Free Fishing Weekend!

lschultz • February 16, 2024

Dust off your poles; Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend begins this Saturday, February 17.

Twice a year, all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Fish the open waters of the Great Lakes or enjoy a few of Michigan’s tens of thousands of inland lakes, rivers and streams. 

While all fishing regulations still apply, any legal species of fish is fair game. All anglers, whether residents or out-of-state, are welcome to participate. 

No Recreation Passport? No worries. Over the weekend, Recreation Passports will not be required to enter boating access sites or state parks.

Free Fishing Weekend presents a great opportunity for first-time anglers to get a taste of what Michigan’s waters have to offer, free of charge. It gives those who aren’t yet a part of the angling community a first-hand look at how diverse Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems are. 

Additionally, Free Fishing Weekend exposes an otherwise non-fishing public to the great work done throughout the year by our Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division. 

With the right guidance, one angling excursion can be the difference between understanding the value of Michigan’s fisheries and natural resources and taking them for granted. 

Mark your calendars: the next Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for June 8 and 9 and held in conjunction with “Three-Free Weekend.” During this time, fishing, ORV (off-road vehicle) use, and entry to state parks and boating access sites will all be free of charge. 

For more information on Free Fishing Weekend and “Three-Free” Weekend, check out the DNR’s page here. 

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .

 

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Clean Up at Yates Park

By Olivia Triltsch • April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.

OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

By Olivia Triltsch • April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.

White Oaks vs Red Oaks: Why Does It Matter?

By Olivia Triltsch • April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts