Environmental Permits for Aquaculture - Fish Stocking Permit

A permit is required to stock or plant fish, including fish eggs, in waters of the state under Section 29.736, Wisconsin Statutes. Both the on-line application and the printable blank application for a stocking permit are available at WDNR Fish Stocking Permit Application [exit DNR]. Stocking permit applications are also available by contacting your local fisheries biologist for the county where you plan to stock fish.

No person may introduce, stock or plant any fish in the waters of the state unless all of the following apply:

• The person has a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources.
• The fish have been certified by a qualified inspector to meet the fish health standards and requirements as determined by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, under Section 95.60, Wisconsin Statutes.
• The fish is not a species of lake sturgeon.

In this case, "waters of the state" does not include pre-existing fish rearing facilities that are artificial bodies of water or self-contained fish rearing facilities as defined in the Wisconsin State Statutes, Sections 29.001(64) and 29.001(76), that are registered as a fish farm with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Note: The information provided on this Web page is for general orientation purposes only. Do not rely solely on the information provided here. For more information, please contact the local DNR Fisheries Biologists where you plan to stock fish.