Hook, Line and Sinker: Learn to fish with the DNR

Have you ever wanted to learn to fish? Join the DNR for "Hook, Line and Sinker", a weekly fishing program conducted by our staff at over 30 state parks and hatcheries in Michigan.

We'll teach you casting and fishing basics, and we can provide a rod and reel to use if you don't have your own equipment. Hook, Line and Sinker programs begin in mid-June and continue throughout the summer.

Participants under 17 do not need a fishing license. Programs are FREE; however, a Recreation Passport is required for park entry.

Our experienced, friendly instructors will introduce you to fishing in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. With step-by-step direction, you'll learn fishing basics like knot-tying, setting up your pole, casting, selecting and using bait, and removing fish from the hook. After the 20- to 30-minute lesson, you'll be ready to hit the water and exercise your new skills.

Hook, Line and Sinker is available at the parks listed below. Contact each location for dates and times.

- Bay City Recreation Area, Bay City, 989-667-0717, see the park calendar

- Brighton Recreation Area, Brighton, 810-229-6566, see the park calendar

- Cedar River State Harbor, Cedar River, 906-864-1040, see the park calendar

- Clear Lake State Park, Atlanta, 989-785-4388, see the park calendar

- Fort Custer Recreation Area, Augusta, 269-731-4200, see the park calendar

- Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling, 989-348-2537, see the park calendar

- Hayes State Park, Onsted, 517-467-7401, see the park calendar

- Holland State Park, Holland, 616--399-9390, see the park calendar

- Holly Recreation Area, Holly, 248-634-8811, see the park calendar

- Ionia Recreation Area, Ionia, 616-527-3750, see the park calendar

- Ludington State Park, Ludington, 231-843-9261, see the park calendar.

- Mears State Park, Pentwater, 231-869-2051, see the park calendar.

- Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, Metamora, 810-797-4439, see the park calendar.

- Mitchell State Park, Cadillac, 231-775-7911, see the park calendar

- Muskegon State Park, Muskegon, 231-744-3480, see the park calendar

- Pinckney Recreation Area, Pinckney, 734-426-4913, see the park calendar

- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Waterford, 248-666-1020, see the park calendar

- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon, 906-885-5275, see the park calendar

- Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin, 989-738-8663, see the park calendar

- Proud Lake Recreation Area, Commerce Twp., 248-685-2433, see the park calendar

- Rifle River Recreation Area, Lupton, 989-473-2258, see the park calendar

- Seven Lakes State Park , Holly, 248-634-7271, see the park calendar

- Sleeper State Park, Caseville, 989-856-4411, see the park calendar

- Sleepy Hollow State Park, Laingsburg, 517-651-6217, see the park calendar

- South Higgins State Park, Roscommon, 989-821-6374, see the park calendar

- Sterling State Park, Monroe, 734-289-2715, see the park calendar

- Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas, 989-362-5041, see the park calendar

- Waterloo Recreation Area, Chelsea,734-475-3170, see the park calendar.

- Wells State Park, Cedar River, 906-863-9747, see the park calendar.

- Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center, Mattawan, 269-668-2876, see the hatchery calendar

- Yankee Springs Recreation Area, Middleville, 269-795-9081, see the park calendar.

- Young State Park, Boyne City, 231-582-7523, see the park calendar.

For camping reservations, go online or call 800-44-PARKS.

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