Bring the kids out to one of five Milwaukee County parks for free ice fishing clinics on Saturday, Feb. 17. Clinics will begin every hour starting at 9 a.m., with the last clinic starting at 2 p.m.

Please note that the clinics may be more land-based than on ice due to abnormal weather. Local sources monitor ice conditions, and instructors assigned to the clinic are prepared to pivot course instruction based on ice conditions.

Indoor instruction includes ice safety, fish identification, knot tying, proper equipment and other fishing techniques. Fishing equipment is available to borrow, but bring your own if possible. Small children must be accompanied by an adult, and sponsors remind everyone to dress for winter.

Local fishing clubs will teach participants to ice fish and stay safe while enjoying the activity. You don't need to register; however, advance notice is needed to bring a group larger than 20.

Locations: Five Milwaukee county parks and club sponsors:

Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale - Walleyes Unlimited
Greenfield, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis - Milwaukee Great Lakes Sports Fishermen
McCarty, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., West Allis - Southside Sportsmen’s Club
Dineen, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee - Inner City Sportsmen Club
McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st Blvd., Milwaukee - Midwest Crappie Hunters

Sponsors: Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee County Parks and Wisconsin DNR

Contact Laura Schmidt, DNR Fisheries Biologist Laura.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov or 414-416-0591.