FISHING, STATE PARKS FREE THIS WEEKEND: MI

Article Posted: February 15, 2002

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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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