Wisconsin offers two free fishing weekends per year, giving everyone a chance to try Wisconsin's legendary waters without purchasing a license.
2026 Wisconsin Free Fishing Days
| Dates | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|
| January 17–18, 2026 | Weekend | Free Ice Fishing Weekend |
| June 6–7, 2026 | Weekend | Free Fishing Weekend (Summer) |
What's Covered on Free Fishing Days
- No fishing license or trout stamp needed
- All bag limits, size limits, and species rules still apply
- All public waterways open — 15,000+ lakes are yours to explore
- Ice fishing equipment rules apply during winter free weekend
- Both residents and visitors welcome
Wisconsin Free Ice Fishing Weekend (January)
Wisconsin is one of the only states that offers a free ice fishing weekend — perfect for the "ice fishing license Wisconsin" crowd. Popular destinations include:
- Lake Winnebago: WI's largest inland lake — perch, walleye, white bass through the ice
- Lake Mendota (Madison): Perch, northern pike, and panfish
- Minocqua Chain: Northern WI classic — walleye, crappie, and bluegill
- Green Bay: Massive whitefish and walleye ice fishing opportunity
Summer Free Weekend (June)
- Door County: Smallmouth bass, Lake Michigan trout from shore
- Devil's Lake: Panfish and bass in scenic Baraboo bluffers
- Northwoods lakes: Musky, walleye, and panfish in pristine wilderness
- Mississippi River: Channel catfish, sauger, and largemouth bass