The post below is sponsored by the Michigan Wildlife Council. All opinions belong to me.
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. Not to mention, we have more than 150 species of fish here in Michigan, so there is lots to catch and learn about!
Michigan’s natural resources offer plenty of options for outdoor enjoyment. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and nearly 20 million acres of forest land, there are plenty of opportunities for every interest.
Fishing with a valid license can go a long way in helping to protect our waters, as all hunting and fishing licenses sold go toward wildlife conservation efforts in Michigan. But 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 9-10, 2018.
Get out there and enjoy nature as a family with one of these fun events happening in Southeast Michigan and beyond, organized by county.
2018 Free Fishing Weekend Events in Southeast Michigan
INGHAM COUNTY
June 9 — Free Family Fishing Event {Lansing} — Enjoy a fun-filled fishing event at Crego Park from 5-7 p.m., complete with education sessions, free food and beverages and lots of fishing {catch and release}. All ages are welcome to join! Please bring your own gear as fishing supplies are limited.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
June 9 — Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby {Brighton} — Visit the Millpond in downtown Brighton for a fun fishing event for kids up to age 16. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the derby runs from 8-12 p.m. Trophies awarded in various categories. There will be free bait provided, but be sure to bring your rod and reel and a bucket for the fish. Entertainment and pizza while awards being tabulated. FREE.
June 9 — Flip-N Flop Fishing Tournament {Howell} — This catch-and-release, family-friendly event includes a pancake breakfast, fishing bait, and great prizes for kids 2-15 for the biggest fish caught that morning — just bring a pole! Park admission fee will be waived if you enter before 10 a.m. T-shirts will be given to all registrants who sign up before June 1. Registrations will be taken in advance or on-site. $10 per child {$7 for tournament, $3 for breakfast} $3 for non-participant breakfast.
MACOMB COUNTY
June 9 — Shelby Township’s 32nd 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.
June 9 — 7th Annual TNT Fishing Tournament {Shelby Township} — Visit Stony Creek Metropark for this family-friendly shore or boat fishing tournament to benefit the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration includes continential breakfast and lunch. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in three categories – pike, bass and other. There will be a prize raffle with lots of great things to win! Cost TBD.
OAKLAND COUNTY
June 9 — 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 9 — 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 9 — River Day Fishing Derby {Auburn Hills} — The 15th Annual River Day Fishing Derby offers youths 16 & under a chance to fish and take part in this free annual contest on the banks of the Clinton River. Registration begins at 7:30am, and fishing takes place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for kids. Please bring only one fishing pole per child with a single hook.
June 9 — 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 begins at 11:30 a.m. and all contests begin at 12 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m. For ages 16 and under. $7 per participant {early bird rate}.
June 10 — 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 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.-11 p.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. sessions. Limited to the first 15 people.
June 10 — 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 9 — Fishing Derby with Wayne County Parks {Northville} — All kids ages 12 and younger are welcome to have some fishing fun and win prizes. The Rouge River will be stocked with rainbow trout and a casting contest will take place. All anglers need to bring their own equipment and bait. This event is co-sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America – Plymouth Chapter 528 and Northville Parks and Recreation. Register on site starting at 7:30 a.m.
June 10 — 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.
Check out this awesome page for ideas on places to hike, fish, hunt, camp and more in Michigan, and learn more about the Michigan Wildlife Council on their website | Facebook | Twitter.
What events are your favorites? Let me know and I will add them!
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