Outdoors report: Free fishing Feb. 14-15 in Michigan
An ice angler tries his luck on Huron Bay of Lake Superior in Baraga County. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo)
IRON MOUNTAIN — Next weekend is free fishing weekend in Michigan as all fishing license fees will be waived Feb. 14 and 15.
Residents and out-of-state visitors may 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.
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Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club is hosting Tip-Up Town of the U.P. today. Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the clubhouse on Sawyer Lake Road four miles north of Channing. Admission to the clubhouse is free, but you must be registered and have a button for the fishing contest on Sawyer and Edey lakes.
Next weekend is the club’s annual Gun and Knife Show, also at the clubhouse. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Admission to the show is $5 and free for ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult.
Tables are $25 each. Contact Tony Erickson at 906-396-1119 or tonyerickson26@msn.com for more information.
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The One O One Ice Ice Fishing Derby is Saturday, Feb. 14, open to all Florence County waters. Register at the One O One Bar and Grill, 5050 Highway 101 in Florence, Wis. The entry fee is $20 and free for ages 12 and under.
There are cash payouts for walleye, bass, northern pike and panfish. Fish must be measured at the bar by 7 p.m.
Proceeds benefit KAMO, which is holding its own derby for kids ages 5 to 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Lake Emily in Florence. Supplies will be provided.
Find out more at https://www.exploreflorencecounty.com/events/2026-02/kamo-ice-fishing-derby-2026-02-14/.
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MJE Cares Foundation will host an ice fishing tournament Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lake Antoine. Preregister at https://www.zeffy.com/…/lake-antoine-fishing-tournament.
There are multiple categories including northern pike, walleye, perch, bluegill and crappie. Cash payouts will be awarded based on entry revenues. Raffle prizes, food, and hot drinks will be available throughout the day.
Derby day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and fishing is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lake-antoine-fishing-tournament.
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Doors open at 8 a.m. today for the 21st annual Young Trappers Workshop at the Frank Rodman Community Center, W5480 1st St., Hermansville. The free event runs until about 3 p.m.
Besides fun and prizes, the workshop strives to impart as much learning as possible.
For more information, go to www.uptrappers.com.
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Monday is the deadline to submit ideas for resolutions at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress spring hearings.
The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on how to manage the state’s natural resources.
An individual may submit no more than two resolutions per year, and the resolutions must meet the following criteria:
— The concern must be of statewide impact.
— The concern must be practical, achievable and reasonable.
— The concern must be within the mission and vision of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.
Those interested in submitting a resolution can go to the DNR and WCC’s Spring Hearings webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/wcc/springhearing.
At the close of the submission process, resolutions will be reviewed and prepared for the 2026 Spring Hearing. Online and in-person input begins on Monday, April 13, and online input will continue through Wednesday, April 15.
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The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula fishing activity:
Little Bay de Noc: Anglers reported a slight uptick in walleye catches with the onset of this past week’s warm up. However, walleye success was limited. Anglers reported the most success with set lines, baited with sucker minnows or shiners. Yellow perch anglers reported fair fishing, with most anglers targeting structure near deep water in the upper bay. Anglers fishing shallow water perch report some success near Kipling.
Ice conditions were good, with people fishing the outer bay using machines. Minimal snowfall and few areas of snow drifts have made good conditions for motorized travel.
Munising: The bite was slow this past week, anglers had some success with splake and whitefish in the bay with the occasional herring. The coho salmon bite remained steady for anglers waiting it out for schools to come in. Anglers targeting perch reported a slow bite, with a few anglers finding success on them. Wax worms, minnows and eggs have been the preferred bait.




