Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend is an annual event eagerly anticipated by anglers across the state. In 2025, this exciting weekend will take place on June 8–9, offering residents and non-residents alike the chance to fish in Michigan’s public waters without needing a fishing license. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this 48-hour period offers the perfect opportunity to explore Michigan’s abundant fisheries, practice your fishing skills, and learn about sustainable fishing practices.
Key Highlights of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend 2025
- License-Free Fishing: For two full days, you don’t need a fishing license to fish in Michigan’s public waters. This applies to both residents and non-residents. This is your chance to enjoy the state’s excellent fishing opportunities without the usual costs.
- Full Regulations Apply: While the fishing license requirement is waived, all other fishing regulations remain in effect, including species-specific rules, size limits, and daily catch limits. Be sure to review the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) fishing regulations to avoid any penalties. It’s your responsibility to know the rules before you cast your line. Check them here: MDNR Fishing Regulations for the latest updates.
- Prime Timing: The timing of Free Fishing Weekend aligns with early summer spawning periods for walleye and bass. This means that the fishing conditions are optimal for these species, giving you the best chances for a great catch.
- Sustainable Fishing Focus: This event is designed to highlight Michigan’s efforts in sustainable fishing. It encourages responsible practices that help preserve the state’s rich natural resources for future generations.
Updated 2025 Regulations: What You Need to Know
As part of ongoing conservation efforts, Michigan has introduced some key changes to fishing regulations for 2025. Here are the most important updates that anglers should be aware of:
1. Walleye Slot Limits in Lake Erie Basin
In 2025, the Lake Erie Basin has introduced a new slot limit for walleye. Walleye between 15 and 20 inches are now protected and cannot be kept. If you catch a walleye in this size range, please release it back into the water. This regulation is designed to protect younger walleye and promote a healthier population in the region.
2. Live Asian Carp Ban
Effective statewide, Michigan has enacted a ban on live Asian carp as bait. Asian carp are invasive species that threaten the state’s aquatic ecosystems. The ban is part of Michigan’s ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes and inland waters. When fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, ensure that your bait does not include live Asian carp. For a list of acceptable bait species, refer to the official MDNR Baiting Regulations.
3. ADA-Compliant Kayak Launches
Michigan is enhancing access for anglers with disabilities. 12 new ADA-compliant kayak launches have been installed at popular fishing spots, including key areas like the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers. These launches allow those with physical disabilities to enjoy fishing safely and comfortably. If you or someone you know could benefit from these upgrades, refer to the MDNR Accessible Recreation page for exact locations.
For the most accurate and up-to-date rules, download the 2025 MDNR Fishing Guide available at the MDNR website or through the MiDNR mobile app.
Top 5 Fishing Destinations for 2025
If you’re looking for the best fishing spots to take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend, these five destinations are among the best in the state for 2025:
1. Saginaw Bay
- Target Species: Walleye, Yellow Perch
- Best Technique: Night trolling
- Local Insight: Saginaw Bay produced 73% of the trophy walleye in 2024. If you’re targeting walleye, particularly trophy-sized ones, this is one of Michigan’s top spots. Try night trolling for walleye in deeper waters, as the cooler nighttime temperatures make them more active.
2. Grand River (Lansing)
- Target Species: Smallmouth Bass
- Best Technique: Drop-shot rigs
- Local Insight: With an 18% year-over-year increase in smallmouth bass population since 2023, Grand River is quickly becoming a prime bass fishing location. Use drop-shot rigs for precise, slow presentations along rocky structures where bass like to hide.
3. Torch Lake
- Target Species: Lake Trout, Chinook Salmon
- Best Technique: Downriggers at 80–100′
- Local Insight: Torch Lake is renowned for its lake trout and Chinook salmon. Early morning mayfly hatches trigger feeding, making it the perfect time to use downriggers set between 80 and 100 feet for the best results.
4. St. Clair River
- Target Species: Muskellunge, Lake Sturgeon
- Best Technique: Glide baits
- Local Insight: St. Clair River is known for its big muskie population, with a 42-inch muskie caught in June 2024. For these giant fish, use glide baits for slow, erratic movements that provoke strikes from big predators.
5. Manistee River
- Target Species: Steelhead, Brown Trout
- Best Technique: Centerpin float fishing
- Local Insight: Known for its excellent steelhead fishing, the Manistee River is a top choice during the Free Fishing Weekend. Centerpin float fishing with blue-streak spawn bags outperformed traditional roe in 2024, making it an essential technique to try for steelhead and brown trout.
