A new plan is being prepared to guide the management of beavers in Wisconsin for the next 10 years. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — This is free fishing weekend in Wisconsin, where anyone can head out and fish without need for a license.

All other regulations remain in effect, including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions. Regulations are available online at https://widnr.widen.net/s/hpwlq7dwhm/fishingregselectronic2526.

For trout streams that are open, only artificial lures are allowed, and anglers must release all trout caught.

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The 20th annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby, which allows anglers to fish anywhere, is taking place today. Catches will be registered at the C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis., with a deadline of 7 p.m.

Organized through the Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club, the event features cash prizes for perch, walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed.

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MJE Cares Foundation will host an ice fishing tournament Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lake Antoine. Fishing is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lake-antoine-fishing-tournament.

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Tri-County Snowmobile Club has resumed grooming trails and should now be on a regular schedule. Conditions as of Thursday ranged from fair to excellent.

According to Travel Wisconsin, trails in Florence and Forest counties were in good condition, but trails in northern Marinette County were icy. Trails to the south were just starting to open.

Riders are reminded to operate only on marked trails and routes — or other areas with permission — and to stay off closed trails.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers these safety tips:

— Remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.

— Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or float coat, should you fall through the ice and to help retain body heat.

— Do not travel in unfamiliar areas.

— Slow down when traveling at night.

— Know if a lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice.

— Watch for pressure ridges or ice buckling. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

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The Wisconsin DNR is seeking public input on the state’s Beaver Management Plan. Comments can be submitted through Jan. 31.

The new plan will guide the management of beavers in Wisconsin for the next 10 years. An online public input form and supporting information are available on the DNR’s Beaver Management Plan webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/beavermanagementplan.

Individuals may also submit comments via email to Shawn Rossler, DNR furbearer specialist, at Shawn.Rossler@wisconsin.gov. A virtual session is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gnG8Z2PPRMW5p7DYhjKiXA#/registration.

Once ready, a draft plan will be made available for public review and comment.

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The Michigan DNR reported this activity at Little Bay de Noc:

Anglers targeting perch reported fair to good fishing, with some reports of catch limits in the upper bay. Anglers were using spoons tipped with minnow heads and tungsten jigs baited with insects. Some anglers reported catching perch in the shallows; however, those fishing deeper water reported larger average fish sizes as well as higher numbers.

Anglers targeting walleye reported slow to fair fishing and very lethargic marks on sonar units throughout much of the week. Anglers attributed peak increases in walleye aggression to changes in atmospheric pressure. They used set lines, such as tip-ups or rattle reels, baited with sucker minnows or shiners, in combination with jigging rods. Anglers also reported catching walleye on jig heads baited with minnows, snap-jig-style baits, and spoons.

Ice conditions persisted during the week, remaining similar to those of the previous week. The combination of warm weather and high winds following a snowfall had made for excellent travel conditions.