Ice conditions for free fishing weekend

DE PERE - This upcoming weekend, the Wisconsin DNR is holding its first winter free fishing weekend.
    
The DNR hopes to get people hooked on ice fishing.

“I think it's great. I think it's always great to have an opportunity for people that are on the fence about something, to give them a free shot at it without requiring them to buy an annual fishing license or a stamp. This way they're able to learn about fishing and we certainly hope that they can enjoy that activity,” said Steve Hogler, DNR fisheries biologist.

The bad news is that the warm, wet end of last week took its toll on the larger lakes.
    
A satellite shot from Monday afternoon shows both the Green Bay and Lake Winnebago with thin ice.
    
The good news is that with below freezing temperature we're going to be building ice all week.
    
FOX 11 meteorologist Phil DeCastro found two equations that model ice growth.
    
They ranged from just above 5 inches of thickness growth to right about 5 inches.
    
But both equations assume calm water with little current.
    
And you should never assume an ice pack is safe.

“The ice is beginning to refreeze. Only a week since it all melted or broke apart. We would not recommend going out onto the ice unless you're using caution,” said Hogler.

Hogler says you should go with someone familiar with the ice you'll be on and check with a local bait shop on conditions, if possible.
    
That way your first time fishing on the ice won't also be your last.
    
The free fishing weekend is open to anyone of any age on any body of water in the state.
    
It runs all day Saturday and Sunday.