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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:?*Jan. 17, 2024
*Contact:?*DNR Office of Communications *
*[email protected]

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*OutWiGo For Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 20-21*

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A young girl holds up a perch she caught ice fishing with her family.

Take advantage of Wisconsin's great winter fisheries and make memories outdoors this Free Fishing Weekend. / Photo Credit: iStock/emholk

*MADISON, Wis.*?? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites to get outdoors and wet a line this Free Fishing Weekend [ [link removed] ], which allows anglers to fish without purchasing a fishing license or trout and salmon stamp Jan. 20-21.

Anglers can fish in state waters [ [link removed] ] where there is an open fishing season. All other fishing regulations [ [link removed] ] apply, including limits on the size and number of fish that can be kept and any seasons when anglers must release certain fish species.

As a reminder, anglers cannot fish spring trout ponds during the winter Free Fishing Weekend. Please review the?trout regulations [ [link removed] ]?and?the 2023-2024 Hook and Line regulations [ [link removed] ] for more information.

If you plan to keep fish, review the DNR's?Safe Eating Guidelines [ [link removed] ]?to stay informed of potential consumption advisories impacting some waterbodies throughout the state.

"Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for people of all ages to try ice fishing without the added step and expense of getting a fishing license," said Theresa Stabo, DNR Angler Outreach Program Specialist. "If you?ve ever wondered what it?s like to wander among the ice shanty towns on Wisconsin lakes, this is your chance. Bundle up the family or rally friends to fish the ?hardwater? and find out. If the bite is on, you might even catch a tasty panfish or walleye dinner.?

*Winter Fishing Reminders*

Remember, no ice is 100% safe. Always tell someone where you are fishing and when you'll return before heading out on the ice. Also, check in with local bait shops for current ice conditions. If conditions are questionable, opt to cast to open water from shore.

Dress appropriately for the weather, and remember safety gear:


* Warm layers that are water-resistant
* Sturdy waterproof boots with spike-style creepers for traction
* Extra hat and gloves
* Rescue throw rope
* Ice claws

Please remember to practice responsible catch and release if you aren't keeping fish to eat. Some tips for proper release include:??


* Reduce reel time with fish?
* Keep fish in the water as much as possible
* Use a rubber net and wet hands or gloves (if possible)?
* Keep handling time to 60 seconds or less and keep unhooking tools readily available
* Cut the line if a fish is deeply hooked
* Treat fish gently ? use both hands when handling fish and place them in the water to recover before releasing

*Prepare To Fish*

Visit?the DNR?s Fish Equipment for Loan webpage [ [link removed] ]?to find a loaner site with ice fishing equipment. Locations with ice fishing equipment will have an ?IF? next to their name.?Essential gear is available; however, sites do not offer ice augers. Hours and available equipment vary, so contact the site in advance and create a plan to pick up the gear.

*Continue The Fishing Fun*

Continue the fishing fun after Free Fishing Weekend by purchasing a fishing license [ [link removed] ]. The next Free Fishing Weekend will take place June 1-2, 2024.







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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ? 101 S. Webster Street?? Madison, WI 53707-7921?? 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]