Michigan Free Fishing Weekends (2026) — Summer & Winter ICE FISHING!

MI 2026 free fishing weekends (Feb 14-15 & June 13-14). Try Saginaw Bay walleye, Houghton Lake ice fishing, or Lake Michigan salmon for free!

Michigan is unique: it offers TWO Free Fishing Weekends every year!

2026 Michigan Free Fishing Weekends

DateTypeNotes
February 14-15, 2026Winter Free FishingICE FISHING! No license needed.
June 13-14, 2026Summer Free FishingPerfect for Great Lakes & inland rivers!

Best Spots

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
Houghton LakeCentral MIWalleye, Pike, PanfishMichigan's Ice Fishing Capital (Winter!)
Saginaw BayLake HuronTrophy WalleyeSummer free fishing for limits of Walleye!
Pere Marquette RiverWest MIBrown Trout, SteelheadSummer fly fishing paradise
Lake St. ClairMetro DetroitSmallmouth, MuskyWorld-class smallmouth bass action

Plan your free fishing weekend trip with our guide to Michigan's top fishing spots.