Curious to try ice fishing but don’t have a fishing license?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is holding a free fishing weekend from Jan. 19 and Jan. 20.

People can fish any of Wisconsin’s inland waters and on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan without a license during the free fishing weekend. All other state rules apply, according to the DNR.

Patch blogger Chad Leton shares local ice fishing conditions. Here’s an update from his most recent blog:  

Most lakes are providing anglers 4-6” of solid clear ice under a dusting of snow. It is STILL recommended to stay off the bigger lakes and main lake areas of lakes like Okauchee, Nagawicka, and Oconomowoc.  If you want success while jigging panfish, it’s best to have your Vexilar and hole hop to keep catching them. 

Still, you’ll have to do a lot of sorting for bigger fish.  Some big walleyes have been reported on Pewaukee on the edges of the bays but you’ll be up late to do it!  Pike in shallow, 4-9’ of water, seems to be producing the most action if you’re using medium to large golden shiners.  The subtle fronts moving through do not have the fishing stabilized but at least the dusty of snow will keep you upright without having to wear your ice cleats!