Wisconsin tackle loaner sites: borrow free rods, reels and beginner gear before you buy
Do not let missing equipment stop your first fishing trip. Wisconsin DNR’s tackle loaner program helps beginners, kids, families, school groups and clinic organizers borrow basic fishing gear at no cost from participating DNR offices, state parks and facilities.
Quick answer: what are Wisconsin tackle loaner sites?
Wisconsin tackle loaner sites are participating DNR offices, state parks, visitor centers, recreation areas and partner facilities where beginners can borrow fishing equipment at no cost. The program is designed to help people try fishing without buying rods, reels and tackle first.
Most sites have essential beginner panfishing gear. Some locations also list fly fishing gear, ice fishing jig poles, educational Fish Packs or volunteer maintenance opportunities. Bait is not provided, and gear is first-come, first-served, so you should contact the site before planning your trip.
What this guide covers
Tackle loaner site checker: what should you borrow?
Use this before calling a loaner site. It helps you choose basic gear, ice gear, fly gear or educational supplies.
How Wisconsin tackle loaner sites work
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a county or fishing area | Use the DNR contact page arranged by county. | The closest site to your home may not be closest to your fishing water. |
| 2. Check the equipment code | Look for FF, IF, FP or VM next to the site name if you need special gear. | All sites have basic panfishing gear, but not all have fly gear, ice gear or Fish Packs. |
| 3. Contact the site first | Call or email the listed contact before pickup. | Hours, staff availability and gear availability vary by site. |
| 4. Explain your plan | Tell them the date, number of anglers, ages, waterbody and whether you need shore, fly or ice gear. | The contact can prepare the right equipment and warn you if gear is unavailable. |
| 5. Bring bait and small supplies | Bring worms, bait, pliers, towel, snacks, sunscreen and a small trash bag. | DNR says bait is not provided at any tackle loaner site. |
| 6. Return gear clean | Return rods, reels and tackle in the condition you would want to borrow them. | The program works only if gear stays usable for the next beginner. |
What fishing gear is usually included?
Wisconsin DNR says most sites generally have basic equipment for new anglers. Exact inventory can vary, so always ask the local site contact.
| Gear | Beginner meaning | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Spincasting rods and reels | Push-button, closed-face reels that are simple for young beginners. | Kids, families and first-time panfish trips. |
| Spinning rods and reels | Open-bail reels that allow greater casting distance. | Older youth, adults and anglers ready for a little more control. |
| Casting plugs | Practice plugs used for casting without hooks. | Teaching kids to cast safely before using real hooks. |
| Bobbers | Float indicators that help beginners see bites. | Bluegill, sunfish, crappie and simple shoreline fishing. |
| Hooks, line and sinkers | Basic terminal tackle for a simple bait rig. | Worm-and-bobber fishing for panfish. |
| Educational resources at some sites | Fish printing, knot-tying equipment, Backyard Bass games and Fish Packs may be available. | Schools, scouts, families, libraries, youth programs and clinics. |
Loaner site equipment codes: FF, IF, FP and VM
DNR uses simple codes on the county contact list. These codes help you choose the right site before calling.
| Code | Meaning | Who should look for it? |
|---|---|---|
| FF | Fly fishing equipment. | Adults, teens, trout beginners, fly-casting meetups and skill clinics. |
| IF | Ice fishing jig poles. | Winter beginners and families trying ice fishing. |
| FP | Educational Fish Packs. | Teachers, scouts, youth groups, libraries and parents who want learning activities. |
| VM | Volunteers needed for gear maintenance. | Scouts, fishing clubs, schools, community groups and anyone who wants a service project. |
Examples of Wisconsin tackle loaner sites by county
The official DNR contact page is arranged by county and changes when sites, staff or phone numbers change. The examples below show how the list works and what types of places participate.
