Planning to take advantage of the free fishing weekend — no license required — that is set for Saturday and Sunday in both Michigan and Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a reminder: Take care not to potentially carry invasive species in or out of lakes, rivers, streams and other waterbodies.

The Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign that coincides with the Free Fun Weekend focuses on the importance of boaters and anglers draining water from livewells, boats and equipment before leaving boat launches and fishing access points.

“Unfortunately, some of our Wisconsin lakes and rivers are known to contain aquatic diseases or small invasive species like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae,” the DNR states in a recent news release. “Wisconsin has various laws in place to prevent the introduction and control the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases in Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin law requires:

— Boaters and anglers drain livewells, motors and containers before leaving a boat launch or fishing spot to prevent the transport of diseases and invasive species from one waterbody to the next. Since water cannot be used to transport fish away from the shore, ice is recommended instead.

— If using live bait, minnows can only be purchased from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer, and no more than 2 gallons of water may be used to transport them. Minnows may only be used on a different waterbody if no lake or river water or previously used minnows have been added to the container.

— No other fish can be held in the minnow container, and dead bait must be preserved in ways that do not require freezing or refrigeration. Never dispose of unwanted bait in a lake or river.

— If worms cannot be used before they die, dispose of them in a closed container in the trash — never on the ground.

Before and after casting a line, do your part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, the DNR states. Remember to:

— Inspect all fishing equipment for attached aquatic plants, animals or mud.

— Remove all attached plants or animals.

— Drain all water from containers and equipment (maximum of 2 gallons of water allowed for minnows).

— Never move live fish away from a waterbody. The DNR adds that a fish out of water equals dead.

— Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

To learn more best practices to minimize the spread of invasive species, go to the Wisconsin DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/bmp.

Michigan has much the same recommendations and regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species and diseases. The Michigan DNR also advises taking one of these steps when going between sites:

— When possible, dry boats, trailers and gear in the sun for five to seven days.

— Wash boats and trailers with a pressure washer.

— Apply a chemical disinfectant, such as Formula 409 Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner or a solution of one-half cup, or 4 fluid ounces, of bleach to 5 gallons of water and rinse with clean water after 20 minutes. If trout fishing, the Michigan DNR advises this should be done with waders and gear — on land, at a reasonable distance to avoid the substance possibly getting into the water — before heading to a new location.

— Dry surfaces with a towel.

The Michigan DNR has more on preventing the spread of invasive species at https://www.michigan.gov/invasives.