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 - Fly Tying 101
Sign up for one of our two classes and learn the basics of fly-tying! All materials are provided, pre-registration is required.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours, Jan. 19
Discover how the DNR raises millions of fish every year to stock in Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Winter Scavenger Hunt
Get outside to enjoy winter with a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy!
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Just Add Snow! Snowshoe Walks
Learn how to use snowshoes, while discovering the wonderful world of winter ecology! Walks are offered starting at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Fly Tying 101
Sign up for one of our two classes and learn the basics of fly-tying! All materials are provided, pre-registration is required.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours, Feb. 2
Discover how the DNR raises millions of fish every year to stock in Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Winter Scavenger Hunt, Feb 2
Get outside to enjoy winter with a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy!
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Just Add Snow! Snowshoe Walks
Learn how to use snowshoes, while discovering the wonderful world of winter ecology!
- Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), Feb. 9-10
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.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Nature Lovers Date Night - Valentine's Day Snowshoe Soriee
Celebrate Valentine's Day a little early and enjoy winter with your sweetie on this promantic lantern lit snowshoe walk.
- Seven Lakes State Park - Ice Fishing Derby - Centennial Event
It is Free Fishing Weekend, which means there are no fishing licenses required. Prizes will be awarded and every kid will walk away with a prize!
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Hatchery Tours, Feb. 16
Discover how the DNR raises millions of fish every year to stock in Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Wild About Winter Activity Day
Borrow some snowshoes to hit the trails, warm up with shome hot cocoa by the fire, learn about ice fishing at our 11:00 a.m. seminar. Be sure to check out the variety of fun family activities including a winter scavenger hunt, jig making and more!
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - Winter Scavenger Hunt, Feb 16
Get outside to enjoy winter with a scavenger hunt the whole family will enjoy!
- Outdoor Adventure Center - OAC Outdoors: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend
Celebrate Free Fishing Weekend with an introduction to ice fishing!
- Mitchell State Park - Hard Water School (Ice Fishing Class), Feb. 23-24
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.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - 2019 Art Market
Get hooked on art! The Friends of Wolf Lake are delighted to host its first annual art market and gift fair. Local artists will be set up inside the visitor center and around the show pond.
- Oden Fish Hatchery Visitor Center - National Kids to Parks Day - Explore Aquatic Invertebrates
Celebrate Kids to Parks Day and join us for an exploration into aquatic invertebrates. Actively sample what lives in the stream year round and see the hidden life-cycle of common insects.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery - National Kids to Parks Day - Family Nature Hike
Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring on a family friendly hike on the nature trails of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery as we celebrate National Kids to Parks Day!
- Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area - 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!
- 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.
- Fishing for Lake Trout (Lake Michigan MM 6-8) Anglers can fish for and possess lake trout on the Lake Michigan management units of MM 6-8.
