Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are used as a tool to ensure good fishing exists in the future. Fishing regulations are used 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; and
- make access to fishing as fair as possible.
Seasons
In Wisconsin, there's always something to fish somewhere, 365 days a year. There are limited open seasons for certain species and waters. Before you head out, check the season dates for your favorite species and favorite waters.
Regulations
- Guide to Wisconsin Hook & Line Fishing Regulations, 2021-2022 [Download]
- Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2022-2023 [Download]
- Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting And Bait Harvest Regulations, 2021-2022 [Download]
- Guide to Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing Regulations, 2021 [Download]
- Guide to Wisconsin Setline, Set Or Bank Pole Regulations, 2021-2022 [Download]
- DNR Field Guide to Possession, Sale, Purchase, Trade and Use of Wild Animals [Download]
- Clamming Regulations
- Total Daily Bag Limit
Catfish Bow, Crossbow And Hand Fishing Regulations
Catfish and bullheads can be taken by bow, crossbow or by hand. The bow/crossbow season coincides with the rough fish spearing season in most cases. The hand fishing season runs from June 1 to August 31. For more detailed information, see the latest regulation fact sheet [PDF] [Download].
Online Fishing Regulations
We've made it easier to figure out what fishing regulations are on your favorite lake! Our 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.
T.R.O.U.T
The Trout Regulations & Opportunities User Tool (TROUT) was designed to help trout anglers find places to fish. The TROUT application includes trout fishing regulations, classified trout waters, public land and DNR fishing easements.