Check out the current list of officially registered 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend events. Perhaps you’ll attend one, or perhaps one will spark your interest in planning your own event!
All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. For Free Fishing events in your area, click on any county listed below.
Please note that some events do require pre-registration and/or the DNR’s Recreation Passport.
Alger County
Event Name: Moose Lodge Fishing Derby
Location: Au Train Lake in Munising
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: This ice fishing derby is open to folks of all ages! There is a $10 entry fee for adults, kids 12 and under are free.
Contact: 906-387-2879
Alpena County
Event Name: Reel Fun Ice Fishing Tournament
Location: Grand Lake in Alpena
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Details: This 6th annual tournament has all proceeds going to the River Center. First prize is a 2014 John Deere gator. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold. Prizes will go to the top 30 places. Please note it costs $25 per person to participate. For more information, visit www.icefishingalpena.com.
Contact: info@icefishingalpena.com, 989-595-3919
Antrim County
Event Name: Ellsworth Shiverfest
Location: Ellsworth
Date: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
Time: All day, both days
Details: Ellsworth Shiverfest celebrates all there is to do in Ellsworth in winter?from sledding to snowmobiling to hiking to fishing and more!
Contact: 231-360-0676
Arenac County
Event Name: 2014 Forest Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Location: 6180 Bobcat Trail, Alger
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: Fishing starts at daybreak and concludes at 2:00 p.m.
Details: Participants must sign-up to participate, visit the Forest Lake office in advance or on the day of the event. The derby’s weight-in will begin at 2:00 p.m. There will be two divisions: Adult and Youth. Please note there is an entry fee, $10 for adults and $5 for youth age 16 and younger.
Contact: forestlakepoa@hotmail.com, 989-836-2155
Bay County
Event Name: Winter Festival
Location: Bay City State Recreation Area, Saginaw Bay Visitor Center (3582 State Park Drive, Bay City)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Details: Activities focus on getting out and exploring Michigan’s Winter Wonderland. Family Ice Fishing Derby, Snow Angel Contest, Snow Snake Tournament, Winter Wildlife Workshops, live animal programs, Backyard Bird Feeding Workshops, Snowshoeing, Owl Prowl Hike, Candlelight Walk/Ski and more! Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: blaschkav@michigan.gov, 989-667-0717
Event Name: Shiver on the River Walleye Contest
Location: Saginaw River and its tributaries
Date: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 (contest actually starts February 2, but all other days require a fishing license when participating)
Time: All day, every day
Details: This annual contest is put on by the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club and looks to reward walleye anglers with the biggest catches. Please note there is a registration fee for anglers.
Contact: www.saginawspirit.com/shiver
Cheboygan County
Event Name: Waterways Ice Festival
Location: Mullett Lake Marina (7700 Mullett Lake Road, Cheboygan)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Details: The Waterways Ice Festival is a winter event put on by Mullett Lake Promotions for the northern communities in and around Mullett Lake. The ice fishing contest, one of several activities, runs all day and provides families an opportunity to enjoy/try ice fishing at little or no cost. All proceeds of the 3rd annual event go to selected organized youth groups in Cheboygan County. Please note there is an entry fee, $7.50 per person/$15 per family.
Contact: info@waterwaysicefestival.com , 231-268-3377
Clinton County
Event Name: Ice Fishing Derby
Location: Bath Community Center (5959 Park Lake Road, Bath)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Details: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Bath Community Center. Fishing will be held from 9:00 to 4:00 on Park Lake. Trophies will be awarded to the longest, legal fish. Door prizes will also be awarded. Please note there is an entry fee, $10 for adults. Kids under the age of 18 are free.
Contact: bgoodwin@bathtownship.us, 517-641-5167
Gogebic County
Event Name: 5th Annual Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department Ice Fishing Contest
Location: VFW Post 9084 (107 US Highway 2, Wakefield)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Central)
Details: Fifth Annual Ice Fishing Contest and Family Fun Day. Door prizes throughout the day for registered people. Free face painter and clown. Inside and outside fun! Please note there is an entry fee, $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 3-12.
Contact: clerk@cityofwakefield.org, 906-229-5131
Iosco County
Event Name: Fishing for the Future
Location: Lake Van Etten at Ken Ratliff Park (F-41, Oscoda)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: This ice fishing event is designed to raise money and awareness about and for the issues surrounding local rivers, tributaries and the environment. Please help the Iosco Conservation District make a difference in Iosco County. This event will feature 220 holes in the ice, anglers will choose on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check-in will start at 10:00 a.m. Please note there is a cost to participate, $20 in advance or $25 the day of.
Contact: andrew.beebe@macd.org, 989-335-1056
Keweenaw County
Event Name: Ice Fishing Tournament
Location: Lake Fanny Hooe at Fort Wilkins State Park (15223 U.S. 41, Copper Harbor)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: Annual opportunity for folks of all ages to participate in ice fishing. Prizes awarded! Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry, and there is a $10 entry fee for adults. Kids are free.
Contact: 906-337-1738
Macomb County
Event Name: Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby
Location: Gino’s Surf (37400 Jefferson Avenue, Harrison Township)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Details: Youth ice fishing derby for all ages (up to 17 years old). Registration costs $5 and includes free bait, hot dog and hot chocolate, and a chance to win some great prizes. Please note participants must pre-register.
Contact: georgepretty@yahoo.com, 248-342-7778
Montcalm County
Event Name: A Saturday Snow Day!
Location: 7389 E. Vestaburg Road, Vestaburg
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Details: Fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, target shooting, and indoor “warm-up” games. All ages are welcome. Dress warm! All equipment is provided, unless you want to bring your own. Visit www.rlca.org for registration information.Please note there is a $10 per person/$20 per family entry fee.
