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HOUGHTON LAKE — The Houghton Lake Lake Association will host its third annual Youth Fishing Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the West DNR Boat Launch on Houghton Lake, near Lakeside Resort & Conference Center.
The free Kids Fishing Event is open to children ages 3 to 10 and will include fishing, games, prizes and family activities. HLLA volunteers will net off a section of the DNR west launch and plant 300 fish for the young anglers.
Poles, bait, gifts and prizes will be provided. Activities will include a fishing contest, casting contest, lure painting, knot tying workshop, face painting, mermaid hair, a food truck and more. Hot dogs and chips also will be available for kids.
As part of the event, an HLLA member will give refurbished bikes to any child who does not have one.
The event takes place during Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend, set for June 13-14. During Free Fishing Weekend, all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish on inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply.
A Recreation Passport also will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekend.
The summer Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend. During that weekend, residents and nonresidents can fish, ride off-road trails and visit state parks and boating access sites free of charge. During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and visitors may legally ride without buying an ORV license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.
The Youth Fishing Day is sponsored by the Houghton Lake Lake Association. For information or volunteer opportunities, call 989-387-1223 or visit hllakeassociation.com.
