Free Fishing Weekend Set in WI News | January 15, 2026 | 0 | by Morgan McCarthy The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hosting its annual winter free fishing weekend. The event allows residents and non-residents to fish most state waters without a license. State officials say trout and salmon stamps are not required, but all other fishing regulations, including bag and size limits, remain in place. The DNR encourages anglers to check which trout streams are open before heading out. The annual event starts Saturday and runs through Sunday.