Home to two of the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and over 2,500 Trout streams, Wisconsin has no shortage of fish to go after! This helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know to get your Wisconsin fishing license before getting out on the water.
Quick View: Wisconsin Fishing Requirements
Before you step aboard a Wisconsin fishing boat, you’ll need to get your hands on a Wisconsin fishing license. Your license will be valid in any body of water in the state, so there’s no need to worry there. But – and there’s always a but – you may need a certain stamp depending on what you’re targeting.
If you’re going after Salmon or Trout in either Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, you’ll need a special permit. The Great Lakes Salmon and Trout stamp will allow you to fish either lake and take home these delicious species.
Inland, you may also require a separate permit. Wherever you go after Trout, you’ll have to carry with you an “Inland Trout Stamp.” Going after Sturgeon in any of the state’s freshwater lakes or rivers will also require a separate stamp.
If you want to learn more about fishing in Wisconsin, read our complete guide.
Who needs a Wisconsin fishing license?
Everyone over the age of 16 needs a license to catch fish in Wisconsin. This applies to state residents as well as visiting anglers, but you’ll need to apply for a different license depending on your residency. Don’t worry, though, the process is exactly the same. Read on to find out what you need to do.
A resident is considered to be anyone who has lived continually in the state for the last six months or longer. You can prove this through your social security number, state-issued driver’s license, proof of earnings, or utility bills.
Your license will be valid across the state, on all freshwater rivers and lakes. However, if you want to go after Salmon in the Great Lakes, or Sturgeon or Trout anywhere in the state, you’ll need to purchase a separate stamp.
Who doesn’t need a fishing license?
You may be eligible for a free fishing license if you:
- Were born before 1927;
- Are an active duty military member who is a Wisconsin resident visiting home on furlough or leave.
Disabled residents and veterans may also apply for a discounted fishing license. If you are a disabled resident, you can apply for a $7 annual fishing license. While disabled resident veterans are eligible for a $3 license.
If you qualify for any of the above, make sure to bring evidence of your status as a resident and of your disability when making a claim.
What if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a valid Wisconsin fishing license carries a penalty of at least $100. Fines vary from county to county, but you can expect to pay a hefty sum for breaking the rules. Follow the instructions here and you’ll have no trouble!
How much is a Wisconsin fishing license?
There’s a range of different fishing licenses to choose from, depending on how avid an angler you are. The options differ from residents to non-residents. Wisconsin natives will be able to take advantage of discounts for youth and senior citizens. One-day and two-day permits are also available, as well as annual packages for residents.
| RESIDENT Fishing License – Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual License | $20 |
| First-Time Buyer License | $5 |
| 1 Day License | $8 |
| Junior License (16 & 17 yrs old) | $7 |
| Senior Citizen License (65+ yrs old) | $7 |
| Spousal License | $31 |
| 2 Day Great Lakes License (Includes Salmon/Trout Stamp) | $14 |
| 2 Day Inland Lake Trout License (Includes Trout Stamp) | $14 |
| Sturgeon License (Various) | $20 |
If you’re from out of state, you’ll have a wider range of packages to choose from. Catering to the tourist market, the Wisconsin DNR offers the same packages available to residents with the addition of a four-day and 15-day fishing license.
Prices for non-resident licenses are more expensive than for residents, and there are no discounts for people of different ages. However, parents with children aged 16 and 17 can take advantage of the annual family package for $65. This will allow two parents and up to two children to fish throughout the year.
| NON-RESIDENT Fishing License – Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual License | $55 |
| Annual Family License | $70 |
| Annual First Time License | $28.75 |
| 1 Day License | $15 |
| 4 Day License | $29 |
| 15 Day License | $33 |
| 15 Day Family License | $45 |
| 2 Day Great Lakes License (Includes Salmon/Trout Stamp) |
$14 |
| Sturgeon License (Various) | $50–65 |
If you’re fishing any of Wisconsin’s freshwater rivers or lakes for the first time, you’ll be able to apply for a special 1st-Time Annual License.
With over 50% off for both residents and non-residents, everyone can benefit from this generous offer!
The 1st-Time Annual License actually applies to anyone who hasn’t held a Wisconsin fishing license in the last 10 years. So, if you were looking to get back to angling, things have just gotten a whole lot easier!
What about fishing stamps?
If you want to take certain species out of the water and home with you in Wisconsin, you’ll have to apply for a fishing stamp. In the Great Lakes, you’ll need a special permit to harvest Trout and Salmon, while going after any Trout inshore will require a separate stamp, along with Sturgeon.
While a Great Lakes and inland Trout permit will set you back $10 regardless of where you’re from, a Sturgeon stamp carries a much bigger price if you’re coming from out-of-state.
| Stamp | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Great Lake Salmon/Trout | $10 | $10 |
| Inland Trout | $10 | $10 |
| Sturgeon Hook & Line | $20 | $50 |
| Sturgeon Spearing | $20 | $65 |
The process of obtaining a stamp is the same as getting a license. Apply at the same time with your social security number at hand and a form of ID, and you’re ready to get out on the water.
Where can I get my Wisconsin fishing license and stamp?
You can buy your license directly from the Wisconsin DNR online. Sign up with your social security number and print your license as soon as you pay.
If you’ve forgotten to pick up your license online, or just prefer face-to-face interaction, there’s a store around the corner for you. You can pick up your fishing license in a number of hardware stores, tackle shops, Walmart, and many more locations all across the state.
You can even pick up your Wisconsin fishing license in neighboring Illinois or Minnesota.
Common Questions About WI Fishing Licenses
Residents must always hold a license from the state they are from, but may still cross into another state’s waters.
Be careful, though, as you must always adhere to size and bag regulations in whichever state you’re fishing. For example, a Michigan-licensed angler would have to obtain a Salmon stamp if they wanted to catch Salmon.
Make the most of these limited days and save your money, all the while enjoying some thrilling fishing! Keep in mind, however, that all other regulations like size and bag limits still apply.
And that’s it. You’re ready to go fishing on all of Wisconsin’s wonderful waters. If you have any questions, we recommend getting in touch with your local DNR office. If not, it’s time to grab your rod, find a guide near you, and start fishing. And if you want to learn more about fishing in Wisconsin, read our guide. Tight lines!
