Wisconsin Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

The Badger State is blessed with over 15,000 lakes and around 160 species of fish. There’s everything a freshwater angler can dream of, from prolific rivers and streams to gorgeous lakes and backwaters. And the best part is, fishing in Wisconsin is a year-round pleasure. 

Wisconsin is home to two of the Great Lakes, along with the mighty Mississippi River. If that’s not enough to get you hooked, there are also over 2,500 Trout streams across the state. With such generous waters, hardly anyone can resist Wisconsin’s fisheries.

So, if you find fishing in Wisconsin alluring, read on and learn everything about the trophy catches on offer, their seasons, hotspots, angling trips and techniques, and regulations.

What are you interested in?

Wherever you cast your line, something will grace the end of it. There’s truly no shortage of freshwater fish in Wisconsin. What to pick from the fishing menu depends on your preferences. Let’s take a look at the top catches below.

Wisconsin’s Headliners

The list of contenders for the title of most famous fish in Wisconsin is long. However, several species set themselves apart from the crowd. These beasts rule the freshwater scene. Meet Wisconsin’s headliners.

• Muskellunge (Musky). As the official state fish, Musky is a must-fish celebrity. Enormous, muscular, elusive, and unpredictable, Muskellunge are known as the “fish of ten thousand casts.” This means you need strong lines and nerves of steel, but it’ll be worth it. The largest Musky on record was caught precisely here! So, gear up with large plugs and hit the northern lakes and rivers in spring for your trophy specimen.
• Northern Pike. Pike are top winter fishing targets, although some prefer pursuing Pike after ice-out. Pike are sight hunters and love deep, cold waters, so planning a trip during daylight is the way to go. Locals and tourists look for them in Lake Superior and its tributaries, the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, Lake Michigan, and Green Bay. 
• Walleye. These undisputed Lake Winnebago superstars are tasty and feisty, making great opponents for any type of angler. You can catch them during the spawning season in spring, then again in summer, and, of course, during the winter months under the ice. Summer Walleye hang around underwater structures nearshore, while spring Walleye usually spawn in reefs.
• Trout. Wisconsin boasts over 5,000 miles of first-class Trout streams. If you thought that Musky, Pike, and Walleye would make you fall in love with fishing, just wait to see what Trout has in store for you. Rainbow, Brook, Lake, and Brown Trout are the names to remember. Fly fishing for Trout is particularly popular in spring and fall.

Wisconsin’s Supporting Stars

Sure, Musky and Trout dominate angling circles here, but Salmon and Bass aren’t lagging far behind either. And they aren’t the only ones. Equally challenging and inspiring, these supporting stars deserve your attention, too.

• Salmon. Coho Salmon and Chinook Salmon can be found in numerous lakes across the state, along with Pink and Kokanee varieties. Besides quantity, you can expect good-quality catches as well. Don’t be surprised if a massive King appears at the end of your fishing line. The Coco and Chinook state records come from Lake Michigan, so that’s a good starting point for Salmon fishing when you’re in Wisconsin.
• Bass. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are prevalent members of the Bass family living in Wisconsin’s waters. You can find them in the drainage basins of Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, and Lake Superior. The best lake fishing occurs just after the spawning season near the end of June and again in fall. To increase your chances of landing brag-worthy Bass, hit the water in the early morning or late evening.
• Catfish. Catfish fishing in Wisconsin entails battling two big names – Flathead and Channel Catfish. Both frequent the Mississippi River, Lake Winnebago, and the Fox Rivers. However, Channel Catfish are more widespread and inhabit more water systems than Flatheads. They’re also more abundant. Fishing is considered superb at night as Catfish are nocturnal beings.
• Sturgeon. These bottom-dwelling giants inspire admiration. As a rare species, Lake Sturgeon enjoy special preservation treatment. You can still try your luck at landing these behemoths in the Menominee and St. Croix Rivers, or Lakes Winnebago and Wisconsin, just make sure you respect all the rules and regulations and return the fish to the water.

The list of Wisconsin’s top catches doesn’t end with these VIPs. Lakes all across the state teem with a variety of tasty Panfish. Yellow Perch is the most sought-after target here, along with Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed. Catching Panfish is especially exciting for the little ones. Long story short, there’s a fish for every taste and type of angler.

