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Ready to start planning your next fishing trip in Wisconsin? Before you can drop a line, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary license.
Luckily, getting your Wisconsin fishing license is simpler than it seems and this guide will walk you through all of the details.
Whether you are a Wisconsin resident or non-resident, we’ve got vital information about where to get your license, which documents are required, and fees associated with different licenses.
Going fishing in Wisconsin? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Wisconsin review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Wisconsin?
| Wisconsin Fishing License | |
| Residents | Non-residents |
| 16+ Years Old | 16+ Years old |
Every Wisconsin resident or visitor 16 years of age and older needs a fishing license, except for those born before 1927.
Great Lakes
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has recently passed a rule that requires guide reporting to obtain critical fishing information when it comes to fishing in certain lakes.
The Board, Governor, and legislators agreed on the rule to help ensure that both fishing successes and failures are properly recorded.
Starting in January 2022, all guides who take clients on trips to Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, or their tributary streams/rivers will be required to report electronically.
This reporting requirement will only apply to specific locations based on current management needs.
Free Fishing Weekends
In the state of Wisconsin, there are two weekends designated as Free Fishing Weekends every year.
The first weekend falls on the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June while the second one is on the third consecutive Saturday and Sunday in January.
During these weekends, residents and nonresidents of all ages are allowed to fish without having a fishing license or a trout stamp.
It’s worth noting, however, that all other fishing regulations, such as those about bag limits, length, and seasons still apply. Trout fishing is only allowed in locations where the trout season is open.
Lake Sturgeon Regulations
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has set the hook-and-line season for lake sturgeon from September 3rd until the 30th.
To abide by the set regulations, all lake sturgeons caught during this time should meet the minimum length requirement of 60 inches before being harvested.
Catch and Release Sturgeon Seasons:
- Menominee River downstream of the Grand Rapids Dam to Green Bay has a catch and release season from Sept. 3 to Sept. 30.
- Mississippi River upstream of Red Wing Dam has a catch and release season from June 16 to March 1; downstream of Red Wing Dam has catch and release season from June 16 to April 14.
- St. Croix River downstream from the St. Croix Falls Dam has two catch and release seasons, from June 16 – Sept. 2 and from Oct. 1 – March 1.
- St. Louis and Nemadji rivers have catch and release seasons from June 16 – April 14.
First-time Buyer License
First-time buyers, as well as anyone buying their first license in 10 or more years, can get a discount on their fishing licenses.
What Age Do You Need a Fishing License in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin fishing license age is 16. Anyone 15 and younger is welcome to fish in Wisconsin without a license.
Resident
To be eligible for a resident fishing license in Wisconsin, an individual must be considered a legal resident of the state.
This means having a domicile established in Wisconsin, regardless of whether they currently reside within the state or are temporarily residing outside of it.
Active-duty military members on furlough or leave who are Wisconsin residents, as well as veterans, can take advantage of discounted fishing licenses.
Non-resident
Those who do not meet the residential requirements will need to purchase and use Wisconsin out of state fishing licenses.
How to Purchase a Wisconsin Fishing License
Anglers can purchase their Wisconsin fishing license online through GoWild, at local sales locations, and at DNR Service Centers.
A driver’s license or social security number is required to purchase online, so make sure you have that information handy when you’re ready to purchase a license.
Online
To purchase your Wisconsin fishing license online go to gowild.wi.gov, create an account (if you haven’t before) and choose the best license for you.
Local Retailers
Anglers can purchase your Wisconsin fishing license in person from a local license dealer like a bait and tackle shop or a Walmart.
Find a retailer near you, by using the interactive map on the DNR website.
How Much is a Fishing License in Wisconsin
To get a fishing license Wisconsin residents and non-residents will need to pay the fee associated with each license type.
| Wisconsin Fishing License | |
| Resident License | Price |
| Annual Fishing License | $20.00 |
| Annual Fishing. First-time buyer. | $5.00 |
| Fishing 1-Day. The purchase of this license can be put toward an annual license purchase. | $8.00 |
| Annual Fishing, Junior (16 & 17 years old) | $7.00 |
| Annual Fishing, Senior Citizen (65 years & older) | $7.00 |
| Annual 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 |
| 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 |
| Annual License for Disabled Residents | $7.00 |
| Veteran/ Disabled Veteran License | $3.00 |
| Annual Fishing, Armed Forces – resident in active service on furlough or leave | Free |
| Wisconsin Non Resident Fishing License | |
| Annual Fishing | $50.00 |
| Annual Fishing, Family Annual (primary) (includes children 16 & 17 years old) Note: Family licenses do not include grandchildren 16 & 17 years old | $65.00 |
| Annual Fishing, Family (secondary) | Free |
| Annual 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 |
| 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 |
Related Articles
- Washington Fishing License
- West Virginia Fishing License
- Wyoming Fishing License
- Alabama Fishing License
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1-day fishing license in Wisconsin for a non resident?
A 1-day fishing license in Wisconsin for a non-resident costs $10.
Can you fish without a license in Wisconsin?
You can fish without a license in Wisconsin if you are under 16, born before 1927, or if it is during a free fishing weekend.
What days are free fishing in Wisconsin?
The days that are free fishing in Wisconsin fall on two weekends during the year.
The first weekend is the first Saturday and Sunday in June while the second one is on the third Saturday and Sunday in January.
What are the types of fishing licenses in Wisconsin?
There are many types of fishing licenses in Wisconsin with durations ranging from one day to annual.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a Wisconsin resident or someone from out of state, there are many options available for you to choose from depending on your specific needs.
Moreover, buying a fishing license is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity to contribute to the protection and conservation of the waters and fishing for our favorite species.
So, if you want to make the most out of your fishing adventures and help preserve these resources for future generations, get your Wisconsin fishing license.
Once you do have your fishing license, download our bass fishing lures cheat sheet, so you always know the best lure to throw, anywhere you’re fishing.