No license needed. How to fish for free in Michigan this week

Grab your fishing rods, sandwiches and, maybe, a few friends for a weekend of free fishing, as the state celebrates its second free fishing weekend this year by waiving the need for fishing licenses for two days.

“If you need another reason to get outdoors and explore some of Michigan’s best recreation opportunities, ‘Three Free’ Weekend is it,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors with friends and family in places you love, so we’re encouraging everyone to take advantage of these two days to fish, hit the ORV trails and visit our award-winning state parks.”

From June 7-8, all fishing license fees will be waived for two days, as residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters.

The state’s recreation passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekend, the state’s website says.

Additionally, the Free Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Weekend takes place simultaneously, as Michiganders can ride 4,000 miles of state trails without purchasing a ORV license or trail permit.

Many ORV trails in northern Michigan remain closed following this spring’s ice storm.

Here’s what to know about Free Fishing weekend in Michigan:

When is Free Fishing weekend in Michigan?

Free Fishing Weekend in the summer is June 7-8. The summer weekend is always the Saturday and Sunday following the first full week of June.

The winter weekend is always the Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend.

How many different species of fish are in Michigan?

Michigan is home to 155 different kinds of fish. Some fish, such as sunfish, are open to catch year-round while others, like walleye, bass and sturgeon, have specific seasons.

Are any fish prohibited to catch?

Anglers should not target, and should release if accidentally caught, lake sturgeon, according to the DNR.

The season for muskellunge opens June 7 on all Great Lakes and inland waters, and the St. Marys River, as well as Lake St. Clair and Detroit River.

The season for large- and smallmouth bass does not open on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River until June 21.

Michigan fishing license requirements

• You must have a fishing license if you are 17 or older.
• You can fish if you are under the age of 17, but you must observe all fishing rules and regulations.
• Fishing license fees for 2025-26
• Resident annual: $26
• Nonresident annual: $76
• Resident senior (65 or older) $11
• 24-hour (residents or nonresidents): $10 per day
• An optional youth fishing license, which is available for only $2 for anglers ages 16 and younger.
• Hunting/fishing combination licenses (senior, resident, nonresident): $43, $76 and $266

How to purchase a fishing license

Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app. You also may purchase licenses in person at a variety of stores.

For Michiganders who regularly renew their license, select auto-renewal at checkout to automatically buy future licenses as they become available.

A checklist of what you need to start fishing

To get started fishing in Michigan the DNR recommends:

• Choose your company. Do a solo outing, grab some friends for some fishing fun or make it a family trip.
• Pick up some gear. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Some basic rods and reels, hooks, sinkers, bobbers and baits are all you need.
• Decide where you want to go. Fish your local lake, book a charter on one of the Great Lakes or plan a trip to a special stream.
• Think about what species you want to fish for. Do some bobber fishing for panfish, throw lures at bass, target walleye or fall in love with something else.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: No license needed. How to fish for free in Michigan this week

Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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