| County | Loaner site example | Equipment code / note | Why beginners may choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown | DNR Northeast Regional Headquarters, Green Bay | FF, IF | Good example of a DNR office with fly and ice options listed. |
| Buffalo | Merrick State Park, Fountain City | FF, IF | State park location near Mississippi River-area fishing opportunities. |
| Dane | Fitchburg Service Center, Warner Park Community Recreation Center, Lake Kegonsa State Park | Some notes include VM and advance-prep guidance | Useful for Madison-area families and groups; contact early for gear preparation. |
| Door | Peninsula State Park and Whitefish Dunes State Park | VM | State park sites for families visiting Door County. |
| Fond du Lac | Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit | FF, IF, FP, VM | Strong example of a site with multiple gear and education options. |
| Grant | Wyalusing State Park | IF; organized-outing note | DNR notes drop-in gear may not be available due to staffing; group leaders should arrange ahead. |
| Kenosha | Richard Bong State Recreation Area | FF, IF | Southeast Wisconsin site with fly and ice codes listed. |
| Milwaukee | Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park | FP, VM | Good urban example for youth learning activities and beginner education. |
| Oneida | Rhinelander DNR Service Center and Woodruff musky gear specialty site | IF, FP and specialty musky gear note | Northwoods option, including a unique musky-gear specialty note. |
| Portage | Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point | FF, IF | Visitor center listing includes regular hours and call-ahead holiday guidance. |
| Sauk | Devil’s Lake State Park and Mirror Lake State Park | IF, VM | Popular state park locations; call ahead before busy weekends. |
| Waukesha | Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit | VM; summer Ottawa Lake pickup note | DNR notes summer gear may be available daily at Ottawa Lake Campground with map/sign guidance. |
| Winnebago | Oshkosh DNR Service Center | FF, FP, VM | Useful example for Fox Valley families and education groups. |
| Wood | Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center | FF, IF | Central Wisconsin option with fly and ice gear codes. |
Pickup and return rules
| Rule | What DNR says / practical meaning | Beginner tip |
|---|---|---|
| First-come, first-served | Gear may be unavailable if other families or groups borrowed it first. | Call early, especially before weekends, Free Fishing Weekend, spring and early summer. |
| Borrowing period | DNR says equipment may be borrowed for up to one week unless demand is low; ask if extension is possible. | Group leaders should set pickup and return dates clearly. |
| Return condition | Return gear in the condition you would want it to be when you borrow it. | Dry rods/reels, remove tangled line if possible and keep hooks organized. |
| Broken equipment | If something breaks, return the parts with a note explaining what happened. | Do not hide broken gear; staff need to fix it before the next borrower. |
| Busy season | Spring and early summer are especially busy for field staff and borrowers. | Plan early if you need gear for a youth clinic, school trip or Free Fishing Weekend. |
Bait, small supplies and beginner setup
Loaner gear helps with rods and basic tackle, but a successful first trip still needs a few small items.
| Bring yourself | Why it matters | Simple beginner advice |
|---|---|---|
| Bait | DNR says bait is not provided at loaner sites. | Worms are usually easiest for panfish. Buy bait close to the fishing location. |
| Pliers or hook remover | Helps remove hooks safely. | Adults should handle deeply hooked fish or ask an experienced angler for help. |
| Small towel | Useful for bait, wet hands and cleaning gear before return. | Wet hands before handling fish if you plan to release them. |
| Trash bag | Fishing line, wrappers and bait containers should not be left near water. | Teach kids to leave the fishing spot cleaner than they found it. |
| Measuring tool | Length limits cannot be guessed. | If you plan to keep fish, bring a ruler or measuring board. |
| License proof if needed | Adults 16+ generally need a license when actively fishing. | Kids under 16 do not need a license, but adults helping them may. |
License rules when using free loaner gear
Borrowing tackle does not remove license rules. The rod may be free, but many anglers still need a fishing license.
