Fishing Wisconsin – Angler & aquatic education-Free Fishing Weekend – June 1–2, 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.

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. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Target Audience:	Ages 2 to 15
Sponsors:	USDA Forest Service Trout Unlimited US Coast Guard Loon Watch UW-Stevens Point Aquaculture R.S.V.P. Hugo’s Pizza Pizza Pub Anglers All River Rock Inn & Bait Shop National Park Service Bayfield County Land & Water Conservation Dept. Northland College Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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: Boat safety Regulations Live and artificial bait Casting Fish cleaning Fish identification Invasive Species A rod, reel and light tackle for participants
Target Audience:	Ages 4 to 12 with responsible adults; adults who missed the boat at kids are also welcome!
Sponsors:	Cabelas Wal Mart Rechex Pigley Wigley
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. Pole and bait provided to the first 100 participants. Free picnic-style lunch will be held at end.
Target Audience:	Ages 2 to 15; all ages welcome
Sponsors:	Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Western Wisconsin Buildings & Trades Council
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! Kids can help stock rainbow trout at 8 a.m. Fishing poles and bait provided.
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. Bait and equipment will be available. T-shirts provided for children. Please register with name, number of attendees, equipment needed, and shirt sizes by May 20th.
Target Audience:	Ages 4 to 13 with a parent or guardian
Sponsors:	Portage County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Stevens Point Police Officer’s Association Portage County Law Enforcement Agencies Stevens Point Elks Lodge 641 Cops and Kids Foundation
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 Canoing and fishing Cleaning and cooking fish Archery and BB guns Face painting and petting zoo Free raffles Brats, hotdogs and hamburgers available for purchase
Target Audience:	Kids under 16
Sponsors:	Sheboygan County Conservation Association YMCA Camp Y-Koda
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: Knot Tying Casting Tackle and Rods
Target Audience:	Ages 4 to 12
Sponsors:	Escadore Lake Association Taylor County Sportsmens Club
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].