Contact: dan@rlca.org , 989-268-5377
Montcalm County
Event Name: A Saturday Snow Day!
Location: 7389 E. Vestaburg Road, Vestaburg
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Details: Fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, target shooting, and indoor “warm-up” games. All ages are welcome. Dress warm! All equipment is provided, unless you want to bring your own. Visit www.rlca.org for registration information.Please note there is a $10 per person/$20 per family entry fee.
Contact: dan@rlca.org , 989-268-5377
Muskegon County
Event Name: Muskegon Conservation Club Winter Expo
Location: 1921 Lake Avenue, North Muskegon
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Details: Come on out and enjoy the festivities, including free breakfast; kids fishing derby; ice skating; cross country skiing; bon fire with roasted hot dogs; and games such as broom ball, ice hole, and shuffle board. Bring your ice skates, skis, fishing rods, and other items.
Contact: darter169@gmail.com, worteaj@gmail.com, 231-327-2441
Newaygo County
Event Name: Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Contest
Location: Croton & Hardy Pond
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: This event is sponsored by River Country Chamber of Commerce, Leinenkugel, WLAV and Croton Bay Trading Post. Participants can fish all morning and then return to the American Legion for the weigh-in. There is a $5 fee per adult to participate, children are free with a registered adult. All proceeds will be given to Big Brother and Sisters of Newaygo County.
Contact: 231-652-2250
Oakland County
Event Name: Rec 101: Intro to Ice Fishing
Location: Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Hearth Shelter (1330 E. Greenshield Road, Lake Orion)
Date: Sunday, February 16
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: This exciting, family-friendly event will include ice fishing instruction and demonstration, and maybe a little intro to fly fishing as well. Instructors will explain all the gear needed, how to drill a hole in the ice, safety procedures and where to find the best fish. All the gear, guides, & good times are provided FREE! The event will take place whether there is ice or not, it may just have to be on land. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: ballt4@michigan.gov, 248-693-9780
Event Name: Ice Fishing Derby
Location: Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: This event is sponsored by Izaak Walton League of America, Fenton Chapter and Seven Lakes State Park. Limited equipment (fishing poles, bait, ice augers) available to use for those that don’t have any. Lots of prizes will be awarded. Bring the whole family for a day of fun. Refreshments will be available. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 248-634-7271
Roscommon County
Event Name: Catch Us if You Can
Location: Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Lake St. Helen
Date: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
Time: All day, each day
Details: Catch a tagged fish in any of the three lakes listed above during the 2014 Winter Free Fishing Weekend and you will receive a $50 gas card and be entered into a drawing for $100,000 and a new boat package. Plus, all anglers who catch a tagged fish will receive a special prize!
Contact: info@visithoughtonlake.com, 989-422-2002
Event Name: WinterFest 2014
Location: North Higgins Lake State Park boat launch (11511 W. Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Details: WinterFest is a family-oriented event held each year that includes ice skating, cardboard sled racing, broomball tournament, Kid’s Karnival games, wagon rides, chili cook-off, polar plunge (sponsored by Special Olympics), snowmobile radar run, and ice fishing derby. Prizes during the derby are awarded for fish categories and fish sizes. Children are strongly encouraged to participate to learn the sport of ice fishing. Please note, a $5 WinterFest badge allows entry to all events.
Contact: info@hlrcc.com, 989-275-8760
Saginaw County
Event Name: Shiver on the River Walleye Contest
Location: Saginaw River and its tributaries
Date: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 (contest actually starts February 2, but all other days require a fishing license when participating)
Time: All day, every day
Details: This annual contest is put on by the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club and looks to reward walleye anglers with the biggest catches. Please note there is a registration fee for anglers.
Contact: www.saginawspirit.com/shiver
Tuscola County
Event Name: 19th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament
Location: The Fowler Center (2315 Harmon Lake Road, Mayville)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Details: Come try to catch the grand prize northern pike worth $7,000! Fishing sessions will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Concessions are available all day! Raffles, Door Prizes, Cash Prizes, and 50/50 also available all day!
Contact: info@thefowlercenter.org, 989-637-2050
Van Buren County
Event Name: Ice Fishing 101
Location: Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery (34270 County Road 652, Mattawan)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: Geared towards youth, participants will learn about basic ice fishing techniques, safety, proper equipment and good fishing spots in southwest Michigan.
Contact: 269-668-2876
Event Name: Ice Fishing Seminar
Location: Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery (34270 County Road 652, Mattawan)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Details: Geared towards adult, participants will learn about basic ice fishing techniques, safety, proper equipment and good fishing spots in southwest Michigan. Please note, pre-registration is required.
Contact: 269-668-2876
Washtenaw County
Event Name: Family Ice Fishing & Bonfire
Location: Eddy Discovery Center (17030 Bush Road, Chelsea) and Mill Lake
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: After making a jig stick at the Discovery Center, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, head down to Mill Lake to test it out. There will be ice fishing demonstrations as well as an area cleared for skating. Warm up afterwards around a bonfire with marshmallows and hot chocolate. Park at the Mill Lake Boat Launch on McClure Road or hike/ski over from the Discovery Center. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: mcglashenk@michigan.gov , 734-475-3170
Wayne County
Event Name: Kids Fish Free Weekend
Location: Lake Erie Metro Park boat ramp (32481 Jefferson Avenue, Rockwood)
Date: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day
Details: Come experience free ice fishing for kids!
Contact: ljdoss369@yahoo.com, 734-674-6638
Wexford County
Event Name: Youth Ice Fishing Contest
Location: Mitchell State Park (6093 E. M-115, Cadillac)
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Details: Youth-oriented ice fishing contest. For more information, contact the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at 231-779-1321. Please note a Recreation Passport is required for entry.
Contact: 231-779-1321