Information on Ice Fishing in Wisconsin
Check dates for shelter removal
Ice Fishing Regulations
Hook and line regulations, restrictions, licensing requirements, and open seasons apply to ice fishing.
Season Dates
There are no specific dates for ice fishing in Wisconsin. Ice conditions vary depending upon the weather. However, open season dates do apply, with the season for most game fish ending on the first Sunday in March of a given year.
Ice Shelter Removal Dates
There are specific dates which apply to the removal dates of fishing (i.e., ice) shelters on certain Wisconsin waters:
| Wisconsin Waters | Ice Shelter Removal Date |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin/Iowa Boundary Waters | Remove on or before February 20 |
| Wisconsin/Minnesota Boundary Waters | Remove on or before March 1 |
| Inland Waters South of Hwy 64 | Remove daily and when not in use after First Sunday following March 1 |
| Wisconsin/Michigan Boundary Waters | Remove on or before March 15 |
| Fox River, downstream of DePere Dam (Brown County) | Remove daily and when not in use |
| Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Green Bay and Inland Waters North of Hwy 64 | Remove daily and when not in use after First Sunday following March 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many tip-ups and fishing rods can one person have on the ice at one time?
- When ice fishing using tip-ups, is there are requirement that the angler's name be marked on the tip-up?
- Is there a requirement regarding the spacing or distance between the tip-ups?
- Is there a requirement regarding the distance between an angler and their tip-ups?
- Do I need a permit or license for my ice fishing shelter?
- Do I need a name and address on my ice fishing shanty or shelter, even if it is portable?
- Can I lock the door of my ice fishing shelter?
- How large of a hole can I make in the ice?
A tip-up out on the ice
How many tip-ups and fishing rods can one person have on the ice at one time?
Statewide fishing restrictions apply: An angler may not fish with more than three hooks, baits or lures at one time. This means that an angler may set a tip-up and fish with two rods, or set two tip-ups and fish with one rod.
When ice fishing using tip-ups, is there are requirement that the angler's name be marked on the tip-up?
No, an angler does not need to put his or her name on the tip-up.
Is there a requirement regarding the spacing or distance between the tip-ups?
There are no regulations regarding the spacing or distance between tip-ups.
Is there a requirement regarding the distance between an angler and their tip-ups?
There are no regulations regarding the distance between an angler and their tip-ups or fishing rods. However, the angler must be able to respond to his or her tip-up immediately when the flag goes up. Failure to respond immediately to a line upon indication of a bite will be sufficient evidence that the line is unattended.
Do I need a permit or license for my ice fishing shelter?
No
Do I need a name and address on my ice fishing shanty or shelter, even if it is portable?
It depends. The name and address (in English) of the person owning or using any fishing shelter must be legibly painted or permanently affixed on the outside of the shelter in block lettering at least one inch square in contrasting colors, when the shelter is left on the ice and is not occupied or otherwise in use.
However, beginning April 1, 2002, fishing shelters that are occupied or otherwise in use and removed from the ice daily are exempt from this requirement. If you remove the shelter from the ice when you come off the ice, a name and address is not required.
Holes cut in the ice can be no larger than 12 inches.
WDNR Photo
Can I lock the door of my ice fishing shelter?
Yes, but only when the shelter is unoccupied. The door must be unlocked while the shelter is occupied.
How large of a hole can I make in the ice?
Up to 12 inches, but no larger.
For more information or other questions, please contact our Call Center
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