Scheduled Free Fishing Weekend Events for Saturday, June 5
Brown County
Voyageur Park, De Pere
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Voyaguer Park, De Pere. Across from ShopKo in East De Pere on the lower part of the Fox River. This is the 15th annual "Bring a Kid Fishing" and the 1st Annual "Bring a Kid Cycling" event. No fishing or cycling experience necessary (cycling is from 10am ? 12pm). Fish from the shores of Voyageur Park for carp, sheephead, catfish, walleye, and bass. Prizes for longest AND shortest fish. Cycle along the Fox River Trail; there will be convenient rest stops and patrol personnel to assist with any problems. Target age: all ages. Contact: Brian McGinley [exit DNR], (920) 366-0278.
Dane County
Viking County Park, Yahara River
June 5, 2010, 3:00 p.m. ? 7:00 p.m.; Viking County Park, Yahara River. Adaptive Fishing Day: Taking people with disabilities fishing on the Yahara River south of Lake Kegonsa. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by City of Stoughton Recreation Department. Contact: Dan Glynn [exit DNR], (608) 873-6746.
Winnequah Park Lagoon, Monona
June 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Winnequah Park Lagoon, Monona. Take Me Fishing Day is an event for families to get together and discover how much fun you can have fishing! Loaner fishing poles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-register for a chance to be entered into a drawing for a free fishing pole. Target age: all ages. Contact: Kaili Tews [exit DNR], (608) 222-4167.
Dodge County
Edgewater Park, Beaver Dam
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ? 2:00 p.m.; Edgewater Park, Beaver Dam. Must register by May 28 to ensure a free rod & reel. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. Come on out to the 8th Annual Kids Fish-N-Fun Day. There will be seminars on boat safety, fishing techniques, fish ID, etc. Lunch will be provided. Rods and reels are available. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association & Beaver Dam Conservation Club. Contact: Nancy Schraufnagel [exit DNR], (920) 386-2531.
Douglas County
Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule. From US 2, go south on Ranger Road, then east on Hatchery Road ? mile. From WI-27, go west on Hatchery Road ? mile. Come on out for a day of fun! This Family Fun Day consists of fly-tying, kids' fishing clinics, t-shirt printing, an electrofishing demo, a canoe trip, turkey calling, fire control, kids' archery (tentative), raffle prizes and bags for all kids. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule State Forest, Brule River Sportsman's Club, Wild Rivers TU, Hess Video Productions, Brule Canoe Rental, and WI Wildlife Federation. Contact: Bill Gobin, (715) 372-4820.
Eau Claire County
Fairchild Pond, Fairchild
June 5, 2010, 12:00 p.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Fairchild Pond, Fairchild. Take HWY 10 to CTH-H, go north to Pond Road, turn right on Pond Road. Fishing clinics and prizes throughout day; lunch provided for all kids! Target age: under 16. Sponsored by Fairchild Rod & Gun Club, Fairchild Lions Club, and Quad County ATV Club. Contact: Doreen Kuberra [exit DNR], (715) 334-3002.
Fond du Lac County
Long Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier, Campbellsport
June 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. ? 4:00 p.m.; Long Lake Fishing Pier, Campbellsport (off Division Drive north of Hwy F near Dundee). Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass casting, Fill the tackle box, fishing regulations quiz, avoiding hazards, just not "knots," name the fish, and baiting a hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the pier will help hone your newly aquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own equipment. Fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. Target age: age 6 and up. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Green Lake County
Dartford Millpond Playground Park, Green Lake
June 5, 2010, 12:00 p.m. ? 4:00 p.m.; Dartford Millpond Playground Park, in downtown Green Lake. This is a Potluck Picnic event open to all ages. Activities include fishing demonstrations, tips from experienced anglers, a tackle box review, knot-tying demonstrations, and casting. There will be experienced anglers on hand to offer assistance, and a fishing contest will bring the event to a close. Prizes will be given away; fishing poles and bait will be available. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by Walleyes For Tomorrow, Northern Wisconsin NORML, and local artists. Contact: Jay Selthofner [exit DNR], (920) 410-2920.
Iowa County
Blackhawk Lake, Cobb
June 5, 2010, times: TBD; Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area, between Cobb and Highland. Fishing skills will be taught by area fishermen. Target age: 4-12; but anyone welcome. Sponsored by Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area. Contact: Dave Fritz [exit DNR], (608) 943-8454.