| Situation | Wisconsin rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Child under 16 | Children under 16 do not need a Wisconsin fishing license. | Still follow bag, length, season and species rules. |
| Adult casts, reels or holds the child’s pole | DNR says the adult is now fishing and should have a license. | Buy a license before actively fishing unless Free Fishing Weekend applies. |
| Resident adult beginner | Resident annual fishing is $20; resident 1-day is $8. | Try one day first or use annual if you will fish more than a couple of days. |
| Nonresident adult beginner | Nonresident annual is $55; one-day is $15; 4-day and 15-day options exist. | Choose based on trip length. |
| First-time or returning angler | DNR offers reduced first-time/welcome-back fishing approvals for eligible residents and nonresidents. | Check Go Wild before paying full annual price. |
| Trout or Great Lakes salmon/trout | Trout or salmon/trout stamps may be required outside Free Fishing Weekend. | Check stamp needs before fishing those waters. |
Free Fishing Weekend + tackle loaner sites
Free Fishing Weekend is one of the best times to use a tackle loaner site because the first license barrier is removed for beginners.
| Free Fishing Weekend detail | What it means | Gear-planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| No license required | Residents and nonresidents can fish without a license during Free Fishing Weekend. | Still bring ID and check event/park requirements. |
| No trout/salmon stamp required | DNR says trout and salmon stamps are not required during Free Fishing Weekend. | Trout waters can still have exceptions, so check regulations. |
| All other fishing rules apply | Bag limits, length limits and species restrictions still matter. | Do not keep fish without checking rules. |
| Loaner sites are busy | DNR notes nearly 60 loaner sites, many at state parks, but hours vary. | Call ahead several days before a June or January Free Fishing Weekend. |
| 2026 / 2027 dates listed by DNR | June 6-7, 2026 and Jan. 16-17, 2027 appear in DNR season information. | Always verify future-year dates before planning a clinic or family trip. |
Best beginner trips for borrowed tackle
Use a spincast rod, small hook, bobber and worm. This is the easiest first setup for kids.
Many state parks are familiar, family-friendly places with parking, restrooms and staff nearby.
Borrowing works well when a school, scout group or community clinic needs multiple beginner setups.
Try fishing without buying a license first, then buy a one-day or annual license if the family enjoys it.
Use an FF site if available and practice casting on grass or open shoreline before entering trout water.
Use an IF site for jig poles, but confirm ice safety and do not assume augers are available.
Group leaders, teachers and volunteers
Tackle loaner sites are not only for one family. They can also help schools, youth organizations, scout troops, clubs and clinics run beginner fishing programs.
| Group need | Best action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple rods for a class or troop | Contact the site well ahead of the event. | Staff may need time to prepare gear, especially in spring or early summer. |
| Educational activities | Ask for FP Fish Packs if the site lists FP. | Fish Packs include fish-related games, stories and activities. |
| Volunteer service project | Look for VM sites and ask about maintenance help. | DNR notes many sites welcome help with re-spooling and general cleanup. |
| Plan a clinic | Use DNR angler education resources and the DNR Events Calendar path. | Clinic organizers should coordinate gear, rules, instructors and license requirements early. |
Common tackle loaner site mistakes to avoid
Gear is first-come, first-served. Hours and staff availability vary, so call before pickup.
DNR says bait is not provided. Bring worms or other legal bait yourself.
Use FF for fly fishing gear and IF for ice fishing jig poles. Not every site lists these.
Adults 16+ usually need a license when they actively fish unless Free Fishing Weekend applies.
A rod does not tell you whether the lake, river, trout stream or Great Lakes water is open for harvest.
Return all parts and explain damage so staff can fix equipment before the next borrower.
Spring and early summer are busy. Group leaders should arrange gear well in advance.
Some loaner sites are state parks or facilities with hours, parking, admissions or local rules.
Map: Wisconsin tackle loaner and beginner fishing orientation
This map is for broad orientation only. Use the official DNR county contact list to confirm the exact tackle loaner site, staff contact, phone number, gear type and pickup instructions.
Final checklist before borrowing fishing gear
- Choose the county or fishing area first.
- Open the official DNR tackle loaner contact list.
- Check whether the site has basic panfishing gear only or special codes like FF, IF or FP.
- Call or email the site contact before pickup.
- Ask how many rods/reels are available and whether your group size is realistic.
- Ask pickup location, hours, return deadline and any park entry requirement.
- Bring bait because bait is not provided.
- Bring pliers, towel, water, sunscreen and a trash bag.
