Fishing Wisconsin: Free Fishing Weekend

Did you miss Free Fishing Weekend this year? Well, don't wait until next June to give fishing a try! A fishing license is one of the best bargains around. Head down to your local tackle shop or buy your license on-line [exit DNR] and get out there!

Saturday and Sunday, June 5th-6th, 2010

Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June is designated as Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state of Wisconsin. All the waters of the state are open, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.

Pack up the family or call your friends and head to the water. Fishing clinics and special activities are planned at state and local parks throughout Wisconsin. No fishing pole? No worries! Contact a Tackle Loaner site at one of several state parks and DNR regional offices to borrow one.

Because children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish on any day of the year, the motto for Free Fishing Weekend could be, "Take a grown-up fishing!"

There are many free fishing clinics and other events you may be interested in participating, some of which do not fall during free fishing weekend - Check out our Free Fishing Clinics for details.

For more information about Free Fishing Weekend, please contact:

Theresa Stabo
Aquatic Resources Educator
(608) 266-2272

Check back again for more events. We'll post them as we learn about them!

: Visit Take Me Fishing [exit DNR] for additional Wisconsin fishing events.

State Fish Hatchery and Facility Open Houses

Dates vary - some open house events are held in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend (the first full weekend in June each year).

Wisconsin has 17 state fish hatcheries, egg collection facilities and rearing stations and many schedule Open House activities. Stop in for a visit as you amble about Wisconsin this summer. Check State of Wisconsin Fish Hatcheries for additional information and a map showing hatchery locations.

Last Revised: Thursday June 11 2009