When to Go Fishing in Wisconsin

At the start, we let you know that fishing in Wisconsin is a year-round adventure. So, what else could we possibly add? Well, a lot actually. You see, while you won’t ever return home empty-handed, your odds of ending up with a trophy fish are better if you align your trip with the peak season of your target.

For that reason, we’ve outlined the availability of Wisconsin’s top catches below. Here’s a month-by-month overview of Wisconsin’s fishing seasons and species:

Wisconsin Fishing Spots

Whatever fishing experience you’re hoping to get, there are many amazing places to explore in Wisconsin with not one, but two Great Lakes at your disposal. Finding a spot to hit is easier than you’d think, with over 15,000 lakes at your fingertips. Whether it’s ice fishing for Walleye or a summer hunt for Musky, you’ll have a generous selection of hotspots to consider. Here are the best:

These are the unsurpassed fisheries in Wisconsin, so they’re very famous and everyone will want to explore them. But, in case you want to get away from the crowds and feel adventurous, take a look at these locations that are slightly off the beaten track:

How to Go Fishing in Wisconsin

Fishing in Wisconsin can be done in so many ways. What you pick comes down to what makes you tick. You can also try various techniques depending on where and when you’re planning to fish. We’ll suggest the most popular types of fishing below and you can decide which approach to apply.

• Charter Fishing. Fishing in Wisconsin is much more productive if you have a local guide by your side. Teaming up with a professional charter operator born and raised in the area means that you won’t have to worry about anything apart from catching fish. They know what’s biting, where, when, and how to catch it. Plus, they can tailor a trip to your needs, from a half-day family outing to an all-day fishing bonanza. 
• Fly Fishing. Wisconsin is a dream come true for fly fishing enthusiasts. There are miles and miles of prolific Trout streams with cold and clear waters waiting just for you. Outstanding professional Trout fishing can be done in Castle Rock Creek, one of the most challenging spots in Wisconsin. Less experienced anglers can head to the Big Green River. First-class fly fishing is also possible on the Kinnickinnic River and the St. Croix headwaters in Solon Springs.
• Ice Fishing. Once winter is in full swing, the lakes become dotted with ice shanties and passionate ice fishing anglers. Ice fishing in Wisconsin is almost like a religion. If you’re up for an adventure on a bigger lake, nothing beats Green Bay and Lake Winnebago. You can also check out Boom Lake or one of the state’s smaller lakes. It’s important to not head out on the ice, however, alone since the conditions can be unpredictable.

… And More!

While charter, fly, and ice fishing are the most commonly used approaches, you aren’t limited to just these when fishing in Wisconsin. You can conquer its fisheries from the shore or a pier as well. And let’s not forget about kayak fishing either! All in all, Wisconsin is an angling playground, so feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

Wisconsin Fishing Trips

There isn’t a more reliable and efficient way of angling than with a licensed charter operator. Not only will you get first-class service but you’ll also have an impressive number of fishing trips at your disposal. You can choose anything from a 3-hour beginner trip to a 10-hour customized adventure. So, reach out to a local guide and agree on how to go about your adventure. Meanwhile, here are some standard options to get you going.

Full day trips give you more time and flexibility to move around, check out distant locations, and target more fish species. Apart from regular 8-hour outings, you can also opt for extended trips, as well. More time on the water increases your odds of landing that trophy catch!

If you’re looking for something more authentic, ice fishing trips will leave you speechless. Nothing screams winter fishing more than an ice fishing trip in Wisconsin. After all, Wisconsin keeps being voted one of the best states in the country for winter fishing over and over again.

Wisconsin Fishing Regulations

Every angler over the age of 16 needs to possess a valid Wisconsin fishing license before they can head out to fish. This applies to both residents and visitors, although the fees and the type of licenses may differ. There are several options to choose from and everything you need is outlined in our Wisconsin fishing license guide.

Besides all the necessary permits, you should familiarize yourself with the local regulations. These include bag, size, and season limits as well as additional stamps (e.g. Inland Trout Stamp). So, make sure to check the latest rules and regulations on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

Wisconsin Fishing FAQs

Lisa

Lisa traded the lecture hall for the vast expanse of the world's waters, transforming her love of teaching into an insatiable passion for angling and storytelling. She would sail through oceans, lakes, and rivers, reeling in the world’s fish stories one catch at a time.