FLORENCE, Wis. — Free fishing weekend will take place Saturday and Sunday in Wisconsin.

All the waters of the state will be open to free fishing for residents and nonresidents. However, all usual regulations will be in force.

“Please exercise caution before heading out on the ice,” the Department of Natural Resources advised. “Be aware of the ‘honeycomb effect,’ which occurs after freeze-thaw-freeze conditions, that weakens ice.”

In conjunction with free fishing, the Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club will host its annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday. Entry fee is $10, or free for children 12 and younger, who must pre-register with an adult.

Fish anywhere and bring the day’s catch by 7 p.m. to the C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis. Categories include walleye, northern pike, perch, crappie and bluegill/pumpkinseed. The derby is open to any body of water.

Pre-register at Bob’s Midland in Aurora, 715-589-4400; the Hitch-N-Post in Aurora; Best Buy Liquors in Niagara, Wis.; or Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis.