It's hard to beat free - and that's what all residents and non-residents can enjoy during Free Fishing Weekend, June 7-8, on all of the state's 15,000 lakes and 42,000 miles of rivers and streams.
"Free Fishing Weekend is an invitation for all anglers, whether new or seasoned, to gather friends and family and go fishing," said Theresa Stabo, Department of Natural Resources aquatic education specialist. "It's a chance to take a day or two to re-experience how much fun it is to fish."
No fishing license is necessary, including on the Great Lakes and all rivers bordering Wisconsin. All other regulations such as length and bag limits do apply, however.
To add to the allure of fishing, Wisconsin has joined with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and 29 other states in a national campaign called "Take Me Fishing." According to the DNR, the program strives to get more people out onto the water and engaged in fishing.
The Take Me Fishing effort complements the Free Fishing Weekend along with other angler education programs, fishing clinics and outdoor expos. Fishopedia is but one example of what can be found at the Take Me Fishing Web site. Fishopedia provides information on all kinds of fish, shows how to identify them and describes what it takes to catch them.
Wisconsin State Parks Open House
is June 8
In addition to the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend on all state waterways, both residents and non-residents are invited to visit any of Wisconsin's state parks, forests, recreation areas or state trails Sunday, June 8. Visitors are not required to purchase a park sticker for the open house.
There are 99 such destinations in Wisconsin. Local parks include New Glarus Woods State Park, Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area and Yellowstone Lake State Park. Others might opt for one of several state trails in the area: Sugar River, Badger or the 47-mile multi-use Cheese Country Trail.
"Open House Day gives us the opportunity to share our unparalleled natural resources, events, and activities with the folks that haven't visited recently or are new to Wisconsin," said Dan Schuller, newly-appointed Wisconsin State Parks director. "Whether peering over the bluffs of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers at Wyalusing, viewing rainbows in the waterfalls at Amnicon Falls State Park, or building sand castles at Whitefish Dunes in Door County, we delight in seeing kids in our parks and adults enjoying the pleasures of the sun and fresh air."
Campers are advised, however, that they must use caution when transporting wood from one part of the state to another. To prevent the spread of emerald ash borers and other pests and diseases, firewood cannot be moved more than 50 miles or from another state.
Those wanting to camp out can check campsite availability or reserve a site through the State Parks Web site at www.wiparks.net. Campsites are still available at two of the more popular area destinations, New Glarus Woods State Park and Yellowstone Lake State Park.
With high gas prices and cramped budgets, this weekend offers a fine opportunity to enjoy the great natural wonders of our state - and it's all free.
"Free Fishing Weekend is an invitation for all anglers, whether new or seasoned, to gather friends and family and go fishing," said Theresa Stabo, Department of Natural Resources aquatic education specialist. "It's a chance to take a day or two to re-experience how much fun it is to fish."
No fishing license is necessary, including on the Great Lakes and all rivers bordering Wisconsin. All other regulations such as length and bag limits do apply, however.
To add to the allure of fishing, Wisconsin has joined with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and 29 other states in a national campaign called "Take Me Fishing." According to the DNR, the program strives to get more people out onto the water and engaged in fishing.
The Take Me Fishing effort complements the Free Fishing Weekend along with other angler education programs, fishing clinics and outdoor expos. Fishopedia is but one example of what can be found at the Take Me Fishing Web site. Fishopedia provides information on all kinds of fish, shows how to identify them and describes what it takes to catch them.
Wisconsin State Parks Open House
is June 8
In addition to the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend on all state waterways, both residents and non-residents are invited to visit any of Wisconsin's state parks, forests, recreation areas or state trails Sunday, June 8. Visitors are not required to purchase a park sticker for the open house.
There are 99 such destinations in Wisconsin. Local parks include New Glarus Woods State Park, Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area and Yellowstone Lake State Park. Others might opt for one of several state trails in the area: Sugar River, Badger or the 47-mile multi-use Cheese Country Trail.
"Open House Day gives us the opportunity to share our unparalleled natural resources, events, and activities with the folks that haven't visited recently or are new to Wisconsin," said Dan Schuller, newly-appointed Wisconsin State Parks director. "Whether peering over the bluffs of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers at Wyalusing, viewing rainbows in the waterfalls at Amnicon Falls State Park, or building sand castles at Whitefish Dunes in Door County, we delight in seeing kids in our parks and adults enjoying the pleasures of the sun and fresh air."
Campers are advised, however, that they must use caution when transporting wood from one part of the state to another. To prevent the spread of emerald ash borers and other pests and diseases, firewood cannot be moved more than 50 miles or from another state.
Those wanting to camp out can check campsite availability or reserve a site through the State Parks Web site at www.wiparks.net. Campsites are still available at two of the more popular area destinations, New Glarus Woods State Park and Yellowstone Lake State Park.
With high gas prices and cramped budgets, this weekend offers a fine opportunity to enjoy the great natural wonders of our state - and it's all free.
