This weekend, Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy a free fishing weekend as well as a free off-road vehicle weekend and free entry into all state parks.

Michigan’s annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend offers an outstanding opportunity for southwest Michigan families and out-of-state visitors alike to get together and enjoy some of the world’s best fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters — at no charge.

This year’s weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10.

Since 1986, Michigan has celebrated the free weekend as a way to promote awareness of the state’s vast aquatic resources and to give families a great chance to pass along the joy of fishing to the next generation.

Anglers can fish without a license on these two days. All fishing license fees will be waived during the weekend, although all fishing regulations still apply.

I encourage all area anglers — and those who have never gone fishing — to get out and take part in one of our state’s premier outdoor activities during the free weekend. For more information, including a list of activities across the state, visit michigan.gov/freefishing.

Saturday and Sunday also mark one of the summer’s free ORV weekends, a time off-road enthusiasts can ride Michigan DNR-designated routes and trails without an ORV license or trail permit. Riders can find out more at michigan.gov/orvinfo.

To encourage visitors to visit a state park during the weekend, the state is also waiving the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks.

From fishing on our 36,000 miles of rivers and 11,000 inland lakes to riding on 3,700 miles of route trails to just enjoying time with family in one of our state parks, this weekend offers great opportunities for residents to have fun in Michigan’s great outdoors.

JOHN PROOS, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties.