Join in for a FREE fishing weekend! Life’s a fishing picnic! Especially on Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend! Free Fishing Weekends are always held the third full weekend in January and the first full weekend in June. For 2025, the dates will be January 18-19, 2025 and and June 7 and 8. Residents and nonresidents are welcome!

On Free Fishing Weekend, you can wet a line without a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp on MOST waters in Wisconsin. What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try! Look below for details to plan your special fishing day for your club or community group.

Find current fishing regulations here: https://widnr.widen.net/s/xvldvfnblh/fishregselectronic2122

Free Fishing Weekend Know Before You Go

• Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you. The piers at launches may be gone for the winter, but these areas still provide good access to get out on the ice.
• What you leave on the ice typically ends up in the water come spring, so pack out what you’ve packed in.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by taking your bait home with you or handing it over to another angler; never move live fish away from any waterbody.
• If you plan to keep your catch, be sure to consult the DNR’s Safe Eating Guidelines to learn about potential consumption advisories.

Attend a Free Fishing Weekend Clinic!

• • None in Lake Country, but many at WI state parks.

Tried Fishing and Loved It? Get Your License Now.

New to fishing or haven’t bought a fishing license in 10 years? Want to make it a healthy habit? Try our First-time buyer – Welcome back resident license for only $5. Buy yours today.

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