Residents

Predicting Beach Conditions

Public health officials use beach advisories and closings to let the public know when the level of pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) in the water may be unsafe for swimming, water-skiing or other similar water recreation. These advisories…

Beach Monitoring and Assessments

Every year thousands of people safely enjoy swimming in Wisconsin waters. The DNR and local health officials monitor water at public beaches on a regular basis to protect public health.Research has linked swimming in polluted waters with adverse…

Beach Safety Tips

Wisconsin's beaches are a great place to swim, build sand castles or watch the sun set over the water. Beachgoers will find 57 miles of public beaches on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior alone, and plenty of places to dip their toes in on…

Maps of Great Lakes Beaches

Wisconsin's Beach List

In anticipation of the beach season each year, the DNR's beach program reaches out to local beach managers and public health departments along Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts to determine what changes, if any, are needed to Wisconsin's beach list and…

Fishing seasons

Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday in May. Season dates often vary by species and waterbody. Check The Guide To Hook And Line Fishing Season Dates, 2025-2026, for specifics of where you plan to fish.Fishing…

Trap net safety on the Great Lakes

TRAP NETS Trap nets are large underwater nets used by commercial fishers to catch whitefish and let sportfish go. They pose a potential hazard for anglers and other boaters. Downriggers, fishing lines, and propellors can get caught in the nets or…

Free Fishing Weekend

Free Fishing Weekend June 7-8, 2025On Free Fishing Weekend, you can cast a line without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp. What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try!Plan a ClinicAngler Education instructors…

Historic and current waste disposal sites

Historic and current waste disposal site information may be important to individuals considering land purchases, governments planning redevelopment, businesses planning expansion and well drillers planning well installation.List of current licensed…

Wisconsin's waste imports and exports

One of the most common questions about Wisconsin's landfills has been how much waste they receive from other states each year. This amount changes from year to year due to a variety of factors, including the overall cost of landfilling in…