Fishing

Fishing

Gone Fishing sign with a silhouette of a small fish.

Wisconsin Anglers – Is winter fishing on your “to-do” list this year? It could be. Your 2025-2026 annual fishing license is good until March 31, 2026. If you don’t have a license and want to try some cold-weather fishing, give a one-day fishing license a try. Make some winter fishing memories – one fish at a time.

Get a fishing license

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Know the regulations

Before you soak a line you may want to review the fishing regulations of the water you'll be fishing.
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Know the Fishing Seasons & Important Dates

Information on when you can fish. Know when you can schedule and plan those special fishing trips
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Find places to fish

Where to fish is often the most important question. Wisconsin offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Try them all!
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Learn to fish

Not familiar with Wisconsin fishing? Get the information you need to get out on the water, have fun and try your luck!
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Fish for trout

Wisconsin boasts over 13,000 miles of trout streams to test anglers. Are you up to the test?
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Meet your Wisconsin Fishes

Wisconsin waters are home to over 160 different fish species. Get to know them all.
Meet your Wisconsin Fishes

Eat your catch

Eating your catch can be part of a healthy diet. There’s no better place to fish for your meals than Wisconsin.
Eat your catch

Take a youth Fishing

Kids and fishing. There is no better combination. Leave the future of Wisconsin fishing in good hands.
Take a youth Fishing

Get your Fishing questions answered

Review our frequently asked questions to help you enjoy your fishing experience.
Get your Fishing questions answered

Fishing Opportunities

Lake Michigan
Lake Superior
Flag up! Ice fishing in Wisconsin
Mississippi River
Ceded territory
Boat and Shore Fishing Access

Angler Education

Angler and aquatic education
Teaching materials
Learn-to-Fish License Waiver
Free Fishing Weekend
Educational grants & contests

Fish in Business

Fish farming in Wisconsin
Fish related licenses and permits
Fishing tournaments

Fish Hatcheries

Hatcheries and rearing stations
Spawning (egg taking) facilities

Publications and Survey Reports

Wisconsin fishing report 2025
Fisheries administrative reports
Fisheries management reports
Fisheries publications
Fisheries survey reports
Trout surveys, assessments and habitat reports
Spring fisheries surveys in northern Wisconsin
Ceded Territory creel survey reports

Fisheries Staff

Fisheries biologists