EVENT POSTPONED – Due to unusually wet conditions around the USG Alabaster property, we regret that the the Free Fishing Weekend event planned for June 1 is postponed.
We are committed to rescheduling the Free Fishing weekend, as well as an open quarry tour day, later this summer. We’ll make a formal announcement when the events are officially slated.
“We apologize to anyone who is inconvenienced by this change,” said USG manager Matt Craig, “and we look forward to getting this fun event rescheduled. Safety is our top priority, and right now, there is just no safe way to access the fishing sites.”
Alabaster ponds open to the public June 1
May 20, 2019
USG is bringing back its Free Fishing Weekend event this year at the company’s Alabaster quarry site.
Anglers of all ages are welcome to enjoy a day of fishing, food and games, and to meet local USG employees. Gates will open at 9:00 a.m. and the day will conclude at 3:00 p.m.
“We got such a positive response from the folks who came out last year, we decided to do it again,” said USG’s Alabaster Plant Manager Matt Craig. “People had a lot of questions about our operation – what we do, how the ponds were formed, what’s next for our company and more.
“This is a chance for us to welcome our neighbors for a fun day, and we appreciate the opportunity to host it.”
Last year was the first time USG opened its retired quarry ponds to public angling. The fish populations are naturally occurring, and anglers working from the shores in designated fishing areas were surprised to encounter very large bass, pike and panfish.
This year’s event will be catch-and-release for all game species (bass and pike), but anglers are welcome to keep panfish if they choose.
USG will have loaner rods, reels and tackle available for those who need it, as well as bait, life jackets, sunscreen and bug spray. USG’s employee volunteers will serve complimentary hot dogs, chips and water, host games for the kids and offer a photo opportunity with large earth moving equipment used to quarry gypsum.
USG has quarried gypsum from the Alabaster operation since the company was founded in 1902. Gypsum is used for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from construction to food processing and agriculture.
This event will take place one week before the Michigan DNR’s official Free Fishing Weekend, when anglers are not required to have a fishing license to fish Michigan waters. However, because the ponds are on USG property, anglers can still legally fish without a valid 2019 license.
The quarry ponds are located off US 23 at Gypsum Road. Signage will guide guests to the activity site.