FISHING, STATE PARKS FREE THIS WEEKEND LANSING--State resource officials today announced Michigan's annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, February 16-17. All fishing license fees are waived over the weekend for residents and out-state visitors on all Michigan waters. All fishing regulations still apply. Additionally, DNR will waive all entrance fees for the state parks and recreation areas on February 16-17, just for this year. The Winter Free Fishing Weekend will continue to be an annual event. "This special weekend highlights Michigan's four seasons of great recreational fishing, and encourages people to get outside to discover outdoor recreation in Michigan," said DNR Resource Management Deputy George Burgoyne. The Winter Free Fishing Weekend also precedes the annual observance of the President's Day holiday, which enables many to enjoy three full days of fishing and outdoor fun. However, anglers are advised that they will need a fishing license on Monday, Feb. 18. Motor vehicle permits are required at state parks and recreation centers on Monday as well. Several special Winter Free Fishing Weekend events have been planned: In southern Michigan, the Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea sponsors "Where Do Fish Go in Winter" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. A naturalist takes participants on a walk to three different wetland habitats to discuss wildlife in our winter wetlands. The program is approximately two hours, and pre-registration is advised. For more information, call 734-475-3170. The Bay City State Recreation Area holds its 2002 Winter Festival on Saturday, February 16. This festival has something for everyone, including Snow and Ice-Sculpting, How to Make Your Own Fishing Pole, Ice Fishing Derby, Bluebird Nestbox Clinic, Winter Wildlife Track and Bird Identification, Snowshoe Expedition, Ice Sailing Demonstration, U.S. Coast Guard Ice Safety Presentation, Owl Calling Hike, Finding Your Way Around the Winter Sky, with tips on selecting the right telescope, and The Science Behind Winter Lights. For more information, call the Bay City Recreation Area, 517-667-0717. The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Mitchell State Park at Cadillac, will host an Ice Fishing Super Clinic. Veteran outdoor writer and sportsman Mark Romanack will present an informative program from 9 to 10 a.m. Following the presentation, participants are invited to join Craig Meyers of Jiffy Augers at the Mitchell State Day Use Boat Launch Area to try fishing first-hand. The Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional details call the Carl T. Johnson Center at 231-779-1321. This winter's exceptionally mild conditions mean anglers should be especially careful to check ice conditions prior to fishing and take appropriate precautions. There is no reason to take any risks on unsafe ice. Relatively warm winter weather has limited ice fishing, but provides more open water fishing opportunities, including stream steelhead angling.
Source: MDNR
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