DNR holds Free Fishing Weekend across Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Anglers across the state can wet a line without a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp.

“We encourage people that maybe haven’t participated in ice fishing in the past and want to check it out and learn a little bit more about it to join their family and friends or go to a nearby lake and consider giving it a try themselves,” Bob Nack with the Wisconsin DNR said.

Youth 15-year-old or under don’t need a license to go ice fishing any time of the year, so Nack says this free weekend applies to those that are 16-year-old and older.

“The idea is that hopefully they have a good time and enjoy themselves, want to do it in the future and that ignites that passion for natural resources that we have here in Wisconsin and their intertest in getting more involved with that in the future,” Nack said.

Nack says ice fishing doesn’t have to be a very gear-intensive sport.

“People shouldn’t feel intimidated if they don’t have all of the fancy equipment to go ice fishing,” he said. “You need a hole in the ice and some basic bait and getting advice from people that are out there fishing or the nearest bait shop is probably a good idea.”

Anglers can rent gear at various tackle loaner sites across the state. You can find those here, listed by county.

The Wisconsin DNR also wants to make sure everyone is safe out on the ice.

“Obviously, I would avoid areas of the lake where there’s nobody fishing because either the fish aren’t biting there or it could potentially be unsafe as well,” Nack said. “Just using some common sense and not exploring areas that may be unsafe.”

Nack adds ice tends to be a little bit thinner on springs and where there’s moving water.

The DNR is also hosting Learn to Ice Fish clinics during Free Fishing Weekend. You can register online or by calling 608-266-4711.

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