New Fishing Regulations Are Now In Effect In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is an elite, top-tier fishing state, frequently ranked among the best in the US, often in the top 3 overall, due to its vast resources.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notes that with more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of great places to fish beginning opening weekend and all season long.

As anglers throughout Wisconsin prepare for Saturday, May 2, which marks the opening of the 2026 - 2027 general inland fishing season, the DNR wanted to provide important reminders on the upcoming season, including several new regulations and season structures that are now in effect.

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New Fishing Regulations and Season Structures In Wisconsin

First, it's important to remember that Wisconsin residents and nonresidents age 16 or older are required to purchase a fishing license. It is illegal to fish in any waters of this state without a Wisconsin fishing license and stamp privilege as required.

Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or purchase a spousal license for $31, so you and your spouse can fish together. All fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online via Go Wild, at a registered sales location, or at DNR Service Centers.

There are also several new regulations, season structures, and bag limits that have been implemented this season. Important changes of note include:

• The statewide inland trout season is open now and runs through Thursday, October 15, 2026.
• The muskellunge season opens Saturday, May 2, on all inland waters of the state. There is no longer a separate season for the Northern Zone. The muskellunge season structures for the Great Lakes, Green Bay, and Michigan/Minnesota boundary waters are unchanged. 
• A catch-and-release season for lake sturgeon will occur on select waters from Saturday, June 6, 2026, through Sunday, March 7, 2027. 
• New lake and species-specific bag and length limits are in place on specific waters across the state.

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Anglers can find a full list of the 2026 – 2027 fishing regulation changes, along with the full 2026 – 2027 hook and line fishing and trout fishing regulations on the DNR's Fishing Regulations webpage.

Anglers Play An Important Role In Protecting Wisconsin Natural Resources

The DNR also shared the following reminders for all anglers, who play an important role in protecting natural resources:

• Help minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never moving live fish away from any waterbody.
• To prevent the spread of fish diseases, remove all water, aquatic vegetation, and/or mud from fishing equipment before leaving the fishing location. All fishing equipment, including boats, trailers, boots, waders, nets, and float tubes, should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before being used again.
• If you are not keeping your catch, follow proper fish-handling protocols to ensure a safe release.
• Follow safe boating procedures and always wear a life jacket when on the water.
• Review all the rules and regulations for the waters you intend to fish.

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