FREE FISHING WEEKEND!
About this Event
Wisconsin is home to 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. For the first weekend every June, you can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived.
On Free Fishing Weekend, you can cast a line without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp. What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try!
Plan a Clinic
Angler Education instructors, clubs, state park staff and organizations are invited to host fishing clinics around the state. Complete a planning form and submit it by May 29, 2026, so we can help you get the word out.
Need materials like fishing regulations and fish wildcards? Submit a request along with your planning form by May 29, 2026.
As a reminder, on Free Fishing Weekend, the waters of the state are open to fish without a license for residents and nonresidents. Please consult the trout regulations or your local fisheries biologist for exceptions.
All other fishing regulations including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions remain in effect.
Attend A Clinic
Search for Fishing on our events calendar for clinic locations. We’ll add them as we learn of them.
No Tackle? No Problem!
Wisconsin has nearly 60 tackle loaner sites, many at our state parks. Office hours vary by site, so contact the loaner site when you plan to pick up the gear.
Tried Fishing and Loved It? Get Your License Now
New to fishing or haven’t bought a fishing license in 10 years? Want to make it a healthy habit? Try our First-time buyer – Welcome back resident license for only $5. Buy yours today.
Mark Your Calendar
Free Fishing Weekends are always held the third full weekend in January and the first full weekend in June. Watch for clinic announcements in the months ahead.