Reel up fun outdoor opportunities across Wisconsin–like WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend. This year, 6 Wisconsin counties are holding their own exciting events–Chippewa County, Dodge County, Ozaukee County, Juneau County, Winnebago County, and Dane County–on June 1-2, 2024. Enjoy the day in the county near you, by the water with friends or with the whole family. Everyone is welcome to cast a line out–no fishing licenses or stamps required. Read on to find the fishing hotspot near you!
Free Fishing Weekend: Chippewa County
First up, test the waters for WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend in Chippewa County, happening from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on June 1st.
Hosted by the Hallie Optimist Club, stop by Lake Hallie Sportsman’s Club and participate in this 20-year club tradition. Nestled in between Lake Hallie and the Chippewa River, cast a line out for a chance to catch an array of species, from panfish and largemouth bass to northern pike and trout.
Chippewa County is a hub of fishing fun, offering some of the most unique angling opportunities. Home to 24 classified trout streams, the chances are high to catch a BIG fish!
For more details, click here.
Free Fishing Weekend: Dodge County
Dodge County offers its own fishing fun for WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend that you won’t want to miss, especially if you have kiddos! Before you forget, mark down June 1st from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Put on by several community partners, including Kids and Mentors Outdoors, Beaver Dam Fire & Rescue Department, Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, and even Beaver Dam Recreation Department, each organization is dedicated to teaching your kids the ins and outs of fishing.
Youth ages 4 through 12 years old are ALL invited to join in on a fun, FREE fishing clinic. At the event, kids will learn everything from the basics, like casting tips and secret baits, to helpful (and fascinating) knowledge, such as how to identify fish species and even invasive species! Not to mention, there are lots of fishing games!
The best part? After a day of fun, and learning fun facts, every kiddo in attendance will receive a new fishing pole to foster their new love of fishing!
Hooked on the event? Check out information more here.
Free Fishing Weekend: Fishing Clinic Ozaukee County
We’re just getting started on all the fishing hotspots you can explore on WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend! Keep the fishing adventure going in Ozaukee County on June 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thanks to the Grafton Youth Hunting Association, kids and adults alike can experience Wisconsin’s great outdoors. All ages are welcome to join in on the fun! Don’t have equipment? Not to worry! Fishing equipment is included. But wait, there’s more…There will not only be free fishing but also free lunch and giveaways!
Head to Puckett’s Pond in Harrington Beach State Park and let the FREE fun begin!
(P.S. All state park entry fees are waived during Free Fishing Weekend!)
Want more details? Click here.
Free Fishing Weekend: Kid’s Fishing Day Juneau County
From one fishing hotspot to another, we’re off to Juneau County for more places to enjoy WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend! In Juneau County, June 1, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., embark on a fishing excursion in the beautiful Buckhorn State Park.
Because of The Friends of Buckhorn, who are proud sponsors of this kids’ fishing program, your kiddos have a chance to test out a brand-new sport. All you have to do is make your way to the Kids’ Fishing Pond on Turtle Trail, and the fishing adventure begins!
The Friends of Buckhorn have everything you may need, from fishing equipment and materials to games and lunch for everyone!
Click here and fill your weekend with memories of a lifetime!
Free Fishing Weekend: Fishing Clinic Winnebago County
To the east, we go to Winnebago County for more fishing fun for the whole family! On June 2, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., fish with Captain Greg Karch from Learn 2 Fish With Us–an expert fisherman!
Learn from the expert about basic skills and essential equipment needed for any fishing adventure. Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to head out for an hour of fishing to test your skills on the nearby Butterfly Pond, tucked in High Cliff State Park.
Proudly put on by an array of local partners, such as Shakespeare Fishing, the National Professional Anglers Association, and Lake Poygan Sportsmen’s Club, the event offers a unique chance to learn, get outside, and surround yourself with those you love most.
Get all the information you need with one click.
Free Fishing Weekend: Dane County (TWO EVENTS!)
Last but not least, nearby in Dane County, enjoy WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend at two different events! That’s right–TWO chances to go fishing…for FREE!
First, on June 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., tag along with the Yahara Fishing Club in Warner Park for the annual Kids Fishing Day! Be prepared to get there bright and early…As they say, the early bird gets the worm!
The first 300 kids, 14 years old and under, get FREE fishing gear and even bait, all thanks to the partners D&S Bait and Tackle, HT Enterprises, Zebco, WI Smallmouth Alliance, and Madison Parks.
More information can be found here.
Can’t get enough fishing? After a morning in Warner Park, stop by William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park for Access Ability Wisconsin’s Celebration, happening later in the day on June 1st from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.! This year marks the 10th-anniversary milestone.
Here, leaders (DNR-certified fishing instructors) will teach you just how YOU can catch fish; it’s a sport for ALL ages and ALL abilities. Learn just how everyone can have an accessible, exciting experience fishing in Wisconsin’s great and beautiful outdoors.
You’re one click away from unlocking everything you need to know!
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There are truly endless (and even free) fishing opportunities across Wisconsin! This year, on June 1-2, 2024, plan your WI DNR Free Fishing Weekend! No matter what part of Wisconsin you call home, there’s fishing fun nearby. Happy fishing in Chippewa County, Dodge County, Ozaukee County, Juneau County, Winnebago County, and Dane County!
Tell us your favorite fishing hotspots in the comments below:
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
