Fishing_Content Page_Fishing licenses a Wisconsin bargain

Fishing licenses

Fishing Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, kids 15 and under fish without a license every day. So do anglers born before 1927. For everybody else, a variety of license options can get you out on the water quickly and easily. Get your license to relax and enjoy what Wisconsin has to offer!

Getting your first license or just visiting? Discounted license options are available including:

  • First-time Buyer License – for those who haven't fished Wisconsin before or want to return to fishing after at least 10 years without a license. 
  • One-day fishing license – for those anglers that want to give Wisconsin fishing a try for one day only.
  • Resident anglers who recruit someone new to purchase a first-time buyer license can earn points toward a reduced-price license of their choice.
  • Active-duty military on furlough or leave who are Wisconsin residents and veterans.

Resident And Nonresident Fishing Licenses

All licenses are available for purchase through Go Wild, sales locations or at one of our DNR Service Centers unless otherwise noted. A valid driver's license or social security number is required to purchase a license online through GoWild.

Get Started on GoWild today!

Resident General Fishing

Resident General Fishing

Type $
Fishing, Annual 20.00
Fishing. First-time buyer. 5.00
Fishing 1-Day (Can be used towards an upgrade to annual license for $12.75) 8.00
Fishing, Junior (16 & 17 years old) 7.00
Fishing, Senior Citizen (65 years & older) 7.00
Fishing, Spousal 31.00
Inland Trout Stamp 10.00
Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp 10.00
2-Day Great Lakes Fishing (includes Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp) 14.00
2-Day Inland Lake Trout Fishing (includes Inland Trout Stamp) 14.00
Resident Sturgeon Fishing

Resident Sturgeon Fishing

Type $
Sturgeon Spearing Lake Winnebago (deadline to purchase October 31) 20.00
Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing (deadline to purchase October 31) 20.00
Sturgeon Hook & Line Inland 20.00
Sturgeon Hook & Line Wisconsin & Michigan 20.00
Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application (Deadline August 1st) 3.00
Resident Miscellaneous Fishing

Resident Miscellaneous Fishing

These licenses are not available for online purchase. Please visit one of our sales locations.

Type $
Fishing, Disabled (more information) 7.00
Fishing, Veteran/Disabled (more information) 3.00
Fishing, Armed Forces - resident in active service on furlough or leave 0.00
Nonresident Fishing Licenses

Nonresident Fishing Licenses

Type $
Fishing, Annual 50.00
Fishing, Family Annual (primary) (includes children 16 & 17 years old) Note: Family licenses do not include grandchildren 16 & 17 years old 65.00
Fishing, Family Annual (secondary) 0.00
Fishing, First-time buyer 25.75
Fishing, 1 day (can be used towards an upgrade to annual license for $40.75) 10.00
Fishing, 4 day 24.00
Fishing, 15 day 28.00
Fishing, 15 day Family (includes children 16 & 17 years old) Note: Family licenses do not include grandchildren 16 & 17 years old 40.00
Military Fishing (not available for online purchase) 20.00
Student fishing - available to full-time non-resident student in residence at any Wisconsin public or private college or university offering a degree (not available for online purchase) 20.00
Inland Trout Stamp 10.00
Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp 10.00
Great Lake Fishing, 2 days (includes Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp) 14.00
Nonresident Sturgeon Fishing

Nonresident Sturgeon Fishing

Type $
Sturgeon Spearing Lake Winnebago (deadline to purchase October 31) 65.00
Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing (deadline to purchase October 31) 65.00
Sturgeon Hook & Line Inland 50.00
Sturgeon Hook & Line Wisconsin/Michigan 50.00
Military Inland Sturgeon Hook & Line 20.00
Military WI/MI Sturgeon Hook & Line 20.00
Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application (deadline August 1st) 3.00