MADISON - Anglers will get a chance to fish for free later this month.

The state DNR plans to offer its first winter free fishing weekend January 19th and 20th.

State residents and non-residents won't need a license or trout stamps, to fish on inland waters or on the Wisconsin side of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River.

The state has offered a free fishing weekend on the first weekend in June for years.

Legislators passed a law last year creating the winter weekend in an effort to boost participation in outdoor recreation.

(Copyright 2013 Associated Press - All Rights Reserved)