Michigan DNR Announces Michigan Free Fishing, ORV, and State Park Access In 2022

For two days, two weekends a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities – fishing – for free! Michigan free fishing weekends that occur twice a year.

Winter 2022 Michigan Free Fishing and State Park Access Weekend

This year’s winter 2022 Free Fishing Weekend dates are Feb. 19 and 20.

All fishing license fees will be waived those two days. A Recreation Passport will not be required to enter state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all fish species. All fishing regulations will still apply.

New to winter fishing? Learn more about ice fishing basics.

For printable certificates to celebrate a child’s first fish or a big fish or more information about Free Fishing Weekends, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.

Summer 2022 Michigan Free Fishing Weekend

June 11 & 12, 2022, All fishing license fees will be waived for two days.

Want to know when future Free Fishing Weekends will be? The winter weekend is always the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day weekend, and the summer weekend is always the Saturday and Sunday following the first whole week of June.

On June 11 & 12, 2022, the Free Fishing Weekend is held in connection with “Three Free” weekend, where residents and nonresidents can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails, and visit state parks and boating access sites – all free of charge. During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and visitors legally can ride without buying an ORV license or trail permit. However, all ORV rules and laws still apply. For more information about Free ORV Weekends, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.