Learning Opportunities - Fishing Clinics

Throughout the year, the Department of Natural Resources works with local parks departments and fishing clubs and organizations to put on fishing clinics and other events. These are excellent opportunities to introduce fishing to people both young and old. You will need a fishing license if you fish at these events, other than those taking place on Free Fishing Weekend. Call contacts for complete information.

Watch this space for more information on these and other events as it becomes available.

Free Fishing Weekend 2008

While the weather did not cooperate, we heard that a good time was had by all at the many opportunities available around the state! This year, Free Fishing Weekend was on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 - 8, 2008. Both residents and nonresidents of all ages could fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. This includes all the waters of the state: inland lakes and streams, state waters of the Great Lakes, and rivers bordering Wisconsin. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.

Free Fishing Weekend 2009

Check back here early next year for information on free clinics during Free Fishing Weekend, June 6 - 7, 2009. Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June are designated as Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state of Wisconsin.

This event is designed to encourage families to get out and fish together. People are encouraged to participate in special activities planned at parks throughout the state, and also to take advantage of programs at several state parks and at DNR regional offices that loan out fishing equipment.

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

Please visit State of Wisconsin Fish Hatcheries for additional information and a map showing the hatchery locations.

Learn-to-Fish License Waiver

The Learn-to-Fish License Waiver offers a free, one-time, one-day fishing opportunity tied to an educational fishing program such as the Department of Natural Resources Angler Education Program.

The waiver is available to those who meet a set of requirements as outlined in the Learn-to-Fish License Waiver Information [PDF 73KB].

For more information on any of these learning opportunities, please contact the Bureau of Fisheries Management.