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The 2025-26 Wisconsin general inland fishing season opens May 3. And fishing is allowed year-round for many species and in many areas of the state.
Department of Natural Resources officials expect about 2 million people to participate in the traditional outdoors activity this year on state waters.
Some anglers are no doubt wondering whether they need a fishing license and if so how they can purchase one.
Here's a summary of key points on Wisconsin fishing licenses.
In Wisconsin, people age 16 and older are required to purchase a fishing license. The rule means children and teens age 15 and younger don't need a license.
Licenses are available for purchase online at the DNR's GoWild website or in-person at hundreds of retail outlets and DNR Service Centers. A valid driver's license or social security number is required to purchase your license through Go Wild, according to the DNR.
An annual fishing license costs $20 for a Wisconsin resident and $55 for a non-resident.
However, if you're a first-time buyer the fee is $5. And a one-day license is available for $8. Other options include a spousal combination license for $31, a senior citizen (ages 65 and older) license for $7 and a two-day Great Lakes fishing license (including stamp) for $14.
There is also a free fishing license available for state residents who are active members of the U.S. military on furlough or leave.
More: Smith: Gov. Tony Evers has proposed increases to Wisconsin fishing and hunting license fees. How much?
If you're planning to fish for inland trout, you are required to buy an inland trout stamp for $10 in addition to your annual fishing license. Likewise, if you're going to fish on Lake Michigan or Lake Superior for salmon or trout, you need to buy a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp for $10 with your annual fishing license.
Wisconsin's fishing and hunting license year runs April 1 to March 31.
So before hitting the water make sure you obtain a fishing license for the new season.
The 2025-26 annual fishing licenses expire March 31, 2026.
The DNR uses revenue from fishing license sales to pay for fisheries management in Wisconsin. These activities include fish surveys, habitat improvement, fish stocking and law enforcement. In cases such as sales of the Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp the money raised is earmarked for programs specific to Lakes Michigan and Superior.
To help promote fishing in the state, the DNR offers two free fishing weekends each year. For this license year, the free fishing weekends are June 7-8 and Jan. 17-18, 2026.
On these dates anglers of any age may fish without a license. However, all bag limits and season regulations still apply.
The Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations 2025-26 includes rules for species and bodies of water.
For additional information on fishing in Wisconsin, visit the DNR's website at dnr.wi.gov.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Do I need to buy a Wisconsin fishing license? Here's what to know.
Continue reading...
Department of Natural Resources officials expect about 2 million people to participate in the traditional outdoors activity this year on state waters.
Some anglers are no doubt wondering whether they need a fishing license and if so how they can purchase one.
Here's a summary of key points on Wisconsin fishing licenses.
Do I need a fishing license?
In Wisconsin, people age 16 and older are required to purchase a fishing license. The rule means children and teens age 15 and younger don't need a license.
How can I purchase a license?
Licenses are available for purchase online at the DNR's GoWild website or in-person at hundreds of retail outlets and DNR Service Centers. A valid driver's license or social security number is required to purchase your license through Go Wild, according to the DNR.
How much does a license cost?
An annual fishing license costs $20 for a Wisconsin resident and $55 for a non-resident.
However, if you're a first-time buyer the fee is $5. And a one-day license is available for $8. Other options include a spousal combination license for $31, a senior citizen (ages 65 and older) license for $7 and a two-day Great Lakes fishing license (including stamp) for $14.
There is also a free fishing license available for state residents who are active members of the U.S. military on furlough or leave.
More: Smith: Gov. Tony Evers has proposed increases to Wisconsin fishing and hunting license fees. How much?
Do I need a stamp, too?
If you're planning to fish for inland trout, you are required to buy an inland trout stamp for $10 in addition to your annual fishing license. Likewise, if you're going to fish on Lake Michigan or Lake Superior for salmon or trout, you need to buy a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp for $10 with your annual fishing license.
When does my fishing license expire?
Wisconsin's fishing and hunting license year runs April 1 to March 31.
So before hitting the water make sure you obtain a fishing license for the new season.
The 2025-26 annual fishing licenses expire March 31, 2026.
What happens to the money paid for fishing licenses?
The DNR uses revenue from fishing license sales to pay for fisheries management in Wisconsin. These activities include fish surveys, habitat improvement, fish stocking and law enforcement. In cases such as sales of the Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp the money raised is earmarked for programs specific to Lakes Michigan and Superior.
Is there any time of year when licenses aren't required?
To help promote fishing in the state, the DNR offers two free fishing weekends each year. For this license year, the free fishing weekends are June 7-8 and Jan. 17-18, 2026.
On these dates anglers of any age may fish without a license. However, all bag limits and season regulations still apply.
How do I learn more about fishing regulations?
The Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations 2025-26 includes rules for species and bodies of water.
For additional information on fishing in Wisconsin, visit the DNR's website at dnr.wi.gov.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Do I need to buy a Wisconsin fishing license? Here's what to know.
Continue reading...