Oneida County
Hodag Park, Rhinelander
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Hodag Park, Rhinelander. Learn to tie a fishing knot and identify fish and the critters they eat. Compete in a friendly casting competition and enjoy the Pine Lake Fire Department water display. Prizes for all school-age youth. See flyer [PDF 1MB] for more details. Target age: all ages and families welcome. Sponsored by WDNR, Oneida County 4-H and Walmart. Contact: Nick or Jason at Walmart, (715) 362-8550.
But that's not all! Adults can attend an angler education instructor certification workshop. Please bring a lunch to this workshop or plan to visit the park concession stand.
Place: Hodag Park Shelter, Rhinelander
Contact: Contact: Jim Winkler,(715) 365-2750
Registration Form: Download, complete and return the Oneida County Registration Form [PDF, 176KB] to Theresa Stabo (see form for details).
Portage County
Bukolt Park, Stevens Point
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m.; Bukolt Park, Stevens Point (just north of the boat landing). Please register prior to event date (include name, contact information, number of attendees, equipment needed, and t-shirt size for children). Come on out to this unique fishing event called Cops-n-Bobbers. Children will enjoy a day of fishing with their parents & local law enforcement officers. Bait and some equipment will be available to use. Please bring your own equipment if you can. A catch and release event will be held all day; prizes will be given from 12:00-1:00 pm.. Target age: 6-13. Sponsored by Portage County Law Enforcement. Contact: Deputy Eric Koepsell [exit DNR], (715) 346-1400.
Richland County
Avoca Lake, Avoca
June 5, 2010, 7:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Avoca Lake, Avoca. Kids' Fishing Tournament. Contact Helen for more details. Target age: 18 and under. Sponsored by Avoca American Legion. Contact: Helen Yourchuck [exit DNR], (608) 604-4578.
North Park Pond, Richland Center
June 5, 2010, 8:00 a.m. ? 11:00 a.m.; North Park Pond, Richland Center. Please register prior to event date. Each participant should bring his or her own fishing tackle and bait. There will be contests and prizes awarded all day. Catch & release is encouraged. Target age: 5-14. Sponsored by Richland Center Parks & Recreation Department. Contact: Shane Stibbe [exit DNR], (608) 647-8108.
Sheboygan County
River Park, Sheboygan Falls
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ? 4:00 p.m.; River Park, Sheboygan Falls; north side of Sheboygan River (north of CTH PP). Fish will be stocked in the lagoon; poles and bait will be provided. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by Sheboygan County Conservation Association and Camp Y-Koda. Contact: Michael Clutter, Conservation Warden, (920) 892-8756.
Taylor County
Escadore Lake, Medford
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 11:00 a.m.; Escadore Lake, Medford. Meet at boat landing near High View Inn; please register by 8:30 a.m. Kids will learn about basic boat safety, proper fishing techniques, catch & release, knot-tying, safety on the water, and keeping Wisconsin waters clean.. Target age: 3-12. Sponsored by Escadore Area Lake Association & Taylor County Sportsmens Club. Contact: Lori Brandt [exit DNR], (715) 785-7128.
Waukesha County
ADA Fishing Pier, City Park, Oconomowoc
June 6, 2010, City Park, Oconomowoc. Sponsored by Oconomowoc Recreation Department. Contact: Jennifer Froemming, (262) 569-2178.
Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m.; Kettle Moraine State Forest?Southern Unit, Eagle (fishing pier by Ottawa Lake Boat Launch). Please sign up at the contact station upon entering the park. We will be fishing all day at the Ottawa Lake Boat Launch. There will be a casting class at the start of the day. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Eagle Fish Educator. Contact: Robert Wessberg, (262) 594-6200.
Memorial Park, Oconomowoc
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 11:00 p.m.; Memorial Park, Oconomowoc. Workshop consisting of four educational stations, culminating with fishing time! Target age: 5 and up. Co-sponsored by Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation and WI DNR. Contact: Jennifer Froemming [exit DNR], (262) 569-2165.
Ottawa Lake, Eagle
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m.; Ottawa Lake, Eagle (fishing pier near boat launch). Casting demonstrations and fishing techniques will be taught prior to fishing from the pier. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Eagle Fish Educator and Kettle Moraine State Forest. Contact: Robert Wessberg, (262) 594-6200.
Saturday & Sunday Events, June 5 & 6
Calumet County
Calumet County Park, Stockbridge
June 5 & 6, 2010, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am; Calumet County Park, Stockbridge. Three 1-hour fishing clinics will be offered each morning. Those in attendance will learn fishing basics, fish ID, casting, safety, first aid, and regulations. Target age: adults who have never fished. Sponsored by Calumet County Park and WDNR Angler Education Instructors. Contact: Dani Long-Noriega [exit DNR], (920) 849-2709 (days).
