Anyone can fish for free in Michigan during one June weekend. All fishing license fees will be waived on June 11 and 12. So whether you are from out of town or out of state, we have some suggestions for places to try your luck.

Eagle Lake

You can get into state parks without a Recreation Passport during free fishing weekend, so if you aren’t from Michigan, it’s a good time to check out Fort Custer Recreation Area.

The park has three lakes, and all of them have bass, blue gill, crappie, pike and channel catfish.

Eagle Lake is the biggest, and it also has walleye, carp and northern muskie. Local Jacob Nowlin recently caught a 37-inch muskie using a whopper plopper lure. 

If you need an accessible fishing pier for someone who is differently abled, there’s one on Whitford-Lawler Lake.

Goguac Lake

Goguac Lake is part of metropolitan Battle Creek, so it’s conveniently located off of Columbia Avenue. You’re only a minute away from restaurants, bars and grocery stores. 

The city offers beach access, but you’re going to find boat access on Latimer Lane.

The lake is surprisingly deep – 66 feet! There are crappie, bluegill, pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass and walleye.

Battle Creek River

If you’re looking for trout, the Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit says you can find brown trout in the Battle Creek River. 

Flyfishers like to wade out into the river in the downtown area, where the water gets shallow. Besides trout, you’ll find smallmouth bass and Northern pike.

There’s also fishing access at Bailey Park, an outdoor multi-use sports facility that’s along the river.

Stuart’s Landing

Located along the Kalamazoo River, Stuart’s Landing is a great choice if you’re bringing the kids. There’s a fishing dock that makes it easy to cast off.

Not too far from Stuart’s Landing is Dark Horse Brewing Co., which can provide you with a cold craft brew and pizza.

Duck Lake

Once included in “Michigan’s 50 Best Fishing Lakes,” Duck Lake has had a strong reputation as a great fishery for decades.

It’s the biggest lake in Calhoun County. The patient and wily angler will be rewarded with a well-stocked variety of healthy fish. Besides bluegill, crappie and sunfish, you’ll also get perch and walleye.
Public access to the lake is located on Monroe Road.