June 4, 2020 at 3:27 p.m.
Free Fishing Weekend is now Free Fun Weekend
Othe regulations, social distancing rules still apply
Free Fishing Weekend is now Free Fun Weekend
The first weekend in June has been known as Free Fishing Weekend. This year, however, it has been renamed Free Fun Weekend, with even more opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. This year's Free Fun Weekend is Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7.
Free fishing
Free Fishing Weekend is held twice per year, once in easy January, to give people a chance to try out ice fishing without buying a license, and again in June, so people can try their luck at open water fishing. During Free Fishing Weekend, anglers are not required to hold a valid fishing license, nor are they required to have a trout/salmon stamp.
In years past, loaner equipment was available for those without their own gear. However, with the pandemic and best practices related to it, no loaner equipment will be available for use this year. The good news is tackle shops are stocked with budget-priced rod and reel combos that make trying out fishing very affordable. A stop at the local tackle shop can also help an inexperienced angler learn the best places to fish, whether they are fishing in a boat or from shore, and also what the fish have been biting on recently. Armed with that information, the new angler, or one returning to the sport, has a solid chance of catching some fish and is in for a great day.
Although no fishing license is required this weekend, all fishing regulations still apply. Anglers can usually find a copy of the regulations at local tackle shops, but they are also available online on the DNR website. Length and bag limits still apply for each species of fish as well.
When heading out fishing with the family, anglers should keep safety in mind as well. Sunscreen, bug repellent and a first aid kit are all good to take along. Plenty of water is important to help keep anglers hydrated, and a few snacks can keep the kids entertained when the fishing slows down.
Life jackets are required and there must be for one for each person in the boat. They must be appropriate for each wearer. While they are not required when shore fishing, they are recommended, especially for the youngest of anglers. With the excitement of reeling in a fish, it can be easy for a little one to get one step too close and wind up in the water.
The DNR reminds anglers to be aware of social distancing protocols, even while out fishing. The agency recommends only anglers living in the same household, such as family members or roommates, fish within six feet of one another. Anglers are also encouraged to have a back- up plan or place to fish if they find there are too many people at their original, intended destination. Boat launches and shore access points can be found on the DNR website. Simply search for "places to fish" and look for the "launches and shore fishing access points" link.
All DNR boat launches are open, but boaters are reminded to keep social distancing guidelines in mind, even at the launch ramp. While a fishing license is not needed this weekend, boats must still be registered, which can be done online as well as via mail. All other boating regulations apply this weekend as well.
State trails and parks
When visiting state parks this weekend, no park admission or trail passes will be required. Also, all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles and off highway motorcycles are exempt from registration this weekend. No trail pass is required for ATV operators on Free Fun Weekend. However, just as with fishing, all other regulations will apply.
All state parks have updated their hours and are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. All group, family and indoor group campsites will remain closed, however.
The status of reopening the campgrounds and the reservations system, now slated for June 7, is currently under review.
Many popular state parks have implemented capacity restrictions to stay within social distancing guidelines. This could limit admission to some state parks, so visitors are encouraged to refer to the DNR website for more information on their destination.
Certain attractions will remain closed as social distancing cannot be achieved in these locations. Also to remain closed are facilities such as towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, entrance stations and concession stands. It is unclear for how long these will remain closed, but the DNR has said it will continue to monitor best practices and make those changes when it is appropriate.
A limited number of day-use restrooms at park properties were slated to reopen this past Wednesday.
Visitors to the parks and trails should also be aware garbage and recycling bins will likely not be available at their destination. Visitors should practice the "Leave No Trace" principles and take out with them anything they bring into the state park or trail system.
Visitors to parks and trails should also keep safety in mind. A first aid kit is always recommended when heading out for an outdoor adventure. Water and food to stay hydrated and energized are important as well.
For those venturing into unfamiliar areas, a handheld GPS or something similar can help to navigate a new area and ensure a safe return. A fully charged cellphone can be a great tool, but visitors should remember cell reception varies and using a cellphone to call for help for a twisted ankle, for example, may not be feasible.
Visitors should also be aware of changing weather conditions. With shelters not open at most parks, an alternate plan should be made for finding shelter in the event of severe weather.
Invasive species
Both anglers and hikers/park goers are also encouraged to keep invasive species in mind.
For anglers, the big threat is aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, rusty crayfish, spiny water flea, zebra mussels or a host of others. When leaving the lake, anglers should be sure to drain all the water from boats and other equipment, removing any vegetation or muck that may be stuck to boats, trailers and gear. Fully drying all equipment before heading out to another body of water is also recommended. For hikers and park goers, terrestrial invasive species are more apt to be of concern. These species can hitch a ride on hiking boots or other clothing, and find their way to the next trail or park. Hikers should inspect clothing and remove any plants or mud that may have gotten onto shirts, jackets, pant and shorts. Using a boot brush to remove any mud or debris from boots is also a recommended practice.
The DNR encourages anglers and visitors to use the hashtag #OutWiGo when posting photographs of this weekend's adventures to social media. More about the OutWiGo Initiative can be found on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov.
Beckie Gaskill may be reached at [email protected].
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