Free Fishing Weekend – January 19–20 2019
Host a Free Fishing Weekend event!
Take advantage of this free opportunity to introduce your friends and family to fishing.
All the waters of the state are open; however, all usual regulations are in force.
Planning forms available now!
Download and complete the Free Fishing Weekend Planning Forms [PDF] to give us the details so that we can post your event on this site. If you have difficulties with this form, please contact Andrew Krismer for assistance, 608-333-2057.
Remember to plan for adults who may have missed the fishing boat as kids! We’ll post your events as we learn of them. Of course, you can just take your friends fishing without telling us, but we love to hear your stories about how you coaxed your pals out for a free weekend of fishing.
Attend a Free Fishing Weekend event!
Plans are underway at the following locations to introduce you to the art and science of hardwaterfishing. Check out this growing list of opportunities.
Chippewa County
| Community: | Chippewa Falls, WI | |
| Place: | Ojibwa Golf & Bowl on Glen Loch Lake/Reservoir | |
| Parking: | Meet and park in the parking lot on the left side of Ojibwa Bowl. | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. | |
| Description: | An afternoon of fishing instruction and fun!
· Participants take home a fishing pole and jig (while supplies last) · Bait provided · No registration required. Just come with your smile · Learn ice fishing skills including how to set up equipment and clean the catch · See flyer [PDF] |
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| Target Audience: | All Ages Welcome! | |
| Sponsors: | · Chippewa Valley Family YMCA
· Chippewa Rod & Gun Club Inc. · Fish Chippewa! Access for All! · Ojibwa Golf & Bowl · Lumberjack Tools · Mason Companies, Inc. · Nordson |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Ron Bakken, 715-723-7834. | |
Dane County
| Community: | Marshall, WI | |
| Place: | Fireman’s Park (309 Park Street) – Located in the central part of the village off West Park Drive | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. | |
| Description: | Marshall Lion’s Annual Ice Fisheree Festival! Heated shelter to accommodate a fun filled 2-day event that includes: · Ice fishing · Outhouse races · Flag football · Candlelit skating · DJ · Food, drink and more! |
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| Target Audience: | All ages are welcome! | |
| Sponsors: | · Fox Bar & Grill
· The Barrel Inn · Auburn Ridge · Badger Pub · Chatty’s Pit Shop · Rusty’s Pizza and Grill |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Shelly Allness, 608-630-4830. | |
Fond du Lac County
| Community: | Campbellsport, WI | |
| Place: | Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, located off County Road GGG and South County Road SS near New Prospect | |
| Note: | Wisconsin State Park sticker required for entrance — perfect time to buy one! | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | |
| Description: | Come learn to Ice Fish!
· Learn the tricks of winter fishing with experienced ice anglers · Event begins with a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle at the picnic shelter · Lure fish out on Lake Mauthe · Equipment, tackle, and bait will be provided · Register by January 17th by calling 920-533-8322 |
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| Target Audience: | Anyone over the age of 6 | |
| Sponsors: | Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit | |
| Contact: | For more information contact Jackie Scharfenberg, 920-533-8322. | |
Waukesha County
| Community: | Watertown, WI | |
| Place: | Lower Genesse Lake – Boat launch and parking area | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | |
| Description: | Introduction to ice fishing for novices, experienced kids and families. | |
| Target Audience: | All Ages Welcome! | |
| Sponsors: | · American Legion Post 189
· Frabil · Watertown Elk’s Lodge · Glenn’s Market and Catering · Dick Smith’s Bait Shop |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Anthony Dittmann, 920-253-7511. | |
Winnebago County
| Community: | Neenah, WI | |
| Place: | Lake Winnebago – West Shore Paynes Pt. | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | |
| Description: | Family, Friends and Ice Fishing | |
| Target Audience: | All Ages Welcome! | |
| Sponsor: | Paynes Point Hook & Spear Fishing Club | |
| Contact: | For more information contact Stacy Frakes, 920-851-3765. | |
Check back again for more events. We’ll post them as we learn about them!
Dates to remember
Free Fishing Weekends are always held the third full weekend in January and the first full weekend in June.
Need fishing gear?
No fishing gear? No problem. We have fishing poles that you can borrow at many state parks and DNR offices. Contact a Tackle Loaner site at one of several state parks and DNR regional offices to borrow one. Call the DNR staffer or partner listed for each site to find out what specific equipment is available and to arrange to pick it up.
Get a license
New to fishing, but want to make it a habit after Free Fishing Weekend? Try our “First-time buyer” resident license for only $5. Discounts for non-residents too!
Here is more information about purchasing a fishing license so you’ll be ready to fish any time of the year!