Find Your Adventure This Winter

In Wisconsin, cold weather doesn’t mean you need to stay inside all winter. There are plenty of activities to get out and explore. From cross-country skiing, to snowmobiling and candlelight hikes, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Travel Wisconsin knows the all-important question arises – “is there enough snow for that?” To help, they created the Wisconsin Snow Report. Check out the tool to get up-to-date snow conditions for downhill ski and snowboard hills, cross-country ski areas and snowmobile trails statewide.

The Wisconsin Snow Report uses local, first-hand information to track trail and slope conditions in real time throughout the season as the snow falls, as well as man-made snow.

Need helping finding an adventure at Wisconsin’s state parks? Use our Find A Park tool to filter properties by activity or take a look at our OutWiGo Winter Exploration Maps for more ideas.

Keep Ice Safety A Top Priority This Winter

As you head out to ice fish this year, be sure to make ice safety a priority.

And don’t forget – Free Fishing Weekend is this weekend (Jan. 15 – 16).

During Free Fishing Weekend, no fishing license or trout and salmon stamps are required. Anglers can fish state waters where there is an open season. All other fishing regulations apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish you can keep and any seasons when you must release certain fish species.

Know Before You Go

No ice is 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice and urges anglers to be safe during winter fishing activities while on the ice. Ice strength cannot be determined by appearance, age, thickness or temperature, especially when the ice is snow-covered.

Plan Ahead For A Safe Winter Fishing Adventure

Follow these safety tips when ice fishing:

Dress in warm, water-resistant layers and pack an extra hat and gloves.
Contact local bait shops, fishing clubs or resorts to ask about local ice conditions.
Stay safely on shore if ice conditions are questionable and if open water is within casting distance.
Use sturdy waterproof boots with spike-style creepers for traction.
Carry some basic safety gear: ice claws or picks, a cellphone in a waterproof bag or case and rope.
Wear a life jacket or a float coat to help stay afloat and slow body heat loss.
Make sure someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return.
Don’t travel in areas you are not familiar with and don’t travel at night or during reduced visibility.
Avoid inlets, outlets or narrows with currents that can thin the ice.
Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it.
Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

Check out the DNR’s Ice Safety webpage for more information on staying safe on the ice, including tips for creating ice claws and what to do if you fall through ice.

Free Fishing Weekend Regulations & Guidelines

Anglers cannot fish spring trout ponds during the Winter Free Fishing Weekend. Please review the trout regulations and 2021-2022 Hook and Line regulations for more information.

If you plan to keep your catch, please review the DNR’s Safe Eating Guidelines for information on consumption advisories impacting some waterbodies throughout the state.

Visit the DNR’s Fishing Equipment For Loan webpage to find a tackle loaner site with ice fishing equipment near you or where you plan to fish.

_{Photo Credit: iStock/Michael Olson}

Wisconsin DNR Summer Internships

Know a college student who wants to explore a career in natural resources and get paid this summer?

Fish and wildlife biologists, hydrogeologists, natural resources educators, communications specialists, air management specialists and more are among the paid internships offered this summer by the Wisconsin DNR through the State of Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program.

This year, the DNR has 53 internship opportunities available across each of the department’s six divisions at various offices across the state.

This paid internship is for students from culturally diverse groups with various lived experiences, representing the global spectrum ethnicity, gender and ability. Students who identify as women, students with disabilities, military veteran students and students of color are encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a professional environment within state government and get paid.

Explore the open positions on the DNR’s website.

For more information and a breakdown of the eligibility requirements, please visit the State of Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program webpage.

Please Note: Interested students must submit their completed application(s) through Wisc.Jobs by Jan. 21, 2022.

_{Photo Credit: iStock/William Reagan}

Find Your Adventure This Winter