- Take Me To the Water!
- Contact information
- For more information, please contact:
- Theresa Stabo
R3 Coordinator
Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation
608-577-6332
Fishing Wisconsin – Angler & aquatic educationFree Fishing Weekend – January 19–20 2019
Fish almost anywhere!
Fish almost anywhere in Wisconsin without a license or trout stamp on Free Fishing Weekend. Most waters of the state are included, except for spring trout ponds (Review the trout regulations; wherever you see a season date listed for a specific body of water, you’d be fine, although some waters may be catch and release only.) All other inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River are open for you to test your skills and try your luck. Remember, all usual regulations and seasonal restrictions are in force. Please exercise caution before heading out on the ice. Be aware of the “honeycomb effect,” which occurs after freeze-thaw-freeze conditions, that weakens ice. Stay safely on shore and cast into open water if ice conditions are questionable.
Attend a Free Fishing Weekend clinic!
Plans have been made at the following locations to introduce you to the art and science of hardwater fishing. Please contact event hosts or watch this page for last minute cancellations if winter falls apart on us. The last web update will be made on January 17. Of course, you can just take your friends fishing without attending a clinic or telling us, but we love to hear your stories about how you coaxed your pals out for a free weekend of fishing.
Chippewa County
| Community: | Chippewa Falls, WI | |
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| Place: | Ojibwa Golf & Bowl on Glen Loch Lake/Reservoir | |
| Meet Here: | 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!
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| Target Audience: | All Ages Welcome! | |
| Sponsors: |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Ron Bakken, 715-723-7834. | |
Dane County
| Community: | Marshall, WI | |
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| Place: | Fireman’s Park, 309 Park Street | |
| Location: | 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:
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| Target Audience: | All ages are welcome! | |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Shelly Allness, 608-630-4830. | |
Dodge County
| Place: | Lake Emily, near Randolf | |
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| Meet Here: | Boat landing on Lake Dr. | |
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | |
| Description: | Cub Scout ice fishing day!
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| Target Audience: | Kindergarten to Adult | |
| Sponsor: | Cub Scout Pack 3714 – Waupun | |
| Contact: | For more information contact Jessica Schultz, 920-763-5272 | |
Fond du Lac County
| Community: | Campbellsport, WI | |
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| Place: | Mauthe Lake State Recreation Area | |
| Location: | 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!
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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. | |
Kenosha County
| Community: | Kansasville, WI | |
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| Place: | Richard Bong State Recreation Area — Vern Wolf Lake | |
| Important Update: | Canceled due to uncertain ice conditions! | |
Sauk County
| Community: | Baraboo, WI | |
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| Place: | Devil’s Lake State Park | |
| Important Update: | Canceled due to uncertain ice conditions! | |
Waukesha County
| Community: | Dousman, WI | |
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| Place: | Ottawa Lake State Forest Campground | |
| S59 W36630 County Road ZZ | ||
| Date: | Saturday, January 19, 2019 | |
| Time: | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | |
| Description: | Learn ice fishing techniques including:
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| Target Audience: | All ages welcome | |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Benjamin Heussner, 414-303-0109 | |
| Community: | Watertown, WI | |
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| 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! | |
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| Contact: | For more information contact Anthony Dittmann, 920-253-7511. | |
Winnebago County
| Community: | Neenah, WI | |
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| 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!