justnorth posted on May 23, 2007 06:57 :: 1696 Views
MADISON -- Now that sunny skies and warmer weather are upon us, Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend on June 2 and 3 is the perfect opportunity to grab your friends and family and head outdoors to the many fishing events taking place throughout the state.
Residents and non-residents of all ages can cast a line this weekend without having a fishing license or trout or salmon stamps. All other regulations such as length and bag limits do apply.
“Free Fishing Weekend is an invitation to have some fun at the water’s edge,” says Theresa Stabo, a Department of Natural Resources aquatic education specialist. “For people interested in learning how to fish there are experienced anglers available at many events to help them develop basic fishing skills, often through games and casting contests. This is also a good opportunity for people who fish regularly to take along a friend who doesn’t usually fish and teach them some of the basics.”
A variety of events will be taking place at parks throughout the state with activities for all ages, including fishing, picnic lunches, demonstrations, games and many hands-on learning opportunities. A list of activities including fishing clinics is available on the Free Fishing Weekend page of the DNR Web site.
In conjunction with free fishing weekend, several state fish hatcheries will be holding open houses for the public. Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery in Bayfield, Lakewood State Fish Hatchery in Lakewood and the Brule River State Fish Hatchery in Brule will open their doors on June 2 for tours, games, and educational fun. The Brule River State Fish Hatchery will also be celebrating some very special birthdays during their open house.
“This year’s open house not only celebrates the summer, but also the 100th birthday of the Brule River State Forest and the 80th birthday of the Brule Fish Hatchery,” says Bill Gobin, a DNR hatchery foreman. “We have more events planned this year such as a new archery shoot for kids, electro fishing demonstrations, fire control vehicles, live sea lampreys, a canoe trip on the Brule River and of course, hatchery tours and information. Rain or shine, we always have a good time!”
Fishing provides a family-friendly pastime to have fun and create memories. Whether you’re new to fishing or an advanced angler, you can visit Fishing Wisconsin on the DNR website for information on places to fish, season dates, ideas for fishing with kids and much more.
With Wisconsin’s 44,000 rivers, 15,081 lakes and a number two ranking as a top fishing destination, heading out for free fishing weekend just might get your family hooked.
“We really want to get people out fishing again, kids especially,” says Stabo. “We’re relying on the next generations to be the stewards of our resources. If they have a connection with nature, they’re more likely to value it and take care of it.”
Anglers reminded of new rules to curb spread of deadly fish disease
People participating in Free Fishing Weekend are reminded that emergency rules are now in place aimed at preventing the spread of a viral fish disease called viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS.
The emergency rules prohibit anglers, boaters and other recreational users from moving live fish, including bait minnows, and water from the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and the Lake Winnebago system, including tributaries up to the first dam impassible by fish. The rules also require that people fishing in those waters use minnows purchased only from Wisconsin licensed dealers, or, if harvesting their own minnows, that the bait is used only on the water in which it was caught.
The DNR is asking the public to take precautions to avoid spreading of the virus similar to those used in stopping the spread of invasive species:
- Put your catch on ice and do not move live fish (including unused bait minnows) away from the landing or shore;
- Drain all water from bilges, bait buckets, live wells and other containers when leaving the landing or shore;
- Use live minnows purchased only from registered bait dealers in Wisconsin or catch it yourself in the same water you fish; and
- Before launching and before leaving for the day, inspect and clean all watercraft for visible plants and animals.
VHS is not a public health threat – people can still keep and eat the fish they catch – but it can kill a broad range of Wisconsin’s native fish and was responsible for fish kills in several eastern Great Lakes in 2005 and 2006.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa Stabo- (608) 266-2272 or Bill Gobin- (715) 372-4820
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx