12-10-2013, 12:12 PM
On Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 everyone in Michigan - including residents and non-residents - can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.
Those two days make up the Summer Free Fishing Weekend - an annual effort to promote Michigan's world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well. Some of these events include:
Kids Fishing Tournament at Young State Park, Boyne City in Charlevoix County
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. The park will be hosting a kids fishing tournament on Mirror Pond with fishing poles and bait provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment. Prizes will be awarded in two age categories: nine and under, and 10 to 18.
9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby, Bluegill Boat Launch at Mott Lake, Flint in Genesee County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Genesee County Parks will host this derby with bait, boats, expertise and lunch provided. This event is co-sponsored by the Flint River Valley Steelheaders and Fishing Tackle Grab Bag.
Hook, Line & Sinker at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, Mattawan in Van Buren County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 8:30 a.m. Hook, Line and Sinker is a weekly fishing program that provides experienced, friendly instructors that will help you get started fishing in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. All equipment and bait will be provided for kids ages three to 16 to practice catch-and-release fishing.
Richmond Township Community Club's 25th Annual Fishing Derby, Richmond Township in Marquette County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the club. The derby is free for kids age 16 and under and both breakfast and lunch are provided. All participants receive a gift and trophies are awards for first, second and third places.
Spring Fishing Derby at Seven Lakes State Park, Holly in Oakland County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by The Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park, this fishing derby is free and some equipment will be available for use.<br />
There are many more events scheduled in various locations throughout the state in more than 20 Michigan counties. For more information about the 2013 Summer Free Fishing Weekend please visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
Michigan has been celebrating the Summer Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1986. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a perfect match.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Media Contact<br />
Elyse Walter, 517-373-9719 or Sarah Lapshan, 517-241-1736
Those two days make up the Summer Free Fishing Weekend - an annual effort to promote Michigan's world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well. Some of these events include:
Kids Fishing Tournament at Young State Park, Boyne City in Charlevoix County
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. The park will be hosting a kids fishing tournament on Mirror Pond with fishing poles and bait provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment. Prizes will be awarded in two age categories: nine and under, and 10 to 18.
9th Annual Kids Fishing Derby, Bluegill Boat Launch at Mott Lake, Flint in Genesee County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Genesee County Parks will host this derby with bait, boats, expertise and lunch provided. This event is co-sponsored by the Flint River Valley Steelheaders and Fishing Tackle Grab Bag.
Hook, Line & Sinker at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, Mattawan in Van Buren County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 8:30 a.m. Hook, Line and Sinker is a weekly fishing program that provides experienced, friendly instructors that will help you get started fishing in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. All equipment and bait will be provided for kids ages three to 16 to practice catch-and-release fishing.
Richmond Township Community Club's 25th Annual Fishing Derby, Richmond Township in Marquette County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the club. The derby is free for kids age 16 and under and both breakfast and lunch are provided. All participants receive a gift and trophies are awards for first, second and third places.
Spring Fishing Derby at Seven Lakes State Park, Holly in Oakland County<br />
This event will be held on Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by The Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park, this fishing derby is free and some equipment will be available for use.<br />
There are many more events scheduled in various locations throughout the state in more than 20 Michigan counties. For more information about the 2013 Summer Free Fishing Weekend please visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
Michigan has been celebrating the Summer Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1986. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a perfect match.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Media Contact<br />
Elyse Walter, 517-373-9719 or Sarah Lapshan, 517-241-1736