FAQs

Collected here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from the public regarding fishing in Wisconsin's many waters. The questions are sorted by topic, and some questions may be listed under multiple topics.

Since Wisconsin is governed by many different agencies, and programs within those agencies, some questions are followed by a short answer and a second link to an external site (or a different DNR program).

Boating

• Where can I find information on boating in Wisconsin?

  The DNR's Bureau of Law Enforcement maintains a Boating in Wisconsin page that details boating regulations, registration, safety tips, training classes, and more.

• I am interested in fishing via motor trolling in Wisconsin's waters. What exactly counts as motor trolling, and where am I allowed to do it?

  As described by the Wisconsin Administrative Code, motor trolling describes the process of fishing by trailing any lure, bait or similar device that may be used to attract or catch fish from a boat propelled by a means other than drifting or rowing.

  Anglers are permitted to fish via motor trolling on selected Wisconsin waters only. For more information on why motor trolling is limited in Wisconsin, check out the History of Motor Trolling in Wisconsin.

Eating Fish

• Are the fish I caught safe to eat?

  We maintain Fish Consumption Advisories that alert the public to areas which may produce fish that are potentially unsafe for human consumption (due to disease, water contamination, and so on).

Employment

• How can I learn about permanent and/or temporary employment opportunities with the Bureau of Fisheries Management?

  The DNR maintains an Employment Opportunities website that contains information on current vacancies throughout the department, including all bureas and office locations.

• How can I find out about internships with the Bureau of Fisheries Management?

  At the moment, there are no active internship programs.

Equipment and Bait

• How many poles, rods, lines, hooks, baits, and lures are allowed at once?

• Can I use other fish as bait?

• What is chumming, and is it legal in Wisconsin?

  Chumming refers to the process of scattering ground up fish (known as chum) in the water as bait, and is illegal in Wisconsin, since it would result in waste being deposited on a stream or lake bed.

  However, chumming is acceptable if the angler can retrieve the fish attractant/bait after he or she is done fishing (such as fish parts in a mesh bag). Remember that depositing any sort of fish entrails into the water is illegal! All waste should be thrown into the trash, not the water.

• Can lighted lures be used in Wisconsin?

  Yes, lighted lures or lighted attractants may be used. Currently there are no restrictions on the use of lighted lures or attractants with the exception that sturgeon spearers are prohibited from using or possessing artificial lights to shine into the water 48 hours before and continuing through the open sturgeon spearing season.

Fish Species of Wisconsin

• Where can I find information, facts, and illustrations of various fish species found in Wisconsin?

  The Fishing Wisconsin Web site includes a page entitled Types of Fish that contains a wealth of information about the types of fish found in Wisconsin, as well as links to other sources of information on fish species.

• Where can I find out more about Wisconsin trout streams?

  In the Trout and Salmon section of our Web site, we have a comprehensive listing of all trout streams in Wisconsin, along with their classifications, as well as maps to their locations.

• What types of fish might I find in my lake?

• Is it possible to distinguish between the exotic, invasive white perch and the native white bass and yellow bass?

Fishing in Wisconsin

• I caught a tagged fish. What should I do?

• I caught a fish with a missing adipose (back) fin. What should I do?

• I caught a fish with a wire antenna. What should I do?

• Did I really catch a snakehead fish?

• How much does my fish weigh?

• Could my fish be a state record?

  Information on Wisconsin state fishing records is contained on our Record Fish page. You can compare your fish to our established records, and if you think you have caught a record fish, there is an application available on that page.

• I would like to run a fishing tournament or related event in Wisconsin. Do I need a permit?

Great Lakes

• What is the opening date for trout fishing on the Lake Superior tributaries for the 2007 season?

• When is the smelt run on Lake Michigan?

• When is the smelt run on Lake Superior?

• Where can I find out more about Lake Michigan trout and salmon?

Hatcheries and Stocking

• Can I visit a state hatchery or spawning facility? Where are they located?

  Check out our Visiting a State Fish Hatchery in Wisconsin page for more information and locations.

• I am interested in stocking fish in Wisconsin. What do I need to do? Check out our Stocking Information.

Ice Fishing

• Where can I find out about ice fishing in Wisconsin?

  Check out our Ice Fishing in Wisconsin page for detailed information about ice fishing, regulations, and other frequently asked questions related specifically to ice fishing.

Insects and West Nile Virus

• I have heard a lot about West Nile Virus in and around Wisconsin. Is there any more information available?

  West Nile Virus is certainly a concern when participating in outdoor activities such as fishing, and we recommend that all anglers take whatever precautions they can. For more information on West Nile Virus and what you can do to prevent its spread, see the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Web site [exit DNR]

• After hearing so much about West Nile Virus, I would like to do whatever I can to reduce the mosquito population on and around my property. What can I do?

  There are many things that you can do to reduce the mosquito populations in an area, although you must be careful not to harm the natural ecology. For more information, see our West Nile Virus page.

Keeping Fish at Home or as Pets

• May I hold game fish in an aquarium?

Kids and Fishing

• Does my child need a fishing license?

• Where can I take my children fishing?

  We maintain a list of good Places to Take Kids Fishing throughout the state.

Licenses, Permits and Fees

• What type of fishing licenses are available? What do they cost? How can I purchase one?

  The Bureau of Customer Service and Licensing's Web site has a good deal of information about fishing licenses for both residents of Wisconsin and non-residents. Try using the links at the left side of their page to find the license most appropriate for you.

• Can I purchase my fishing license online?

  If you are already familiar with the types of fishing licenses we offer, then you can proceed directly to the DNR's Online Licensing Center.

• How do I obtain a fishing license for a disabled angler?

  Visit the Licenses and Permits for People with Disabilities page for more information on obtaining a Disabled Fishing License or other related permit.

• How are my fishing license and stamp dollars being spent?

Places to Fish

• Where can I fish in Wisconsin?

• Where can I find maps for fishing in Wisconsin waters?

Rules and Regulations

• Can I get a copy of Wisconsin fishing regulations online?

  Yes, we maintain a comprehensive Fishing Regulations Web site that contains the current year's regulations, as well as corrections and new additions to regulations that may have occurred since the publication of regulation pamphlets.

• What are possession limits and bag limits, and how do they differ?

Season Dates and Times

• What are the dates of next year's fishing season?

  The Wisconsin's Fishing Seasons page contains general information about the dates for different species of fish, although these dates are given for general reference only, and anglers should always refer to the current season's guidelines for actual dates.

• Are there year-around fishing opportunities in Wisconsin?

  Some Wisconsin waters are open to year-round hook and line angling, and are detailed on the Year-Round Fishing Opportunities page.

Vacations and Trips

• I am planning a fishing trip or vacation in Wisconsin. Do you have any suggestions?

• Where can I watch fish in a natural setting?

  The Environmental Education for Kids Web site houses a page on Fish Watching in Wisconsin that has some great suggestions for times and places for fish-watching.

Wisconsin's Waters

• What is the difference between a lake and a river?

• Where can I obtain reports on fishing conditions throughout the state?

• What are Wisconsin's stream access laws, and do they apply to lakes?

• Where would I find information on surface water chemistry for Wisconsin waters?

• Where can I get real time data on Wisconsin stream and river conditions?

  The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a Real-Time Streamflow Data [exit DNR] site that covers selected Wisconsin streams.

• Where can I find out more about Wisconsin trout streams?

  In the Trout and Salmon section of our Web site, we have a comprehensive listing of all trout streams in Wisconsin, along with their classifications, as well as maps to their locations.