New to fishing or planning a fishing outing/vacation?

Where to start – let us assist you...

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Wisconsin residents and non-residents ages 16 and older need a fishing license, with some limited exceptions.

• Buy a Fishing License online
• Wisconsin fishing regulations — don´t forget to take a copy!

License Types, Fees & Purchasing Locations

Information on license types, fees and purchasing options including:

• 1,300 agent locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota,
• a toll free number, or
• how to purchase a license on-line.

(Note: Not all license types are available under each purchasing option.)

Fishing Season Dates

Get up-to-date Fishing Season information if you are planning your trip around opening day or a certain species.

Forecasting Fishing Hotspots from our Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, provides general advice on what's biting when.

Fishing in Wisconsin

• Where to Fish
• Quality Fishing Opportunities for musky, bass, walleye and northern pike
• Places to Take Kids Fishing
• Year-around Angling Waters
• Musky Waters
• Current Fishing Report

Lake Information

Wisconsin Lakes Book — Gives basic facts on 5,800 Wisconsin lakes including relative abundance of several sport fish. Download all or any part of the book.

Fishing Reports

Statewide Fishing Reports from several sources.

Fishing with Children

Places to Take Kids Fishing in Wisconsin gives them information about the types of fish found in various Wisconsin counties.

• Visit a state fish hatchery
• Read: Making Fishing Fun for Kids

Boating

Boating in Wisconsin provides information on boating registrations, regulations, safety tips and upcoming classes.

Other Resources

• Outdoor Report published each Thursday by Wisconsin DNR covering 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. 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.
• Lodging options Wisconsin Department of Tourism [exit DNR]
• Fishing Opportunities provided by the Department of Tourism also has including guide services, charters, jamborees, trout ponds, etc. You can also call them at their toll free number, (800) 432-8747
• Visiting a Wisconsin State Parks
  

  Here you'll find information on facilities, locations and special events. You can even make a campground reservation.

• Publications – Wisconsin fish, fishing and habitat protection and from the Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine.
• Reports from other anglers on electronic message boards can contain the most current information on fishing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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