Love to fish? On June 11-12, 2022, southeast Michigan families can take advantage of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend.
All fishing licenses and State Park entry fees are waived for these two days this summer (the fun happens again next February), so grab your rod and your bait and head out to one of these awesome free fishing events.
Not only do all of these events include free fishing, but numerous activities will be held as well.
From snacks and beverages to fishing competitions, these events have something in store for everyone in your family. They are perfect for expert fishermen — as well as little tots just learning to cast a line.
Don’t forget: Some events require advance registration, so make sure to reserve your spot! And be sure to check ahead to see if some of these fishing spots require an entrance fee. All catch restrictions still apply.
Note: State fishing regulations still apply so be sure to familiarize yourself with those regulations before heading out. Free Fishing Weekend happens concurrently with Free ORV Weekend, so all ORV license and trail permits are waived as well.
Free Fishing Weekend events
Looking to cast out with fellow anglers this year? There are a few Free Fishing Weekend events happening in the state for summer, 2022. Here are details to those events.
Free Fishing Festival
June 11, 2022
- Address: Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, 3582 State Park Drive, Bay City
- Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Enjoy a fishing derby until 3 p.m. plus, games, prizes and a free hot dog lunch (while supplies last).
Kids Fishing Fest
June 12, 2022
- Address: William G. Milliken State Park, 1900 Atwater St., Detroit
- Time: Noon-4 p.m.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy puts on this fun fishing event. Bait and poles are offered free of charge (be sure to bring a pole if you already have one). Enjoy snacks, giveaways and much more. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Get Hooked on Fishing Kids Fishing Event
June 12, 2022
- Address: Big 9 Sportsman Club, 12000 Folks Road, Concord
- Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This event offers fishing, food, prizes and a ton of fun for kids of all ages.
More Free Fishing Weekend fun
Families that don’t want to venture out to a local event in 2022 can still take full advantage of the waived fishing license fees.
Here are some tips and other ways to make the most of the weekend closer to home.
Casting out with kids
An expert with the Michigan Wildlife Council offers tips on preparing for a fishing trip with kids, including what to bring, ways to keep them from becoming bored and more.
Places to fish in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor
Check out our list of fantastic fishing spots in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties!
First Fish Certificate
If your kids catch their first fish ever this year, download the free first fish certificate by the Michigan DNR and celebrate their catch! They offer one you can include a photo with, too.
My Big Fish Certificate
Did your kiddo snatch a huge catch? Celebrate it with this free downloadable certificate from the Michigan DNR — add your photo to it, too.
Learn about kids’ fishing licenses
If your kid really enjoyed fishing during the Free Fishing Weekend, get details on what you need to do to get your child a fishing license so he or she can fish any time of year.
This post is updated twice per year.
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