If you haven’t hiked, fished, bird or wildlife watched, or you haven’t for a while, we invite you to come out, kick the tires and take a Wisconsin test drive.
We may not have something for everyone, but we come pretty darn close. And the first weekend of June it’s free. That’s right, free outdoor fun in the form of fishing, June 1 and 2, along with free trail use on DNR hiking and ATV/UTV. And free entry to state parks and forests June 2.
And, it wouldn’t be neighborly of us if we didn’t invite our Minnesota neighbors over for a free visit, so we are.
Come see what you’re missing, get reacquainted with a favorite park, lake or river, or hiking or riding trail, or explore a little.
Here, in the Northwoods, we are blessed with a natural resources smorgasbord.
Free is always good, but the fun is always there, so after you’ve taken a test drive, and we trust you’ll like it, we invite you to come back and, for the price of a cable TV package for a month, you can get a year’s worth of fishing or park and forest access.
Fish Shell Lake, Lake Minocqua, the Chippewa Flowage, or the Brule, Namekagon or St. Croix rivers.
Visit Interstate Park, Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Copper Falls State Park, or Flambeau River State Forest to name but a few.
Looking for ideas, or more information, our customer service folks are here for you. Stop by one of our service centers, or call seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., toll free, 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).
No fishing rod? No problem. We have fishing equipment you can borrow on a first come basis at several DNR offices and state parks and facilities. There is no charge to borrow the equipment — just enjoy your day fishing in Wisconsin and return the equipment in the condition you found it in so the next person can enjoy it.
Check out the fishing equipment contacts page for information on who to contact to find out exactly what kind of gear is available near you. If you have general questions about the tackle loaner program contact Theresa Stabo, (608) 266-2272 or Kim Anderson, (608) 261-6431.
You can fish anywhere in Wisconsin without a license or trout stamp on Free Fishing Weekend. This includes all inland waters and Wisconsin’s side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Other fishing rules apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish you can keep and any seasons when you must release certain fish species
Dozens of free fishing clinics are offered on Free Fishing Weekend by many fishing clubs, local parks departments, community centers and civic organizations. Learn the basics and fish using equipment provided at most of these events.
Free is always good, but the Wisconsin outdoor fun is always there, so after you’ve taken a test drive — and we trust you’ll like it — we invite you to come back and, for the price of a cable TV package for a month, you can get a year’s worth of fishing or park and forest access.
Do it for your health. Do it for fun. Do it for the kids. Do it to remind yourself that you once were a kid. Start a photo album. Or a scrapbook. Share on facebook.
Go solo, pair up, take the family, or a group of friends. The only hard part is where to start, so just pick a place or an activity.
We are waiting for you. There is nothing better on TV.