Michigan offers two Free Fishing Weekends each year — one for winter ice fishing and one for summer. During these weekends, no fishing license is required for anyone (residents and non-residents alike). Even better, the summer weekend is part of Michigan’s “Three Free” event that also includes free state park entry and free ORV riding.
Here are the 2026 dates and everything you need to know.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), updated for 2026 season.
2026 Free Fishing Weekend Dates
Winter Free Fishing Weekend
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, February 14 – Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Holiday Weekend | Presidents’ Day Weekend |
| Focus | Ice fishing statewide |
| Bonus | Free entry to all state parks (Recreation Passport waived) |
Summer Free Fishing Weekend (Three Free)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, June 13 – Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| Event Name | Michigan’s “Three Free” Weekend |
| Focus | Open water fishing statewide |
| Bonus 1 | Free entry to all state parks |
| Bonus 2 | Free ORV riding on state-designated trails |
| Bonus 3 | Free access to 1,300+ DNR boating access sites |
What’s Free — and What’s Not
Free on These Weekends
| Item | Free? |
|---|---|
| Fishing license | ✅ Waived |
| Recreation Passport (state parks) | ✅ Waived |
| DNR boat launch access | ✅ Free |
| ORV trail riding (summer only) | ✅ Free |
Still Required
| Item | Required? |
|---|---|
| All fishing regulations (bag/size limits) | ✅ Yes |
| Season restrictions | ✅ Yes |
| Gear/tackle rules | ✅ Yes |
| Boat registration | ✅ Yes |
| Personal flotation devices | ✅ Yes |
Important: The only thing waived is the license requirement. Every other regulation — bag limits, size limits, seasons, gear restrictions — remains fully in effect.
Best Places to Fish During Free Fishing Weekends
Winter (February) — Ice Fishing Hot Spots
| Location | Region | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Houghton Lake | Central MI | Walleye, perch, pike |
| Saginaw Bay | East MI | Walleye, perch |
| Lake Gogebic | Upper Peninsula | Walleye, perch, pike |
| Higgins Lake | Northern MI | Perch, lake trout (deep) |
| Muskegon Lake | West MI | Panfish, pike |
| Black Lake | Northern MI | Perch, walleye |
Winter Tips for First-Timers
- Safety first: Minimum 4 inches of clear ice for walking, 5–7 inches for snowmobiles
- Essential gear: Ice auger, tip-ups or jigging rods, skimmer, warm clothing
- Best bait: Waxworms, minnows, wigglers
- Arrive early: Popular lakes get crowded on free weekends
Summer (June) — Open Water Hot Spots
| Location | Region | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Michigan ports | West MI | Chinook salmon, steelhead, lake trout |
| Lake Huron | East MI | Walleye, salmon, bass |
| Inland lakes statewide | All regions | Bass, panfish, pike |
| Pere Marquette River | West MI | Steelhead, brown trout |
| Grand River | Central MI | Smallmouth bass, catfish |
| Au Sable River | Northern MI | Trout, smallmouth bass |
Summer Tips for First-Timers
- Shore fishing: State park piers and shorelines are free and accessible
- Panfish: Bluegill and perch are easiest to catch with worms on a bobber
- Get there early: State park parking fills fast on Three Free weekend
- Bring sunscreen: June days are long and bright
Free Fishing Weekend Calendar: Michigan vs Neighboring States
| State | Winter Free Dates | Summer Free Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Feb 14–15, 2026 | Jun 13–14, 2026 |
| Wisconsin | Early January (ice fishing) | First full weekend of June |
| Ohio | N/A | Typically mid-June |
| Indiana | N/A | Typically early June |
Why Michigan Offers Free Fishing Weekends
Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekends serve multiple purposes:
- Recruitment: Introduce non-anglers to fishing without the license barrier
- Economic impact: Fishing generates $11.2 billion annually in Michigan
- Conservation awareness: Educate new anglers about responsible fishing
- Tourism boost: Attract visitors to Michigan’s 11,000+ lakes and 36,000+ miles of rivers
- Youth engagement: Get kids hooked on fishing early
What to Do After Free Fishing Weekend
If you enjoyed your free fishing experience, here’s how to continue:
| Next Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Buy an annual license | $26 (resident) / $76 (non-resident) at michigan.gov/dnrlicenses |
| Try a 24-hour license | $10 — great for occasional anglers |
| Get the DNR app | Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app stores your license digitally |
| Find more spots | Check Michigan Fish Stocking Database |
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Michigan’s 2026 Free Fishing Weekends?
Winter: February 14–15, 2026 (ice fishing). Summer: June 13–14, 2026 (Three Free weekend). No license required either weekend.
Do non-residents get to fish free too?
Yes. Free Fishing Weekends apply to everyone — Michigan residents and non-residents alike.
Are state parks really free during Three Free weekend?
Yes. The Recreation Passport is waived, so you can enter any Michigan state park and use any of the 1,300+ DNR boating access sites for free.
Do I still need to follow fishing regulations?
Absolutely. Only the license requirement is waived. All bag limits, size limits, seasons, and gear restrictions remain in full effect.
Can I fish anywhere during free fishing weekends?
You can fish any public water in Michigan that is normally open for that season. Private waters still require landowner permission.
Related Resources
How Much Is a Fishing License in Michigan?
How to Get a Michigan Fishing License Online
Do Kids Need a Fishing License in Michigan?
