What do I need to do to stock fish in state waterbodies?

In order to stock fish in Wisconsin, you must submit a fish stocking permit application (form 9400-060) to the Wisconsin DNR fish biologist who manages the waters where you wish to stock the fish. This permit is required under Chapter 29.736 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.

Electronic submission may speed review of your application. The fisheries biologist for the county of interest will receive an automated e-mail, notifying them that a stocking permit application is ready for review as soon as you click the "Print for Signature" button at the bottom of the application. When filling out your application, please provide your DNR Customer ID. You will still need to print the application, sign it, and if you did not provide your DNR Customer ID, you will have to write in your Social Security number. Then, send the completed permit application with a copy of each fish source's Fish Health Certificate (FHC), a Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection form, for each species to be stocked.

When the permit has been approved, you will receive an original signed permit and a Receipt of Fish for Planting, Form 3600-16, in the mail. The Receipt must be completed, for all fish stocked in Wisconsin, and returned to the Fisheries Biologist listed on the Permit and Receipt when stocking is complete.

On-Line Stocking Permit Application Available (Revised 09/2009)

There is no charge for the stocking permit. The on-line application for the permit is available at WDNR Fish Stocking Permit Application [exit DNR].

If you have tried to submit an application and continue to experience problems, please contact Joanna Griffin, Statewide Fisheries Database Manager.

Purchasing Fish

The application asks for the source of the fish you plan to stock. If you need information on where to buy your fish, the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association [exit DNR] maintains a list of their WAA members in Wisconsin and the species of fish they rear (while we mention this list here, we do not endorse WAA as a source for buying fish for stocking). You can search by location (nearest you) or fish species desired for stocking.

Health Certificate

Since January 2002, a Fish Health Certificate (FHC) has been required for all fish stocked in state waterbodies, including private ponds. When you contact a fish farm to order fish, ask for a copy of the most recent Fish Health Certificate (FHC). You will need to attach a copy of the certificate to your stocking permit application. DNR cannot issue a stocking permit unless the Fish Health Certificate (FHC) is submitted along with your application. This certification is required under Chapter 29.736 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.

Private Pond Construction

If your plans include constructing a pond on your land, a permit may be required under Chapter 30 of the Wisconsin State Statutes. A general overview of information on pond construction, including links to related publications can be found on DNR's Web site. Specifically, those constructing or managing a pond for fish may wish to consult Managing Wisconsin Fish Ponds [PDF, exit DNR] - University of Wisconsin-Extension Publication G3693.

It is Illegal for You to Collect Fish for your Pond by Angling

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) rules aimed at preventing the spread of VHS, do not allow the movement of live fish away from any state waterbody

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