Learning Opportunities - Fishing Clinics

Throughout the year, the Department of Natural Resources works with local parks departments and fishing clubs and organizations to put on fishing clinics and other events. These are excellent opportunities to introduce fishing to people both young and old. You will need a fishing license if you fish at these events, as they are not held during Free Fishing Weekend. Call contacts for complete information.

      Fish Health Information by Karl Scheidegger. Illustration by John Miller.

Free Fishing Weekend 2008

Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June are designated as Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state of Wisconsin. This year it is Saturday and Sunday, June 7 - 8, 2008. Watch here to check out the many opportunities available! Both residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. This includes all the waters of the state: inland lakes and streams, state waters of the Great Lakes, and rivers bordering Wisconsin. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.

This event is designed to encourage families to get out and fish together. People are encouraged to participate in special activities planned at parks throughout the state, and also to take advantage of programs at several state parks and at DNR regional offices that loan out fishing equipment.

If you would like to host a Free Fishing Weekend event, download the Event Planning Form [PDF 98KB] and follow the instructions on the form.

Because children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish on any day of the year, the motto for Free Fishing Weekend could be, "Take a grown-up fishing"!

North Pond, Richland Center

June 7, 2008, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.; North Pond, Richland Center. Kids will fish for prizes and must be accompanied by an adult. Target age: 4-14. Sponsored by local business. Contact: Wayne Morgenthaler [exit DNR], (608) 647-2448.

Memorial Park, Oconomowoc

June 7, 2008, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.; Memorial Park, Oconomowoc. Just Fishin’ Kids Fishing Clinic introduction followed by four breakout sessions. Sessions include baiting a hook and general first aid/safety, knot-tying, casting, and making a soda can rod. Sessions will be followed by guided fishing time. Contact: Jennifer Froemming [exit DNR], (262) 569-2178.

Village Marina, Egg Harbor

June 7, 2008, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and June 8, 2008, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Village Marina, Egg Harbor, 7815 Dock Road. Family fishing day; kids will fish for prizes. FREE bait, rods, and local expert advice. Target age: 10-15. Sponsored by Harbor Master and Village of Egg Harbor. Contact: Charity Buhr [exit DNR], (920) 868-2048.

Bone Lake, Milltown

June 7, 2008, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Bone Lake, Milltown. East Balsam Baptist Lutheran Church Men’s’ Group. Target age: 20-70. Contact: Phil Foster [exit DNR], (715) 857-5304.

Blackhawk Camping Resort, Clear Lake, Milton

June 7 - 8, 2008, Clear Lake, Milton. Sponsored by local newspapers and Jim Cheadle Camping Resort. Contact: (608) 868-2586.

State Fish Hatchey Open Houses

Dates vary - some open house events are held in conjunction with Free Fishing Weekend (the first full weekend in June each year). Wisconsin has 17 state fish hatcheries, egg collection facilities and rearing stations and many have scheduled special Open House activities.

Please visit State of Wisconsin Fish Hatcheries for additional information and a map showing the hatchery locations.

Learn-to-Fish License Waiver

The Learn-to-Fish License Waiver offers a free, one-time, one-day fishing opportunity tied to an educational fishing program such as the Department of Natural Resources Angler Education Program.

The waiver is available to those who meet a set of requirements as outlined in the Learn-to-Fish License Waiver Information [PDF 73KB].

For more information on any of these learning opportunities, please contact the Bureau of Fisheries Management.