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
- Mitchell State Park - Bass Fishing for Beginners Clinic
Covering various strategies and techniques for chasing northern Michigan bass.
- Mitchell State Park - Beginners' Fly-Fishing Clinic
Covering the basics of fly fishing, including demonstrations and instruction for various fly casts and instruction on fly selection based on target species.
- 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.
- Bay City State Park - Saginaw Bay Walleye Clinic
This two-day course includes a tips and techniques session led by Walleye Trail World Champion, Captain Mark Martin and Captain Brandon Stanton of Team Gunsmoke Sportfishing and Guide Service and hands-on, one-on-one time with Martin’s pro-staff fishing Saginaw Bay.
- Bay City State Park - Women 'n Waders Fly Fishing Class
Geared toward the beginner, but all women anglers welcome! Basic skill-building activities such as knot-tying, setting up equipment, angler etiquette, casting, fly-tying and access points for trout fishing will be covered.
- 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!
- Bay City State Park - Free Fishing Festival
Join us for Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend. We will have a variety of fun programs designed to get you hooked on fishing!
- Young State Park - Kid's Fishing Tournament
Come celebrate free fishing weekend with a fun fishing tournament open to ages 13 and under. Prizes will be awarded to a variety of age groups.
- Bald Mountain Recreation Area - Rec 101: Intro to Fishing
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.
- 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!
- 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.
