DNR - Fishing Classes and Clinics

Hook, Line and Sinker graphic with bobber

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

Additional opportunities to learn how to fish may be available through our Recreation 101 program or Outdoor Skills Academy. New classes are being developed and added as resources permit, so check back from time-to-time to see what is available.

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

Jan 11 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Winter Scavenger Hunt
Get outside to enjoy winter with a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy!
Jan 11 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours
Tours begin at 10 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Find out how the DNR raises millions of fish each year for Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
Jan 11 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Just Add Snow! Family Snowshoe Walks
Discover the fascinating world of winter ecology an a guided snowshoewalk on our nature trails. Guided hikes begin at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Jan 11 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Fly Tying 101
Learn the basics of tying flies at this introductory program. Pre-registration required.
Jan 25 Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), Jan. 25-26
Learn how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations. The main focus will be techniques for panfish, walleye and pike.
Feb 07 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Nature Lovers Date Night
Celebrate Valentine's Day a little early and enjoy winter with your sweetie on this promantic lantern lit snowshoe walk.
Feb 15 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Winter Scavenger Hunt
Get outside to enjoy winter with a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy!
Feb 15 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours
Tours begin at 10 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Find out how the DNR raises millions of fish each year for Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
Feb 15 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Wild About Winter Activity Day
Warm up with some hot cocoa by the fire, learn about ice fishing at our Ice Fishing Discovery Table and check out a variety of fun family activities including a winter scavenger hunt, jig making and more!
Feb 15 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Just Add Snow! Family Snowshoe Walks
Discover the fascinating world of winter ecology an a guided snowshoewalk on our nature trails. Guided hikes begin at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Feb 21 Mitchell State Park - Advanced Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Clinic)
Learn to fish from the pros with this three-day class. Class topics will be very specific – each student will pick a topic of interest and will be assigned a pro fisherman.
Mar 07 Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), March 7-8
This class will cover everything from how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations. The main focus will be techniques for panfish, walleye and pike.
May 17 Mitchell State Park - Bass Fishing for Beginners Clinic
Learn various strategies and techniques for chasing northern Michigan bass.
May 23 Mitchell State Park - Fly Fishing Clinic
This class will cover the basics of fly fishing, including demonstrations and instruction for various fly casts and for fly selection based on target species.
Jun 13 Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area - Free Family Fishing Derby
Join the park for a fishing derby during Free Fishing Weekend - no fishing license required. Fun prizes awarded in each age group!
Jun 13 Muskallonge Lake State Park - Learn to Fish
Join the Friends of Muskallonge Lake State Park to learn the basics of fishing.
Jun 13 Bald Mountain Recreation Area - Fishing 101
Join us during Free Fishing Weekend for this introductory fishing program which will teach you basic skills needed for this fun sport. All ages are welcome.
Sep 19 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.