Fishing in Wisconsin

Fishing Regulations in Wisconsin

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources oversees a deep fishery, with muskie, walleye, and bass in the northwoods lakes, Driftless spring-creek trout, and the Great Lakes salmon runs. Many waters carry their own seasons and special regulations, so check the rules for your spot before you keep a fish.

38 species with limits72 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

Lake MichiganLake SuperiorWinnebago System WatersMenominee River (WI-MI Border)Mississippi River Pools 3-9 (WI-MN)Mississippi River Pools 9-12 (WI-IA)St. Croix River Upstream of Falls Dam (WI-MN)Inland Trout — C&R Artificial-Only Streams

Statewide

May 2 – Mar 7 · Bass season — varies by zone

Min size14"Daily bag5

Zones: Bass season opens earlier in WI Bass Northern Zone (May 2 LMB harvest, Jun 20 LMB+SMB); WI Bass Southern Zone (May 2 LMB+SMB)

Aggregate: 5 combined Largemouth + Smallmouth

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check Wisconsin Regulations on the App

Take size limits, bag limits, and seasons for every species with you on the water. CatchVault is on iOS, with Android on the way.

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