- Check license requirements for everyone age 16 or older.
- Remember kids under 16 do not need a license, but adults actively helping fish may need one.
- Use Free Fishing Weekend if you want to try fishing without buying a license first.
- Check lake, river, trout or panfish regulations before keeping fish.
- Return gear clean, dry and organized.
- Report broken or tangled equipment honestly.
- Consider volunteering at a VM site if your club, troop or class wants a service project.
Official action links
The practical details are included above so this article does not behave like a middleman. Use these official links only for final contact lookup, license purchase, fishing rules, event planning and beginner trip planning.
Wisconsin tackle loaner sites FAQs
Are Wisconsin tackle loaner sites free?
Yes. Wisconsin DNR says there is no charge to borrow fishing equipment from participating tackle loaner sites. You should return the equipment clean and in good condition.
Where can I find Wisconsin tackle loaner sites?
Use the official Wisconsin DNR tackle loaner contacts page. It is arranged by county and lists site names, contacts, addresses, phone numbers and equipment codes.
What gear can I borrow?
Most sites have beginner panfishing gear such as spincasting rods and reels, spinning rods and reels, casting plugs, bobbers, hooks, line and sinkers. Some sites also have educational resources.
Is bait included with Wisconsin loaner fishing gear?
No. DNR says bait is not provided at any tackle loaner site. Bring your own legal bait and follow bait transport rules.
Do I need to call before picking up loaner gear?
Yes. Gear is first-come, first-served and hours vary by location. Contact the site before pickup to confirm availability, hours and return instructions.
How long can I borrow the equipment?
DNR says equipment may be borrowed for up to one week unless demand is low in your area. Ask the site contact whether an extension is possible.
What does FF mean on the tackle loaner list?
FF means the site may have fly fishing equipment. Always call first because exact gear availability can vary.
What does IF mean on the tackle loaner list?
IF means the site may have ice fishing jig poles. DNR has noted that essential ice gear may be available, but loaner sites do not provide ice augers.
What does FP mean on the tackle loaner list?
FP means educational Fish Packs may be available. Fish Packs include fish-related games, stories and learning activities for youth and education groups.
What does VM mean on the tackle loaner list?
VM means volunteers are needed for gear maintenance. Scouts, students, fishing clubs and community groups can contact those sites about service projects.
Do kids need a fishing license when using loaner gear?
Children under 16 do not need a Wisconsin fishing license, but they still have their own bag limits and must follow all fishing regulations.
Do adults need a license if they help a child fish?
If an adult casts, reels, holds the pole or otherwise actively fishes, the adult is fishing and should have a license unless Free Fishing Weekend applies.
Can I use tackle loaner gear on Free Fishing Weekend?
Yes, but call early. Free Fishing Weekend is a busy time for beginners, and gear is first-come, first-served. No license or trout/salmon stamp is required during Free Fishing Weekend, but all other regulations still apply.
Can schools or scout groups borrow fishing gear?
Yes, but group leaders should contact the site well in advance. Some sites may require prior arrangements, especially for organized outings or large groups.
What should I do if loaner gear breaks?
Return all parts and include a note explaining what happened. DNR asks borrowers to report problems so the gear can be repaired for the next borrower.
Is this website the official Wisconsin DNR website?
No. This is an independent educational guide. Use Wisconsin DNR and Go Wild for final tackle loaner contacts, license purchase, event listings and legal fishing requirements.
Editorial verification
This page was reviewed against official Wisconsin DNR and Go Wild resources on July 16, 2026. The review included the Fishing Equipment for Loan page, county tackle loaner contacts, Learn to Fish resources, Free Fishing Weekend information, Wisconsin State Parks rental information, kids fishing license rules, fishing license prices, first-time buyer license guidance and Wisconsin Fishing Finder.
Disclaimer: WisconsinFishingLicense.website is an independent educational website. It is not the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Go Wild, Wisconsin.gov or a government agency. Always verify final loaner site availability, pickup rules, equipment type, license needs, event details, bait rules, waterbody regulations and legal requirements through official Wisconsin DNR resources before fishing.