Fish for Free this Weekend
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/13/2013 12:00 PM EST
Free Fishing Weekends
Just a reminder that all Michigan residents and non-residents can fish without a license this Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17. Please note all other fishing regulations still apply.
Saturday and Sunday make up the Winter Free Fishing Weekend – an annual effort to encourage folks to get outside to experience Michigan’s winter water wonderland. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, the DNR is pleased to share there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate this weekend as well.
Various counties throughout Michigan will host scheduled events; including Antrim, Bay, Clinton, Gogebic, Ingham, Iron, Monroe, Montcalm, Oakland, Ogemaw, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford. Please note most events are weather dependent.
If you'd like to see all of the events occurring this weekend, visit the official event chart online.
For more information about the 2013 Winter Free Fishing Weekend please visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
Voluntary Youth Fishing License
If you take a child out fishing this weekend…why not buy them a Voluntary Youth Fishing License if they have lots of fun?
Although it is not a requirement to purchase a fishing license for youths under the age of 17, the Voluntary Youth Fishing License does great things for the DNR and for angling throughout Michigan.
For each Youth Fishing License sold in the state, the DNR receives additional funds from the federal government to support fishing programs. These funds help the department stock more fish and implement management activities that keep our bodies of water beautiful and safe.
The Youth Fishing License costs only $2. First-time buyers will also need to purchase a sportsman’s card (necessary for those who don’t have an official state identification card) for an additional $1. For a simple $3 investment, the DNR receives at least double that amount back to invest in the state’s fishery.
When you head out to buy your 2013 fishing license on March 1, please consider purchasing the Young Angler All Species – type 122 fishing license for a youth you know as well!