New Fishing Tournament Rules Effective

The state Natural Resources Board (NRB) on Aug. 13, adopted proposed fishing tournament rules [PDF 67KB]. The rules allow these competitive events to continue growing in Wisconsin while reducing crowding at boat landings and reducing the potential that fish die, or invasive species are spread, in conjunction with tournaments.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass caught during a tournament.

Pending legislative review, the rules would be effective for tournaments after Jan. 1, 2009.

With the new rules, Wisconsin, like neighboring Minnesota [exit DNR], will start charging fees to cover the cost of reviewing tournament permits and monitoring them.

• NRB adopts tournament fishing rules(08/14/08) [PDF 67KB]
• Adopted Rule Order (08/14/08) [PDF 67KB]
• Background Memo (08/14/08) [PDF 33KB]

Rules in Effect for 2008 Fishing Tournaments

The same tournament rules and permit applications required since 1994 will apply for 2008 events.

• Current Fishing Tournament Regulations [PDF 15KB]
• Fishing Tournament Permit Application and Permit [PDF 25KB]

Tournament Research and Additional Articles

• Bass Fishing Tournament Pilot Program
• Contemplating competition: Do fishing tournaments fit on Wisconsin's waters? [exit DNR]

Contact

For more information about hosting a fishing tournament in Wisconsin or tournament rules, please contact:
Andrew Fayram, Fisheries Policy Analyst, with an e-mail or call him at (608) 266-5250.