Free fishing weekend happening Saturday, Sunday - The Pioneer

MECOSTA COUNTY — For those wanting to try their hand at ice fishing, this weekend is your chance.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free fishing weekend Saturday and Sunday. For two days, all fishing license fees will be waived for all residents and nonresidents. In addition, recreation passports will not be required to enter all state parks or the 1,300-plus boating access sites that the DNR manages.

According to the Mecosta County Parks Commission, popular fishing sites include Brower Park, 23056 Polk Road, Stanwood; Davis Bridge Park, 22170 8 Mile Road, Stanwood; Haymarsh Campground, 20500 140th Ave., Big Rapids; and Tubb's Mainland Campground, 16823 Birch Haven Drive, Mecosta. (Note that day-use fees for county parks still apply).

All fishing regulations still apply, so visit Michigan.gov/freefishing for more information.

State officials remind anglers who venture out on the ice that safety is their responsibility. Dress in layers with extra gloves in case one pair gets wet, waterproof boots with ice cleats and a life jacket; and bring along a two-way communication device that receives a signal.

Remember that not all ice is safe, and there is no reliable “inch-thickness” to determine which is safe and which is not. The DNR suggests checking with local bait shops for conditions and visiting Michigan.gov/fishing for the latest fishing report.

In addition, follow these safety tips:

• Test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger.
• Note the color of the ice: The strongest ice will be clear with a bluish tint. Weak ice is formed by melted and refrozen snow and will appear milky.
• Stay off ice with slush on top: Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom.
• Check the weather: A sudden cold front with low temperatures can create cracks within a half-day. A warm spell may take several days to weaken ice and cause the ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night.
• Remember: Ice weakens with age.
• Be extra cautious if there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline.
• Remember: Stronger the current on the lake, the more likely the ice will give to open water.
• Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.
• Keep an eye out for dock bubblers or deicers as the ice near these mechanisms will be unsafe. Always check the ice and be aware of your surroundings.

If you do fall through the ice:

• Remain calm
• Don't remove winter clothing. Heavy clothes won't drag you down, but instead can provide warmth.
• Turn in the water toward the direction you came from, this is most likely the strongest ice.
• If you have ice picks, dig the points of the picks into the ice while vigorously kicking your feet to pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice.
• Roll away from the area of weak ice. Rolling on the ice will distribute your weight to help avoid breaking through again.
• Get to shelter and remove your wet clothing, redressing in warm, dry clothing and consume warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages as soon as you can.
• Call 911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering or any other ill effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia, which is a life-threatening condition.

For more ice safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety.

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Free fishing weekend happening Saturday, Sunday - The Pioneer
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