Fishing regulations are used as a tool to ensure good fishing exists into the future. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has used different types of fishing regulations to:
Control angler impacts on fish populations.
Maintain numbers and sizes of fish in a lake or stream.
Provide different types of fishing experiences, such as fishing for dinner or for a trophy fish.
Make access to fishing as fair as possible.
Wisconsin has made it easier to figure out what fishing regulations are on your favorite lake! This searchable Guide to Wisconsin hook and line fishing regulations lets you search by inland lakes, by lake name or county and includes an interactive map.
- Guide to Wisconsin hook & line fishing regulations, 2015-2016
- Guide to Wisconsin trout fishing regulations, 2015-2016
- NEW! Ceded territory walleye regulations -
Regulations by county [PDF]
FISHING SEASONS
People can fish year-round on some waters and for some species, but regulations set more limited open seasons for certain species and waters. Check our fishing seasons calendar as the seasons do not coincide with the calendar year.
A current fishing license for 2021 season is required on April 1st, 2021.
Exceptions - Not all Wisconsin waters follow the fishing season dates for a species for general inland waters or boundary and outlying waters. Exceptions do exist! You must consult the special county regulations in the current hook and line or trout regulations guides, as appropriate, to determine if any special season dates exist for the particular waters you plan to fish. This is the only way to determine whether or not the waters you plan to fish follow the season dates for general inland or boundary and outlying waters listed below. Dates are inclusive and may be subject to change.
You must also consult the current fishing regulations for information concerning bag and minimum length limits for a species.
SMALLMOUTH BASS - NORTHERN ZONE CATCH AND RELEASE SEASON
NORTHERN ZONE - First Saturday in May through the Friday preceding the third Saturday in June
NORTHWOODS BASS IS 100% CATCH AND RELEASE ALL SEASON LONG!
WE WILL REFUSE ANGLERS REQUESTING TRIPS WHO DO NOT PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE.
Report a violation
1-800-TIP-WDNR
1-800-847-9367
101 S. Webster Street . PO Box 7921
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
