In Wisconsin, fish fries are synonymous with Friday nights. Our abundance of freshwater means these tasty dinners are accessible across the state. Some regions even have special variations on the “traditional” fish fry, like fish boils in Door County or smelt fries from Lake Superior or Michigan.
Baked, fried, broiled, or boiled, you can’t go wrong with Wisconsin fish! Make some at home or stop at a church serving seasonal fish fries or a local bar, supper club, or family restaurant.
Warmer weather means that shore fishing is back on the menu, too. If you’re looking to catch a meal, DNR parks and recreation areas provide access to hundreds of lakes, rivers, and streams that hold fish. Check out the latest Fishing Regulations to see what’s in season at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations.
Check out a tackle loaner site
Have you ever found yourself on the shore of a beautiful lake at a state park and thought, “I wish I brought my fishing pole.” Well, you don’t have to beat yourself up over it. The DNR has fishing gear available to borrow at 27 state parks, including Council Grounds State Park.
The most common type of fishing gear stocked at participating parks is spin casting gear that has close-face, push-button reels. Some also have spinning gear (open bail), and all have basic terminal tackle – hooks, sinkers, and bobbers at the end of the line. The only thing you need to find is bait. Fortunately, some parks sell it at the concession stands.
In addition to state parks, 27 DNR offices and partner organizations also host loaner sites for you to borrow gear free of charge.
Adopt A Loaner Site
Many of the DNR’s 54 loaner sites need help maintaining the rods and reels people borrow.
Schools, scouts, conservation clubs, church groups, and campers at state parks are among the borrowers, and many are first-time anglers. Site hosts would be grateful to organizations or individuals adopting a loaner site and giving the gear periodic tune-ups.
This would make a well-defined service project for students, scouts, fishing clubs, or civic groups. It could be a one-time visit, or a group could establish a regular maintenance schedule with the site. Supplies are available to perform standard maintenance, including fixing tangled reels and spooling line.
DNR hatcheries and rearing stations need volunteers
Not into eating or catching fish? You can still join in the fun. DNR hatcheries and rearing stations are open to visitors and looking for volunteers. This is a unique way to learn about Wisconsin’s fish. Go to dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/hatcheries/hatcheries.