Family Fishing Resource Guide
Opening Fishing Weekend - May 4
Saturday, May 4th is the official start to hook and line fishing for most fish species in Wisconsin. Whether you’re taking your kids fishing for the first time or the tenth time, it’s a great opportunity to bond, teach your kids valuable life lessons, and witness the pure joy on their faces when they reel in that big catch. You don’t have to own a boat or have a cottage in the family to be able to fish. This article has everything you need to get started, including information on getting a license, the equipment you’ll need, and great places to fish with kids within a short drive from your home.
First, anyone over the age of 15 is required to have a fishing license. There are a variety of different options to choose from. If you’ve never purchased a Wisconsin fishing license, or haven’t purchased one in the last ten years, you can purchase a discounted first-time buyer’s license for $5. If you aren’t sure if fishing is for you but want to give it a shot, you can purchase a one-day fishing license for $8. Licenses for juniors ages 16 and 17, and seniors 65 and older are $7. A single license for an adult is $20, or you can purchase a joint license for you and your spouse for $31. You can purchase your license online here or at retailers like Cabela’s, Dicks Sporting Goods, Fleet Farm, or most local bait and tackle shops.
Once you have your license, you’ll need the right equipment. Many retailers and most bait and tackle shops in the area sell fishing equipment and supplies. You’ll need a fishing pole, fishing line, hooks, sinkers (small weights), bobbers, and bait. If your kids are fishing for the first time, it’s best to start with a hook, bobber, and live bait setup. Nightcrawlers or minnows work best for bait. A quick Google search for bait and tackle shops should generate a few locations near you.
If you’re just starting and don’t want to invest in your own equipment, there are programs that allow you to borrow equipment. If you are a member of the Urban Ecology Center, they provide fishing poles and tackle at all three of their branches.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also loans out fishing equipment for free at their branches on a first come first serve basis. You can borrow their equipment for up to a week. More information on their loaner program is available here.
Now that you’ve got your license, equipment, and bait, you need a place to fish. The Wisconsin DNR has curated a great list of locations to fish with children throughout Wisconsin, including urban fishing locations in Milwaukee. You’re sure to find a good spot within a short drive of your home.
If you want to try fishing before committing to purchase a license, there will be a free fishing weekend at the start of summer, where you can fish lakes and streams without needing a license. That is scheduled to occur on June 1st and June 2nd. Many state parks will host free fishing clinics and events that same weekend so watch for news and updates.
Get out this season and spend some quality time with your family while enjoying one of the activities that make Wisconsin great. Good luck catching the big one!
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