MARQUETTE – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering its winter free fishing weekend this weekend, with no fishing license required for anglers testing their skills against the state’s gamefish.

Though other fishing regulations remain in place, residents and non-residents can fish inland and Great Lakes waters without having to purchase a license Saturday and Sunday.

The DNR offers a similar free fishing weekend in June.

“There is no better time than a free fishing weekend to get out and enjoy Michigan’s winter wonderland,” said state Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, whose 37th Senate district includes Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa counties. “With some of the best inland lakes and easy access to the Great Lakes, northern Michigan is the place to get out and enjoy a free weekend of fishing with family and friends.”

Michigan is home to more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,350 miles of rivers and streams.

DNR officials said several events are scheduled that celebrate free fishing weekend, including activities in Baraga, Mackinac, Chippewa and Gogebic counties in the Upper Peninsula.

The Keweenaw Land Trust’s Lightfoot Bay Nature Area in Skanee will be hosting an event. A cabin will be open for warming up, refreshments will be provided and information will be available on the KLT’s land conservation activities.

The state has offered free fishing weekends since 1994.

For details on the events, visit: www.michigan.gov/freefishing.