Free Fishing Weekend and Ann Arbor Ice Fishing Derby's

Photo courtesy of the Scheel family

I don't know why this has been top of mind this year. Maybe it is the lakes being mostly frozen...  Perhaps it is my desire to learn new skills or filling my bucket list. At any rate, I really want to try ice fishing. I don't want a new hobby or anything, I just want to try it once. It's a good thing that Michigan offers a free fishing weekend free fishing weekend this month! Now I can try ice fishing.

On February 16-17, Michigan has their free fishing weekend. Families can certainly find friends to take them out, however sometimes pre-planned programs are the best way to try out ice fishing. The closest free fishing weekend events are an Ice Fishing Derby at  Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly) on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be loaner equipment available, as well as refreshments, prizes and a warm fire!

I also found an Ice Fishing for Beginners program at Kensington on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Come test the waters and take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on the beautiful Kent Lake. The program will begin indoors at the Nature Center to learn about the basics of ice fishing which will include various aspects of ice safety, proper technique for drilling your hole in the ice, and how to attract the fish. Participants will then head outside and hit the ice so you can try it yourself. If possible, bring your own ice fishing rod (inexpensive and available at many sporting stores). Dress to be outside, waterproof boots are highly recommended. If you want to have a seat while waiting for your big catch, a 5 gallon bucket is a great choice. Bait will be provided. Ages 6 and older. The cost is $5 and please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

If that weekend is not convenient for your desire to try ice fishing, Independence Lake will be holding their annual Ice Fishing Derby. The  annual Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation program is being held February 10 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 10. Participants can catch and release Northern Pike, Bass and Crappie. Gift cards and other prizes will be given to contest winners. You will however need to bring your own bait. The cost for the event is $10 for kids (12 & under)/ and $15 for adults which includes lunch. There is a discount for pre-registration.

The whole family will enjoy the outing, so bundle up and get pumped to try your hand at ice fishing. You can find alternative February free fishing weekend options for ice fishing at the DNR website.

Photo courtesy of Scheel family.