Learn to Fish with Hook, Line and Sinker
We'll teach you casting and fishing basics, and can provide you with a rod and reel to use if you don't have your own. With step-by-step direction, you'll learn fishing basics like knot-tying, setting up your pole, casting, selecting and using bait, and removing fish from the hook.
The classes are offered free of charge, and participants under 17 do not need a fishing license.
Below are locations that may offer Hook, Line and Sinker classes. Please note, the links below are for each park's overall weekly program schedule, and Hook, Line and Sinker may not be offered at every location each week. To find upcoming dates and times, please call the location your are interested in. You can look up each of these parks on our Recreation Search website.
Looking for a family friendly place to fish and try out your new skills? Try our Family Friendly Fishing Waters!
Other Learn to Fish Opportunities
- Recreation 101
Recreation 101 is a series of introductory classes taught by DNR staff or expert volunteers from organizations, guide services, outfitters and more. These volunteers offer their time and knowledge at no charge to the DNR or the participants.
- Outdoor Skills Academy
The Outdoor Skills Academy classes and clinics provide a more in-depth skill development opportunity that are offered for a fee and require registration. Outdoor Skills Academy classes take place at our visitor centers at select parks and recreation areas around the state.
- More learning to fish information
New to fishing or interested in learning a new technique? We offer a variety of information, videos and other resources to help you get started.
Upcoming Fishing Events
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hook, Line and Sinker Kids' Fishing
Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Catch and release fishing for kids!
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours
Tours begin at 10 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and at noon and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Find out how the DNR raises millions of fish each year for Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Muskie Madness Tours
Saturdays and Sundays only from noon to 1 p.m. Wolf Lake is the only fish hatchery in the state that raises muskie, a large predator fish found in Michigan. Learn how we raise them on these special, limited-edition tours.
- Indian Lake State Park - Annual Fishing Tournament
Don't miss this fishing tournament that is fun for all ages!
- Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area - Lake Minnawanna Fall Fishing Tournament
Enjoy a family-friendly fishing tournament on Lake Minnawanna. Trophies will be awarded for largest legal-size fish by weight caught in adult and youth age categories.
