I'm new to fishing and planning a fishing outing/vacation for the first time. Where do I start?

While we can't plan your fishing outing or recommend vacation spots, we can provide you with helpful information to assist you with your plans.

Fishing Licenses

With limited exceptions, a Wisconsin fishing license is required for Wisconsin residents and non-residents ages 16 and older. Visit DNR's Online Licensing Center to purchase a DNR license or for information on the various fishing license types, fees and purchasing options including:

• 1,300 agent locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota,
• a toll free number, or
• the Internet.

Please note that not all license types are available under each purchasing option.

Fishing Season Dates

If you're planning your trip around opening day or hoping to catch a particular species, please see our Wisconsin's Fishing Seasons.

You might also want to read Forecasting Fishing Hotspots [exit DNR] from our magazine, Wisconsin Natural Resources for some general advice on what's biting when.

Fishing Regulations

You can download current Wisconsin fishing regulations from our Web site or you can pick up copies of the various regulation pamphlets when you purchase your license from any of our automated license issuing system (ALIS) agents.

Where to fish?

Check our our list of places to fish for a list of:

• quality fishing opportunities for musky, bass, walleye and northern pike
• places to take kids fishing
• year around angling waters
• musky waters, and
• fishing report for the current season

If you've already selected your destination, you might want to download our Wisconsin Lakes Directory. It lists basic facts on some 5,800 Wisconsin lakes including the relative abundance of several sport fish.

Fishing Reports

We don't maintain a comprehensive list of fishing reports for waters thoughout the state. However, we can suggest several sources of information.

Fishing with Children

If your fishing trip includes children, you might want to have them visit Fish Wisconsin for Kids to learn more about the types of fish found in Wisconsin, visiting a fish hatchery and tips on making fishing fun for kids.

Boating

If your fishing plans include boating, be sure to visit Boating in Wisconsin for information on boating registrations, regulations, safety tips and upcoming classes.

Other Resources

Each Thursday, the Wisconsin DNR publishes a new Outdoor Report covering the general areas of the state. These weekly reports provide some general hunting and fishing information including fishing hotspots and sometimes the types of bait that are working best. Since DNR isn't able to provide up-to-the minute fishing reports for every waterbody in Wisconsin, try searching the Internet to see if any local fishing clubs, chambers of commerce, bait and tackle shops, newspapers, etc. maintain Web sites with current fishing conditions. Many Wisconsin counties [exit DNR] maintain their own Web sites which include links to local lodging, fishing guides, boat rentals, bait and tackle shops, fishing reports and tournaments. Reports from other anglers on electronic message boards can contain the most current information on fishing conditions.

If you need assistance in locating lodging, try contacting the Wisconsin Department of Tourism [exit DNR]. The Department of Tourism also maintains a listing on their Web site of fishing opportunities including guide services, charters, jamborees, trout ponds, etc. You can also call them at their toll free number, (800) 432-8747.

If you're interested in visiting a Wisconsin state park, see State Parks and Recreation. Here you'll find information on facilities, locations and special events. You can even make a campground reservation.

Learn more about Wisconsin fish, fishing and habitat protection in selected articles from the Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine [exit DNR].

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information on Wisconsin fishing, (e.g., maps, fish consumption advisories), please see our list of Frequently Asked Questions.