Michigan Free Fishing Weekends
The February and June license-free weekends, the 2026 dates and the rules that stay in force.
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Michigan Free Fishing Weekends explained
Two Free Fishing Weekends a year: the winter weekend is the Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend; the summer weekend is the Saturday and Sunday following the first full week of June (held with the Three Free weekend).
All fishing license fees are waived for the two days of each Free Fishing Weekend for residents and out-of-state visitors, on inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. All fishing regulations still apply. A Recreation Passport is not required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends.
MDNR Free Fishing Weekend page, retrieved October 22, 2026.
Michigan free fishing weekend dates, 2026 and 2027
| Weekend | Year | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Free Fishing Weekend | 2026 | February 14, 2026 and February 15, 2026 |
| Winter Free Fishing Weekend | 2027 | Not yet published by the MDNR |
| Summer Free Fishing Weekend (Three Free weekend) | 2026 | June 13, 2026 and June 14, 2026 |
| Summer Free Fishing Weekend (Three Free weekend) | 2027 | Not yet published by the MDNR |
The MDNR had not published the 2027 dates when this page was checked; the rule above sets them, but this page waits for the printed dates.
Other ways to fish Michigan without a license
- Anyone 17 or older fishing public waters in Michigan needs a fishing license; under 17 may fish without one but must follow all rules. A license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. An adult actively assisting a minor must have a license; an unlicensed adult may help land, unhook or net a fish, set up the rod, bait the hook, fix tangles and cast for a young angler who is actively participating.under 17
- Fishing license fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military, and for individuals with a developmental disability as defined in MCL 330.1100a.fee waiver
Michigan water in pictures
Photo: Notorious4life ( Uploads ), CC0 1.0
Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: Hgjudd, CC BY-SA 3.0
Michigan free weekend questions
When was the 2026 winter free fishing weekend in Michigan?
February 14, 2026 and February 15, 2026.
When was the 2026 summer free fishing weekend?
June 13, 2026 and June 14, 2026, held with the Three Free weekend.
Are the 2027 Michigan free weekend dates out?
Not yet; the MDNR page lists 2026 only, so this page adds 2027 once printed.
Which weekend is the winter free weekend?
The Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend in February.
Which weekend is the summer free weekend?
The Saturday and Sunday after the first full week of June.
Can visitors from other states fish free those two days?
Yes; all license fees are waived for everyone on both days.
Do limits apply on a free weekend?
Yes; every season, size and bag limit still applies.
Do kids need a license in Michigan any day?
No; anglers under 17 never need one.