Free Fishing Weekend June 4-5

Try fishing for the first time, or rediscover the fun during Free Fishing Weekend, June 4-5, when anybody may fish anywhere in Wisconsin for free. A fishing license, inland trout stamp or Great Lakes trout stamp are not needed on these days for Wisconsin residents or nonresidents. 

The Badger State has more than 15,000 lakes and 42,000 miles of flowing rivers, and it’s bordered by two Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. During Free Fishing Weekend, rules governing the number and size of fish that anglers may keep are still in place, as are fishing-season dates. Review the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) fishing regulations online to brush up on the rules for inland lakes.

People who don’t have their own fishing gear can borrow rods and reels and other gear from nearly 50 DNR tackle-loaner sites across the state. Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov to find a list of fishing clinics, tackle-loaner sites and other information to help make Free Fishing Weekend a time of outdoor fun and discovery.