Michigan's annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend set for Feb. 16-17 across the state provides an opportunity for families to get outdoors and enjoy the time-honored tradition of ice fishing in the Great Lakes state, and is the perfect time to introduce children to the sport, said Department of Natural Resources officials. A list of Free Fishing Weekend events is attached.

The DNR has permanently established the Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend each year as the Winter Free Fishing Weekend. For those two days, all fishing license fees will be waived for both residents and visitors who wish to fish on Michigan waters. All fishing regulations will still apply. Those anglers 17 and older who plan to fish on Monday, Feb. 18, will need a valid Michigan fishing license.

The Winter Free Fishing Weekend is designed to encourage people to get outdoors and discover the sport of ice fishing. Anglers who participate in ice fishing should, however, follow safety precautions when it comes to venturing out on ice.

"When ice fishing, you should always presume that no ice is safe," said Tom Courchaine, acting assistant chief of the DNR's Law Enforcement Division. "Environmental influences such as current, springs, and weather patterns all have an effect on ice conditions. We want families to have a safe and enjoyable experience while ice fishing, and that is why we recommend that everyone dress warmly, wear a life jacket while venturing out on the ice, take a cell phone with you, and always use the buddy system - tell your family and friends that you are going out and where you plan on fishing."

More information about ice safety is available on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

In addition to Free Fishing Weekend, several Michigan's state parks and recreation areas are planning outdoor activities the weekend of Feb. 16-17, click here for a list of those activities. The Free Fishing Weekend events also are listed on the DNR's Web site by clicking on the Free Fishing link on the front page.