Free Fishing Weekend - Jan. 16-17, 2027
On Free Fishing Weekend, you can fish without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp - 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.
Planning a clinic? Email event details to Jarrod.Folkman@wisconsin.gov by Jan. 1, 2027, to register your event so we can help get the word out. You can also request educational materials, including fishing regulations, to support your clinic.
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 50 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.
Upcoming dates:
- Jan. 16-17, 2027
- June 5-6, 2027
- Jan. 15-16, 2028