April 28, 2026

Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 19–20

Get Hooked!
By Lynda Wheatley | Feb. 11, 2022

Michigan’s first Free Fishing Weekends will take place Feb. 19-20. Twice a year (the other weekend usually falls in June), residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing on two back-to-back days — without a fishing license. (All other regulations apply.) Grab your rod, cut a hole, and take advantage. Sitting on overturned buckets on the ice not your thing? Skip the frozen lake and head to a forest instead. During these two days, the DNR also waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee to all of Michigan’s 103 state parks. Learn more at Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.

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