Fishing is one of those outdoor sports every child needs to experience. Even if the worms make you squirm or the fish make you queasy, there’s nothing like spending quality time together in nature!
Each year, the state of Michigan hosts FREE Fishing Weekends in both the winter and summer. During this time, kids under the age of 17 do not need a fishing license to fish. This year’s summer events are taking place June 10-11, 2017, and I have the scoop on all the fun.
Get out there and enjoy nature as a family with one of these fun events, organized by county.
2017 Free Fishing Weekend Events in Southeast Michigan
GENESEE COUNTY
June 10 — Fish the Bricks {Flint} — Visit Riverbank Park and fish the Flint River from Hamilton Dam to Grand Traverse Blvd. Registration begins at 7:30 and you must sign up to be eligible to win. Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish. ALL those who participate will be responsible for providing their own tackle and bait. There will also be a tent set up at Riverbank Park with refreshments and hot dogs.
June 10 — Kids Fishing Club {Clio} — Visit Buell Lake County Park from 9-11 a.m. for free fishing fun! Bring your fishing rod and Genesee County Parks and Recreation will provide the bait. There will be a short lesson covering things like fish identification and knowing your equipment and how to use it.
INGHAM COUNTY
June 10 — Family Fishing Event & Cookout {Lansing} — Visit Crego Park at 5 p.m. for a fun-filled fishing event at Crego Park complete with free food and drinks. All ages are welcome, please bring your own fishing equipment as supplies are limited. All fishing will be catch and release.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
June 10 — Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby {Brighton} — Visit the Millpond in downtown Brighton for a fun fishing event. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the derby runs from 8-11 a.m. The first 150 kids get free T-shirts. Pizza and awards at 11:15 a.m. FREE.
June 10 — Flip-N Flop Fishing Tournament {Howell} — Fresh air, fishing poles, family, and pancakes! This is a catch and release event. Prizes awarded to kids ages 2-15 for the biggest fish caught that morning. T-shirts will be given to all registrants who sign up before June 1. 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. $10 per child {$7 for tournament, $3 for breakfast} $3 for non-participant breakfast.
MACOMB COUNTY
June 10 — Shelby Township’s 31st Annual Youth Fishing Derby {Shelby Township} — Visit Heritage Garden Lake from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a FREE event for kids ages 15 and under. Prizes in four separate age groups. Participants should bring their own equipment, but a limited supply of bait will be available. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
OAKLAND COUNTY
June 10 — Huron Valley Optimist Free Fishing Derby {Milford} — Visit Central Park in Milford for a FREE fishing derby, complete with prizes for the largest fish in each age category. Register in advance.
June 10 — North West Oakland Optimist Club Fishing Derby {Highland} — Visit Duck Lake for a FREE derby from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Open to school aged children. Those with special needs will be accommodated. Equipment and bait will be provided.
June 10 — River Day Fishing Derby {Auburn Hills} — The 14th Annual River Day Fishing Derby offers youths 16 & under a chance to fish and participate in this free annual contest on the banks of the Clinton River. Registration begins at 7:30am, and fishing takes place between 8am and 10am for kids. Please bring only one fishing pole per child with a single hook.
June 10 — Fin-Tastic Fishing Derby {Holly} — Visit Holly State Recreation Area {Heron Lake Boat Launch} from 2-4:30 p.m. Participants will be fishing from shore to see who can catch the most fish, the largest fish, or the smallest fish. All ages welcome. There will be two ages groups for each category. There will be a limited number of fishing rods available, as well as bait.
June 11 — Springfield Township Fishing Derby {Davisburg} — Bring your fishing poles and join us on Free Fishing Weekend. Children are encouraged to bring their own poles, bait, tackle and chair. Practice and registration begin at 12 p.m. and all contests begin at 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m. For ages 16 and under. $7 per participant.
June 11 — Go Fish! Family Fishing Night {West Bloomfield} — Visit the fishing pier located inside Marshbank Park on Cass Lake from 4-6 p.m. Play fishing games or win a fishing rod if you catch the smallest or largest fish of the night. Dinner, provided by Buffalo Wild Wings, will be served at the Maple Ridge Shelter. Registration is required and no on-site registration will be offered. $9/resident and $12/non-residents.
WASHTENAW COUNTY
June 10 — Fishing at Rolling Hills {Ypsilanti} — Visit Rolling Hills Park and participate in Michigan’s Free Fishing weekend. Poles, bait and instruction available. All ages. No license needed! 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. sessions. Limited to the first 15 people.
June 11 — Fishing at Independence Lake Park {Whitmore Lake} — Visit Independence Lake Park and participate in Michigan’s Free Fishing weekend. Poles, bait and instruction available. All ages. No license needed! 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. sessions. Limited to the first 15 people.
June 11 — Red Fish Blue Fish Teach Kids To Fish {Ann Arbor} — Visit Gallup Park Canoe Livery for some fun. Fishing poles, bait and instruction provided. All ages welcome with an adult. Pre-registration required. $5/child
WAYNE COUNTY
June 10 — Outdoor Afro Fishing Weekend {Detroit} — Outdoor Afro will be hosting a fishing day to get people exposed to fishing and learn basic techniques to fishing. Event is at 6 p.m.
June 11 — Kids Fishing Fest on the Detroit River {Detroit} — Visit the Milliken State Park for plenty of free fun. Poles available for use. Register in advance! 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Find even more Michigan-based fishing events on the DNR’s website. Check out this post for more free family fun!
Where is your favorite spot to fish?
[…] 10-11 — FREE Fishing Weekend {Statewide} — LOTS of events […]