(Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo) The public is invited to comment on a proposed walleye regulation change for Lake Gogebic, located in Gogebic County and Ontonagon County.

IRON MOUNTAIN — This is Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin, when waters are open to fishing without a license.

All other 2024-25 regulations, including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions, remain in effect.

Anglers participating in the Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club’s annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby must register catches at the C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis., by 7 p.m. today. The public is welcome.

Prizes are awarded for perch, walleye, northern pike, crappie and bluegill/pumpkinseed.

Before leaving your fishing spots, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers to remove any dirt or plant material clinging to gear, including sleds used to haul supplies.

Some invasive aquatic plants flourish under the ice, such as curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. Invasive critters like the spiny water flea larvae hide in the mud, and zebra mussels often hitch rides on plants, the DNR advises.

Also on the calendar is the Keyes Peak Winter Party from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. The event at the ski hill on Highway 101 in Florence, Wis., features free skiing, snowboarding and tubing for ages 3 to 19, with equipment rentals available.

Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club will host Tip UP Town of the U.P. from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, on Sawyer Lake and Lake Edey north of Channing.

Michigan’s winter free fishing dates are Feb. 15-16.

*****

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will have a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to discuss walleye regulation changes for Lake Gogebic. The session will be at the Marenisco Township Hall, 314 Hall St. in Marenisco.

Lake Gogebic, the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, currently falls under the existing statewide regulation for walleye: There is a 15-inch minimum size requirement and a daily possession limit of five fish.

The regulation change to be considered for public input adds a protected slot limit. This means that anglers would not be able to possess any walleye measuring between 18 inches and 23 inches in the daily possession limit of five fish and could possess only one walleye 23 inches or greater.

Anyone unable to attend Tuesday is invited to share their comments by going to https://forms.office.com/g/VrCXxJMD11. Comments shared in person and digitally will be considered.