Ice shanties dot Black Lake in the northern Lower Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers to always use extreme caution when on the ice. Next Saturday and Sunday is free fishing weekend in Michigan. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Next Saturday and Sunday is free fishing weekend in Michigan.

Fishing license fees will be waived both days. Residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply.

Also, a Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites.

Anglers taking advantage of winter ice fishing should keep a close watch on ice conditions. Unseasonable weather may prompt shanty removal prior to the seasonal dates normally required, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

People venturing onto ice should use extreme caution as temperatures begin to rise or fluctuate, said acting Lt. Jeff Rabbers, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We want to make sure that everyone has ample opportunity to remove their shanties before conditions become unsafe,” Rabbers added.

Repeated thawing and refreezing of ice weakens its strength, decreasing its ability to support the additional weight of people, snowmobiles, ORVs and shanties.

On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters in the Upper Peninsula, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Wednesday, March 15. All other bodies of water in the Upper Peninsula must have ice shanties removed by midnight Friday, March 31.

Daily use of ice shanties is permitted anywhere in Michigan if ice conditions allow and if the shanties are removed from the ice at the end of each day.

In Florence County, Wis., Leff’s annual All Lake Fishing Derby will take place Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at dawn and ending at 4:30 p.m. Entry fee is $5 and you can fish any Florence County water.

Call 715-528-5151 for more information. Leff’s is 3 miles west of Florence, Wis., on Highway 101.

Michigan is having its first free snowmobiling weekend today and Sunday. The snowmobile trail permit and registration requirement is waived but all other snowmobile rules and regulations still apply.

Also, a Recreation Passport is required where applicable. All snowmobile operators who are 12 to 16 years of age are required to take a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety course and obtain a snowmobile safety certificate.

Despite the recent warm weather, Tri-County Snowmobile Club reported its trails are holding up nicely. At travelwisconsin.com, trails in Florence County were listed in good condition with a base of 8 to 12 inches.