IRON MOUNTAIN — This is “Three Free Weekend” in Michigan and “Free Fun Weekend” in Wisconsin.

The events are similar, but here are the particulars in each state for activities today and Sunday:

MICHIGAN

Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.

— Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Go to Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information.

— Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Many ORV trails remain closed after this spring’s ice storm in northern Michigan. Go to Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

— Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the Department of Natural Resources waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.

WISCONSIN

— State Parks. Vehicle admission stickers will not be required. Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Programs and events are posted on the DNR Events calendar at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events.

— Trails. All linear/rail trails, including ATV and horseback riding trails, will be open to the public. ATVs, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and nonresident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.

— Fishing. Residents and nonresidents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. All 2025-2026 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits and species restrictions. Locate launches and shore fishing access points https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands/boataccess.

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Today is Kids Fishing Day at the Michigan DNR Pocket Park, located on the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.

Registration is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, and the event will run until 3 p.m. All activities are free of charge and open to youth ages 16 years old and younger.

Activities include bluegill fishing, minnow races and face painting, along with free food and raffle prizes.

The DNR Pocket Park is nearest to Gate No. 1 at the fairgrounds, which can be accessed from 12th Avenue North. The Pocket Park’s archery and pellet gun ranges will also be open for instruction.

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The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:

Little Bay de Noc: Anglers targeting northern pike reported good success. Walleye anglers cited the north winds and cold front made for a slower bite this week. Perch anglers reported fair fishing.

Big Bay de Noc: Anglers targeting smallmouth bass reported good success. Pike anglers reported larger fish and good numbers of catches.

Keweenaw Bay/ Huron Bay: Anglers reported catching coho salmon and chinook salmon while trolling crankbaits, spoons, and flies in 60 to 120 feet of water while targeting the upper 30 feet of the water column. Anglers jigging for lake trout saw some success with both natural and artificial baits.

Marquette: Water temperatures continued warming to around 45 to 50 degrees. The coho salmon and chinook salmon bite around Marquette continued to hold steady in the size and number of fish. East of the Chocolay River was a popular spot for salmon and brown trout in about 40 feet of water. Chinook salmon, brown trout, and coho salmon were caught out towards Shot Point toward Sand River in 30 to 60 feet of water. Upper Harbor anglers found coho salmon, brown trout and a few lake trout when trolling from the end of the break wall out towards east of the White Rocks.

Au Train: Boat anglers were finally able to go out this week in Au Train. Anglers targeting coho salmon and brown trout found success. Lake trout anglers did very well with many who reported catching their limit in only a few hours of fishing. Lake trout were also reported in shallower water by anglers targeting salmon from Scott Falls out towards 5 Mile point in 40 to 60 feet of water.

Grand Marais: Boat anglers reported good success targeting lake trout when trolling and jigging at deeper depths. Anglers targeting coho salmon found success trolling east of the break wall. Anglers fishing the break wall reported whitefish and Menominee along with coho salmon. The preferred bait for whitefish anglers was spawn and worms for Menominee. Anglers reported the most success early in the morning.

Ontonagon River: The river saw many anglers over the past week; anglers reported walleye being caught in good numbers. Trolling was the preferred method of fishing for most anglers, while some found success when jigging.

Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: These ports saw a good amounts of angling effort in the past week; common catches consisted of coho salmon, chinook salmon, lake trout, and brown trout. These species were caught in fair to low numbers by those trolling in shallow waters.