Michigan DNR

Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for FREE!

The summer Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for June 7-8. On these dates, all fishing license fees are waived for two days for both Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors. This allows participants to enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish.

An additional benefit during Free Fishing Weekend is that a Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites.

The summer Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with a “Three Free” weekend. During this “Three Free” weekend, residents and nonresidents can fish, ride off-road trails, and visit state parks and boating access sites, all free of charge. For the ORV portion, an ORV license or trail permit is not needed, but all other ORV rules and laws still apply.

It is important to remember that while licenses and passports are waived, all other fishing regulations will still apply.

To commemorate a child’s first fish or a big fish catch during the event, printable certificates are available.