What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
Free Ice Fishing Weekend
Ice fishing can be fun for every generation! Check out lakes and ponds at your favorite park property for ice fishing opportunities. /
The DNR reminds everyone to be careful on the ice. Warmer weather has led to thinning ice across much of the state. Please remember that the DNR does not monitor ice conditions. If your plans include access to or use of an ice-covered waterbody, contact your local fishing clubs, bait shops or outfitters for ice conditions.
For areas with safe ice conditions, we invite you to join in the ice fishing fun! Free Fishing Weekend is right around the corner. From Jan. 21-22, you can drill a hole and drop a line without a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp.
Ice fishing has long been a Wisconsin winter standby. Whether you go solo and enjoy the quiet or bring the family for some iced fun, shack up in a fishing shanty or sit directly on the ice, winter fishing is another great activity to enjoy Wisconsin's great outdoors.
Beginning and seasoned anglers can watch our events calendar for clinic locations to share their passion or learn new skills. Events are still being added.
In the winter, you might catch bluegill and other panfish, walleye or northern trout. Our DNR biologists have some helpful tips for catching these varieties
Fishing Regulations
Please be aware that while you can fish without a license, all fishing regulations remain in effect, including seasons, bag limits and length limits.
• Review the 2022-2023 fishing regulations before you head out.
• Early season catch and release trout streams are included this weekend, but you do have to release the fish! Note: The early season does not apply to some off-limits bodies of water. Please check before you go.
No Tackle? No Problem!
Wisconsin has more than 50 tackle loaner sites, and many of them have ice fishing gear that you can borrow. Office hours vary by site, so contact the loaner site and plan ahead to pick up the gear.
Know Before You Go
• Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you. The piers at launches may be gone for the winter, but these areas still provide good access to get out on the ice.
• What you leave on the ice typically ends up in the water come spring, so pack out what you've packed in.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by taking your bait home with you or handing it over to another angler; never move live fish away from any waterbody.
• If you plan to keep your catch, be sure to consult the DNR's Safe Eating Guidelines to learn about potential consumption advisories.
• All ice fishers have their preference for creature comforts, so if you're accompanying someone, find out how they prefer to fish. If you'll be in a warm shanty, don't overdress, but if you'll be in the open air, remember your layers and a hat or sunglasses on a sunny day.
• In some areas, you may need to hike through snow to get to a good spot. Be prepared! Snowshoeing or skiing on ice are other activities to consider if you have a group with varying interests and attention spans. Check out these tips on ice fishing with kids
Outdoor News & Announcements & Upcoming Events
Ice Age Legacy
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit
Saturday, Jan. 14 10 - 11:30 a.m.
With leafless trees and snow-covered hills, the glacial landforms pop on the landscape. We will start at the Ice Age Visitor Center for an overview of our Ice Age legacy and then carpool to the Long Lake Recreation Area to climb the one-mile Summit Nature Trail to check out kames, drumlins, eskers, kettles and other landforms created by the glaciers. This program is best for people over 10 years old and involves a steep climb up and down Dundee Mountain.
This event will be held at the Ice Age Visitor Center (N2875 Hwy 67, Campbellsport – a half mile west of Dundee) and Summit Nature Trail.
Trailtessa 2023: Be Blissful Snowshoe Hike and/or Intro To Winter Camping
Hartman Creek State Park
Saturday, Feb. 18 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Embrace all that winter has to offer! Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Hartman Creek State Park for a morning 2-mile group snowshoe hike and/or an afternoon "Intro to Winter Camping" workshop. Make new friends, warm your hands at a post-hike bonfire and enjoy homemade, locally-sourced treats from female-owned GypsyMoon Bakehaus. Register for either the hike, workshop or both! For more information and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/3GJaEXE. Registration fee required. Snowshoes can be provided.
"Trailtessa" is defined as a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be.
Find more nature programs and DNR events Photo: Warm up around a campfire post-candlelit hike, like the one at Wildcat Mountain. / Photo credit: J. Ringdahl, Wisconsin DNR
