LANSING — Everyone’s invited to join in the DNR’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16. No fishing license is needed, although all other fishing regulations still apply.

The weekend coincides with the DNR’s move to a new license sales system. Due to the changeover, which will run Saturday, Feb. 15, through noon, Tuesday, Feb. 18, no hunting or fishing licenses can be purchased online or in stores during that time.

Over the last few years, the DNR has made it even easier to fish on Free Fishing weekends by waiving the need for the Recreation Passport, normally required for vehicle entry at state parks, more than 1,300 DNR-managed boating access sites and other state-managed outdoor recreation destinations. Because of the license sales system changeover and the desire to make things simpler for customers, the department is waiving the need for a Recreation Passport or a fishing license on Monday, Feb. 17, too – two more reasons to get outdoors during the holiday weekend!

#MiFreeFishingWeekend is an annual effort to promote Michigan’s world-class fishing. While many will bundle up and head out on their own, there are several organized events happening throughout the state. Check Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more events around the state, as well as other details about the weekend. Remember, all events are subject to weather conditions.