The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites clubs and organizations to host free fishing clinics on Winter Free Fishing Weekend, Jan. 18-19.
On that weekend, residents and non-residents can fish most waters of the state without a fishing license or a stamp for trout or salmon.
Please submit the event registration and materials request forms by Jan. 8. The clinic will be promoted, and educational materials will be sent. Anglers ages 15 and younger may fish without a license any day of the year. Therefore, organizers are encouraged to also welcome adults new to ice fishing.
If the lake chosen for the clinic doesn’t freeze over, anglers can cast from shore into open water.
Clinic plans should include anglers with limited mobility. Many state properties and community partners have accommodations or equipment to make the outdoors accessible for all.
Clinic hosts are advised to consult the trout regulations when planning clinics and outings to ensure that the body of water is open to fishing. While most trout streams are open during the catch-and-release season on Free Fishing Weekend, there are trout streams, spring ponds and lakes that are closed to fishing. Check with the local DNR fisheries biologist with questions about specific waters.
For open trout streams, only artificial lures are allowed, and anglers must release all trout caught.
All other fishing regulations — including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions — remain in effect.
Plan a winter free fishing weekend clinic Jan. 18-19
