The Hillsdale College Outdoor Adventure Club will take students ice fishing on Saturday. Courtesy | Caroline Hennekes

The Hillsdale College Outdoor Adventures Club will take 15 students ice fishing at Baw Beese Lake Feb. 15. 

“It’s free fishing weekend, that’s the attraction,” sophomore TJ Korotzer said. 

Fishing license requirements are waived on Feb. 15 and 16 for all species of fish, according to the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

Senior Anna Coln, the club’s president, said free fishing weekend is a great chance for people to try a new hobby.

“When else do you get to go ice fishing for free, if you don’t know how to do it?” Coln said. “This is a cool opportunity.”

Coln said club members are excited to take advantage of the weekend.

“Last semester we were coming up with the events that we wanted to do this semester, and TJ suggested ice fishing and said he knew somebody who had equipment and could teach us how to do it,” Coln said. “Everyone on the board thought it was a great idea and would be super fun.”

Korotzer said Corey Murray, news reporter for the Hillsdale Daily News, is helping run the event.

“He’s providing the gear and the expertise,” Korotzer said. “I’m from California. I don’t even know what ice is.”

Although attendance has been low at previous club events, the ice fishing trip is full and has a waitlist, Coln said.

“We are limiting the group at 15 because of safety and the amount of equipment,” Korotzer said.

Coln said she is optimistic that the ice will be thick enough for the event.

“It takes a long time for the ice to melt, especially if it’s been cold for a long time,” Coln said. “So if there’s a warm day or two after weeks of cold, it won’t do anything.”

Coln said it is looking like it will be a great trip.

“As long as people dress warmly, I think they’ll really enjoy it,” Coln said.