Free Fishing Weekend offers fun events across the state June 13-14

This coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14), everyone in Michigan – including

residents and nonresidents – can fish without a license, but all other fishing regulations still apply.

Those two days make up the Summer Free Fishing Weekend – the Department of Natural Resources’ annual effort to promote Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, there are many organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend, too.

Some of these events include:

2nd Annual Fish the Bricks Fishing Tournament (Genesee County)

Saturday, June 13, 8 to 11 a.m.

Come to the University of Michigan-Flint Riverfront Residence Hall to register and fish the Flint River. The tournament is for kids age 15 and younger and prizes will be awarded for various categories. All participants must provide their own gear. Refreshments will be served at the end of the tournament.

Free Fishing Weekend on Black River (St. Clair County)

Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14

Bluewater Sportfishing members will be monitoring 15 rod-and-reel combos available for anyone to use to catch fish at the mouth of the Black River (at the St. Clair River). Local businesses will supply the bait.

Go Fish! At Marshbank Park (Oakland County)

Saturday, June 13, 4 to 6 p.m.

Join West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation at the fishing pier located inside the park on Cass Lake for fun for the whole family. Some equipment will be provided and hands-on instruction will be available. Pre-registration is required at westbloomfieldparks.org.

Kids’ Fishing Derby at Menominee Marina (Menominee County)

Saturday, June 13, 8 to 11 a.m. (CST)

Kids ages 13 and younger are encouraged to participate in this free event with lunch and prizes provided afterward. More than 100 rods and reels will be given away to attendees.

Youth Fishing Derby at Burchfield Park (Ingham County)

Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come to the park for a fishing event for kids ages 4 to 16. Free lunch will be provided to all and free T-shirts will be given to the first 300 youth, compliments of the Mason Optimists Club.

There are many more Free Fishing Weekend events scheduled in various locations throughout the state in more than 25 Michigan counties. For more information about the 2015 Summer Free Fishing Weekend please visit michigan.gov/freefishing.

Michigan has celebrated the Summer Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1986. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, Michigan and fishing are a perfect match. Folks heading out this weekend are encouraged to share their photos with the DNR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Just use #FreeFishing