Marketplace Today Blog - DNR outdoor report: Free fishing, state ...
by Steve Prestegard
This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend when people of all ages can fish without a fishing license or trout stamp. More than two dozen free fishing clinics are scheduled and free loaner equipment is available from 50 state parks and offices. All waters of the state are open and all fishing regulations including bag and size limits still apply.
Today is National Trails Day and Sunday is State Park Open House. On Saturday fees are waived on all DNR-managed state trails. A number of trail events are planned. The Ice Age Trail Alliance also has hikes and events on different segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. On Sunday, no vehicle admission stickers or trail passes are required to enter a State Park, Forest or Recreation Area. A number of parks have fishing clinics and other events planned to coincide with Free Fishing Weekend.
Very nice summer-like weather brought out many people over the Memorial Day weekend, and improved conditions for fishing. Water temperatures climbed into the low 70s on northern lakes. Crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass have pretty much completed spawning; while bluegill, pumpkinseed and rock bass are still on nests. With the northern zone musky opener last weekend, musky anglers were out in good numbers but reported only mediocre action. Walleye fishing showed a little more consistency. Panfish action has been generally good, with bluegill providing most of the success.
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