Sunday Events, June 6
Bayfield County
Big Bay State Park, Bayfield
June 6, 2010, 1:00 p.m. ? 3:00 p.m.; Big Bay State Park, Bayfield (beach/day use area). Car ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island for a Learn-to-Fish Workshop. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by WDNR & Big Bay State Park. Contact: James Enigl, (715) 747-6425.
Fond du Lac County
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, Campbellsport
June 6, 2010, 10:30 a.m. ?2:00 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, Kettle Moraine State Forest?Northern Unit (off Hwy GGG between Hwy S near New Prospect). Journey out to Wisconsin?s State Park System Open House Day to the Spring Nature Fest. There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, take flight with birds of a feather, defend against alien attacks and create your own nature print. Bring your own t-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Target age: all ages. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park, Bagley
June 6, 2010, 12:00 p.m. ? 5:00 p.m.; Wyalusing State Park, Bagley (meet at Peterson Shelter). Free kids fishing clinic with instruction in fish identification, knot-tying, fly-tying, fish painting, casting, and water safety skills. A handful of mentors will be available to take kids and a parent out afterward for a fishing excursion on the Mississippi River. Call Chuck in advance to sign up for this event ? space is limited. Target age: 6-12. Sponsored by Grant County Outdoor Sport Alliance and Wyalusing State Park. Contact: Chuck Horn, (608) 822-6574.
Kenosha County
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville
June 6, 2010, 9:30 a.m. ? 2:30 p.m.; Richard Bong State Recreation Area (located in western Kenosha County on HWY 42). Drop in on Walleyes Unlimited learn to fish day! Please bring your own equipment (some will be available). Learn new fishing skills or brush up on old skills.. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by Walleyes Unlimited. Contact: Elizabeth Goeppinger, (262) 878-5600.
Why wait until June to give fishing a try? A fishing license is one of the best bargains around and the waters of the state are open for business 365 days a year. Head down to your local tackle shop or buy your license on-line [exit DNR] and get out there!
Remember, kids under 16 never need a license!
More Clinics!
Ice Age Visitor Center, Dundee, WI
Fish Tales Nature Storytime
Friday, June 4, 2010, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 ? mile west of Dundee). Swim on over for some fun-filled fish activities. We?ll even share a fish tale or two. This hour of nature fun awaits 3-6 year olds with accompanying adults. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
High Pines Campground, Eagle River
Kids Fishing Tips
June 8, 2010 through August 17, 2010, Tuesday evenings 6:30 p.m. ? 8:00 p.m.; High Pines Campground, 1919 US HWY 45N, Eagle River. "Kids Fishing Tips" program will run every Tuesday night. Kids will get the chance to fish, practice casting and knot tying. They will learn about bait depth, rod positioning, proper handling of fish, fish identification and boat safety. Each kid will receive a "goodie bag," a rod/reel combo, and a tackle box. Target age: 6-13. For more information contact: Art Anderson, (715) 891-2675.
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, New Prospect, WI
Learn to Fly Fish Exploring Nature Program
Saturday, June 12, 2010, 9:30 a.m. ? 12:30 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). Do you marvel at those fly-fishing anglers, but can?t quite figure out how they do it? Come to Mauthe Lake to learn the correct way to use fly-fishing gear and tackle from an experienced fly fisherman. Please bring your own gear if you have any. To register, please call the Ice Age Visitor Center (number below) by June 10. People over the age of 16 need to have a valid Wisconsin fishing license. This program is best suited for people over the age of 10. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, New Prospect, WI
Learn to Fish Rodeo Drop In at the Beach
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 1:00 ? 4:00 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier (located off Hwy GGG south of Hwy SS near New Prospect). Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes activities/games such as: Backyard Bass casting, Fill the Tackle Box, Fishing Regulations Quiz, Avoiding Hazards, Just Not Knots, What?s the Fish? and Baiting your Hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the fishing pier will help hone your newly acquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own gear if you have it. The rodeo is best for people over the age of 6 years old. Anyone 16 years or older needs a valid Wisconsin fishing license. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Ice Age Visitor Center, Dundee, WI
Fishing for Laughs
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.; Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 ? mile west of Dundee). Bring the entire family to this fishing comedy show by the Bassmeister (aka Curt Strutz). It will not only be informative in basic fishing skills and water safety, but will entertain everyone with audience participation, ventriloquism, clean humor, puppetry, illusions and hilarious visual props. This evening is fun for all ages. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
