Fishing Wisconsin – Angler & aquatic education-Free Fishing Weekend – June 1–2, 2019
Learn alongside the kids on Free Fishing
Weekend, and be ready when they say,
“Take me fishing, please!”
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.
Bayfield County
| Community: | Ashland, WI |
|---|---|
| Place: | Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, 2 miles west of Ashland |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 |
| Time: | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
| Description: | Youth anglers and their families can learn about fishing and test their skills.
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 2 to 15 |
| Sponsors: |
|
| Contact: | For more information contact Susan Nelson, 715-685-9983. |
Dodge County
| Community: | Beaver Dam, WI | |
|---|---|---|
| Place: | Edgewater Park, Beaver Dam Lake | |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 | |
| Time: | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | |
| Description: | Fishing and fun education stations on:
|
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 4 to 12 with responsible adults; adults who missed the boat at kids are also welcome! | |
| Sponsors: |
|
|
| Contact: | For more information contact Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association, 920-356-1200. | |
La Crosse County
| Community: | La Crosse, WI |
|---|---|
| Place: | Pettibone Park, intersection of Hwy 14, 16 & 61 |
| Date: | Sunday, June 2, 2019 |
| Time: | 9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. |
| Description: | Introduce youngsters to the benefits of fishing and the abundance of public access opportunities available.
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 2 to 15; all ages welcome |
| Sponsors: |
|
| Contact: | For more information contact William Brockmiller, 608-386-0753. |
Polk County
| Community: | Osceola, WI |
|---|---|
| Place: | Osceola Mill Pond |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 |
| Time: | 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. |
| Description: | Kids fishing event!
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 3 to 15; adults welcome |
| Sponsor: | Osceola Fish Hatchery Staff |
| Contact: | For more information contact Ben Heimbach, 715-294-2525. |
Portage County
| Community: | Stevens Point, WI |
|---|---|
| Place: | Bukolt Park, Stevens Point |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 |
| Time: | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Description: | Enjoy a day with your local law enforcement officers as they share their passion for fishing and introduce you to a new recreational activity.
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 4 to 13 with a parent or guardian |
| Sponsors: |
|
| Contact: | For more information contact Eric Koepsell, 715-346-1425. |
Sheboygan County
| Community: | Adell, WI | |
|---|---|---|
| Place: | River Park, Sheboygan Falls | |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 | |
| Time: | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | |
| Description: | The 24th Annual Sheboygan County Outdoor Activity and Free Fishing Day
|
|
| Target Audience: | Kids under 16 | |
| Sponsors: |
|
|
| Contact: | For more information contact Dave Schober, 920-946-4274. | |
Taylor County
| Community: | Medford, WI | |
|---|---|---|
| Place: | Lake Esadore Boat Landing. 4 miles west of Medford on HWY 64, then 4 miles north on CTY RD E | |
| Date: | Saturday, June 1, 2019 | |
| Time: | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | |
| Description: | Learn to Fish stations:
|
|
| Target Audience: | Ages 4 to 12 | |
| Sponsors: |
|
|
| Contact: | For more information contact Lori Brandt, 715-785-7128 | |
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!
More fishing opportunities
Other DNR-sponsored clinics are listed here and the Department of Tourism lists events at The Great Outdoors – Fishing,[exit DNR].