Summer 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.
Baraga County
Event Name: Baraga County Lake Trout Festival
Location: L'Anse Waterfront Park, South Front Street in L'Anse
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: Join DNR staff for a free kids fishing pond in honor of the 2013 SummerFree Fishing Weekend! Take part in events like the Keweenaw Bay Classic Fishing Tournament, Kids Carnival, food, music and more! A free fishing pond with all fishing equipment will be provided. Participants will get freebies for participation and lucky anglers get to keep what they catch.
Contact: 906-353-6885
Crawford County
Event Name: Free Fishing Family Fun Day
Location: Hartwick Pines State Park, 3612 State Park Drive, Grayling
Date: Sunday, June 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Details: This event is fun for all ages. Fishing contest, free canoe & kayak rentals, fly casting & fly tying demonstrations, AuSable River History presentation, and more. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: weaverj7@michigan.gov, 989-348-7068
Genesee County
Event Name: 9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby
Location: 4045 Coldwater Road, Flint
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: Bluegill, Rock Bass, Perch, Walleye or Carp? What will you catch? Bring fishing gear if you have it; we'll supply the bait, the boats, the experts, and lunch! A limited number of rods and reels will be available for kids who don't have their own. This event is co-sponsored by the Flint River Valley Steelheaders and Fishing Tackle Grab Bag. Please note an annual or daily pass required for entrance to the facility, but participation in the derby is FREE!
Contact: seasonalrec@gcparks.com, 810-736-7100, extension 824
Houghton County
Event Name: 40th Annual Fishing Derby
Location: 51610 Rice Lake Road, Lake Linden
Date: Sunday, June 9
Time: To be determined
Details: This event will offer a day of family fun complete with raffles, food and refreshments. Please note there is a cost to participate; $5 for adults, $3 for juniors, and $1 for kids.
Contact: kamachie@mtu.edu, 906-487*2667
Lapeer County
Event Name: Lake Minnawanna Family Free Fishing Derby
Location: Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area, 3871 Herd Road, Metamora
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Details: A family freindly fishing competition for all ages. This event is free and registration occurs the day of the event. Small prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. Participants should meet at the Red Barn by the camp store. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 810-797-4439
Macomb County
Event Name: River Day, Try Your Hand at Fly-Casting
Location: 42700 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Details: In cooperation with the Clinton River Watershed and Clinton Valley Trout Unlimited, the Sterling Heights Nature Center will offer a hands-on fly-casting demonstration. If you have never tried fly-casting, this will be a great opportunity to learn from the pros.
Contact: bsuchenek@sterling-heights.net, 586-446-2710
Event Name: 27th Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Location: Heritage Garden Lake, 52700 Van Dyke, Shelby Township
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Details: This annual event promotes the sport of fishing to the community. It is open to area kids ages 15 and under. This event is free to participate and prizes are awarded for four age groups.
Contact: