Fishing, Family, and Fun in Iron County

Hello Visitors,

Have you ever seen people fishing on the lake during the winter and wondered if it’s fun to sit on the ice, waiting for a fish to bite? Well, the weekend of February 15-16 might be your perfect opportunity to try out this exciting sport!

During this special weekend in February, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allows families to fish for FREE! All fishing fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors are welcome to enjoy fishing on both inland lakes and the waters of the Great Lakes for all fish species! However, please keep in mind that all fishing regulations under Michigan law still apply to all anglers.

For many people across the state, the annual Free Fishing Weekend has become a cherished tradition—a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors. While fishing, you have plenty of time to reflect and engage in joyful conversations. Experienced anglers are often eager to share their extensive knowledge with less experienced fishers, providing newcomers to the sport with a rewarding experience they will remember for a lifetime. Many believe that those who fish develop a better understanding of the natural aquatic ecosystem, which helps sustain fish populations and adhere to Michigan’s fishing regulations.

Recent research indicates that today’s younger generations often lack access to fishing opportunities that previous generations enjoyed. This is largely due to factors such as urban and suburban living, a heavy competition for time from numerous scheduled activities, and a shortage of unstructured leisure time.

Michigan boasts some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world, featuring over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. This includes over 12,000 miles of trout waters, with approximately 1,000 miles designated as Michigan's finest!

So grab a fishing rod, invite your family and friends, and let’s go fishing!

And mark your calendars for June 7-8, 2025 - Michigan's Free Fishing Weekend this summer!