Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekends
The January and June license-free weekends through 2028, with the rules that still apply.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Upper Genesee Lake: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Wisconsin free fishing weekends explained
Every year, the full weekend before the third Monday in January and the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, seasons, etc.) apply.
On Free Fishing Weekend, you can fish without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp. The waters of the state are open to fish without a license for residents and nonresidents. You can only fish for trout where the trout season is open.
- The full weekend before the third Monday in JanuaryWinter Free Fishing Weekend
- The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in JuneSummer Free Fishing Weekend
Wisconsin free fishing weekend dates, 2026 to 2028
| Weekend | Year | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Free Fishing Weekend | 2026 | January 17, 2026 and January 18, 2026 |
| Winter Free Fishing Weekend | 2027 | January 16, 2027 and January 17, 2027 |
| Winter Free Fishing Weekend | 2028 | January 15, 2028 and January 16, 2028 |
| Summer Free Fishing Weekend | 2026 | June 6, 2026 and June 7, 2026 |
| Summer Free Fishing Weekend | 2027 | June 5, 2027 and June 6, 2027 |
WDNR hook and line and trout guides and the WDNR free fishing weekend page, checked October 2026.
Fishing in Wisconsin without buying a license
In Wisconsin, kids 15 and under fish without a license every day.
WDNR lists a Learn-to-Fish License Waiver for angler education events; details on its page.
- Residents and nonresidents under 16 (hook and line).exempt
- Residents born before 1927 (carry proof of age).exempt
- Anyone during Free Fishing Weekends.exempt
- An angler in a man-made artificial pond that is not connected to any other waters of the state, located entirely on private lands of one owner, with the owner's permission.exempt
- Participants in fishing excursions led by nonprofits for groups of people with disabilities may not need licenses (sponsor files Form 9400-562A).exempt
- Residents do not need a fishing license to take smelt, rough fish, or minnows with nets and seines of legal size.exempt
Wisconsin waters, photographed
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Wisconsin free weekend questions, answered
When is the winter free fishing weekend in 2027?
January 16, 2027 and January 17, 2027.
When is the summer free fishing weekend in 2027?
June 5, 2027 and June 6, 2027.
Can nonresidents fish free on these Wisconsin weekends?
Yes; residents and nonresidents of all ages fish without a license or trout and salmon stamps.
Do bag limits still apply on a free weekend?
Yes; length limits, bag limits and seasons all stay in force.
Can I fish trout on a free weekend?
Only where the trout season is open on those dates.
Do kids need a license in Wisconsin?
No; anglers 15 and under fish without a license every day.
When is the January 2028 weekend?
January 15, 2028 and January 16, 2028.
Is there a waiver for education events?
The WDNR offers a Learn-to-Fish License Waiver for angler education events.