May 13, 2016

Contact: Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839

Enjoy Michigan's Summer Free Fishing Weekend June 11-12

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone the annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. That weekend, everyone – residents and nonresidents alike – can fish without a license, although all other fishing regulations still apply.

This year marks the 30th year Michigan has celebrated the Summer Free Fishing Weekend as a way to highlight the state's vast fishing opportunities. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, fishing and Michigan go hand in hand.

"Michigan is home to some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it during the Summer Free Fishing Weekend," said DNR Director Bill Moritz. "Every year, since 1986, we’ve offered these free fishing weekends as a fun, affordable way for people to learn about one of our state’s best outdoor traditions – and the many places there are to enjoy it."

To encourage involvement in Free Fishing Weekends, organized activities are being scheduled in communities across the state. These activities are coordinated by a variety of individuals, organizations, constituent groups, schools, local and state parks, businesses and others.

There’s still plenty of time to plan your own local Free Fishing Weekend event, or to find an activity in your community. Visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for all things related to this weekend, including help with event planning and promotion, a registration form for official events, and a chart identifying activities occurring throughout the state.  

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.