Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Michigan to Celebrate Free Fishing Weekend


texas, bass, fishing, fish, fisherman

Nothing like working hard over the weekend only to have a good buddy text you the photo off how his weekend was going. Thanks Steve! Awfully nice fish though!

On Saturday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 17, everyone in Michigan - including residents and non-residents - can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

These two days make up the Winter Free Fishing Weekend - an annual effort to promote Michigan's plentiful fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will bundle up and head out to fish for free on their own, the Department of Natural Resources is pleased to point out that there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well. Some of these events include:

Catch Us If You Can at Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen in Roscommon County Feb. 16, all day
This event encourages participants to catch one of the nearly 100 tagged fish on three participating lakes. Anglers who catch tagged fish will win prizes.

Ellsworth Shiverfest in Antrim County Feb. 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day
This annual outdoor festival highlights winter activities, including fishing, snowshoeing and sledding.

Ice Fishing Class at Runkle Lake in Iron County Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST)
This free class is offered to youth and adults. Bait will be supplied by the DNR and equipment will be available on a limited basis. DNR staff will provide instruction on techniques and methods for fishing in the area.

Ice Fishing Derby at Seven Lakes State Park in Oakland County Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event, sponsored by the Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park, will provide some equipment and lots of prizes. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for park entry.

Please note all events are subject to weather conditions.

There are many other Winter Free Fishing Weekend events scheduled in various locations throughout the state, including in the counties of Bay, Clinton, Gogebic, Ingham, Monroe, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Presque Isle, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

Michigan has celebrated the Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1994. 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 natural 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 visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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