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 - 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.
- Seven Lakes State Park - Ice Fishing Derby
Celebrate Free Fishing Weekend and bring the whole family to the parks annual ice fishing derby sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of America.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