Conservation Tip: Michigan’s Detroit River Sturgeon Reef Restoration Project has led to a 63% increase in walleye populations since 2022. This conservation project is an excellent example of how sustainable fishing practices help improve fish stocks, and the Detroit River remains an excellent location to catch walleye.
Essential Gear for 2025 Free Fishing Weekend
Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here’s a budget-friendly starter kit to get you set up for success:
- Rod: Ugly Stik GX2 6’6″ Medium (dual-purpose, great for both freshwater and general use)
- Reel: Pflueger President 2500 (smooth drag for better control and comfort)
- Line: 10-lb Sufix 832 Braid (excellent sensitivity and visibility in both clear and murky waters)
- Lures:
- 1/4-oz Northland Fireball Jigs (great glow pattern for walleye, effective at night)
- #5 Rapala Shadow Rap (ideal for murky waters and deep-water fishing)
- 3″ Gulp! Alive Minnows (smelt flavor works well for cold-water species like lake trout)
Tech Advantage: Download the Fishbrain app for a free premium trial during Free Fishing Weekend. This app provides crowd-sourced heatmaps that show recent catches, helping you find hotspots based on real-time data. It’s a must-have tool for anglers looking to maximize their chances of success.
Economic & Ecological Impact of Free Fishing Weekend
Michigan’s fishing industry is vital to the state’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and local businesses. Here’s a breakdown of its impact:
- $529 million in equipment sales
- $310 million from guided fishing trips
- $687 million spent on lodging
- $1.2 billion in dining and fuel
On the ecological front, Michigan has made significant strides in preserving its aquatic ecosystems:
- 217 miles of trout stream habitat restored
- 91,000+ invasive sea lampreys removed from the Great Lakes
- 23% increase in steelhead stocking for the Platte River system
These efforts show how conservation initiatives not only improve fishing but help sustain local ecosystems for future generations.
Weather Preparedness & Safety
According to the National Weather Service, June 2025 will likely see 20% above-average rainfall, which could affect fishing conditions. Prepare by taking the following precautions:
- Footwear: Wear hip waders with carbide studs to prevent slipping on wet rocks and riverbeds.
- Visibility: A high-visibility vest is required at all DNR-managed fishing access points for your safety.
- Emergency Kit: Pack essentials such as a waterproof firestarter, whistle, and iodine tablets for emergency water purification.
Family-Friendly Tip: For those with kids or novice anglers, the Fife Lake Public Access Area offers calm waters and sheltered picnic spots, making it an ideal location for a relaxed family fishing experience.
Post-Event Opportunities
While Free Fishing Weekend is an exciting opportunity, there are more ways to stay involved in Michigan’s fishing community:
- License Conversion: After the Free Fishing Weekend, 38% of participants from 2024 opted to purchase an annual fishing license. If you enjoyed the weekend and want to keep fishing throughout the year, you can take advantage of special first-time angler discounts available until June 30. Visit the MDNR Licenses page for information on how to purchase your license and learn about the available discounts.
- Community Engagement: Get involved with Michigan’s fishing community by following and tagging @MichiganDNR on social media. You’ll have a chance to win Shimano tackle boxes and other fishing gear by participating in contests and engaging with others in the outdoor community.
- Winter Free Fishing Weekend: Don’t miss out on the Winter Free Fishing Weekend scheduled for February 15–16, 2026. Mark your calendars and be ready to enjoy ice fishing across the state, where you can try your hand at catching trout, pike, and more under the winter skies.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to explore the state’s world-class fishing opportunities without the financial burden of a fishing license. Whether you’re targeting walleye in Saginaw Bay, fishing for muskie in the St. Clair River, or enjoying a family outing at Fife Lake, the event is about celebrating Michigan’s abundant aquatic resources and promoting responsible, sustainable fishing practices.
While the weekend removes the license barrier, it’s important to remember that sustainable practices are crucial in preserving Michigan’s fishing heritage. By respecting catch limits, practicing selective harvest, and following all fishing regulations, anglers play a significant role in maintaining healthy fish populations for future generations.
Finally, participate in the Report All Poaching (RAP) program to help protect Michigan’s waterways and ensure that future anglers can enjoy the same opportunities that you have. To report poaching or violations, visit the MDNR RAP page here: Report All Poaching.
Enjoy your Free Fishing Weekend and remember, fishing is not just about catching fish—it’s about respecting nature, supporting conservation efforts, and creating lasting memories on the water.
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