(Photo courtesy of Metro Creative)

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that this Saturday and Sunday will be the first free fishing weekend of 2026.

The event is part of the “Three Free” weekends, 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.

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 during this event. 

A recreation passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during the free fishing weekend.

Those who are considering ice fishing this weekend should review the DNR’s ice safety tips at www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/ice.

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 full week of June. This summer’s event is slated for June 13-14.

For more information about Free ORV Weekends, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.