Fishing Wisconsin

Wisconsin Fish

Fishing Tournament Permit Application Process

Fish waiting to be weighed

Tournament anglers and their fish waiting to be called on stage for the official weigh-in.

You can now apply for your fishing tournaments electronically:

  1. View a calendar with all scheduled Wisconsin tournaments and
  2. Submit your application for a tournament permit [exit DNR]


How Do I Apply For A Permit?

Two options are available for applying for a fishing tournament permit:

  1. Submit an application on-line (this may speed the review of applications)
    • You can now pay your fee electronically! Be sure to have your checking account and bank routing numbers on hand before you apply.
    • then follow the instructions provided in the on-line form; or
  2. Print a blank tournament application and complete by hand
    • Fill out all fields including either your DNR customer ID or a social security number before mailing (see the license requirements for an explanation of why either a social security number or a DNR customer ID is needed). Hard copies of tournament applications should be mailed along with the application fee (payable to "Wisconsin DNR") to:


FISHING TOURNAMENT APPLICATIONS - FH/4
WISCONSIN DNR
PO BOX 7921
MADISON     WI     53707-7921

Tournament Types and Application Fee Structure

Type of tournament Prize Value Tournament Fee
Immediate release Any $25
Great Lakes salmon or trout Any $25
Rough fish Any $25
Any < $1000 $25
"Catch-hold-release" or "catch and kill" $1000-$9,999 $50
"Catch-hold-release" or "catch and kill" > $10,000 $200
50% participants < 18 years old or disabled Any Free

When should I submit an application for a fishing tournament?

Applying for 2011 tournaments:
You can still apply for 2011 tournaments, but we must receive your completed application at least 30 days prior to the start of your 2011 tournament. These applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early for the best chance of getting the dates and waters you want.
Applying for 2012 tournaments:
If you plan on holding a tournament in 2012, we recommend that you apply in the open period between April 1st and June 30th of 2011 to have the best opportunity for getting your desired dates and waters. All applications received during the open period will be reviewed by August 1, 2011. In the unlikely event that another tournament conflicts with your choice of dates or waters, we will discuss options with you and the other tournament organizer(s). If you apply for your 2012 permits after June 30, 2011, your application will be considered on a first-come first-served basis.
Traditional tournaments:
The rule defines a traditional tournament as one that was held on the same water(s) and same date(s) for 4 out of the 5 years from 2004 to 2008. It’s important that traditional tournament organizers apply between April 1st and June 30th to ensure that you get your traditional dates and waters. If you don’t apply by June 30th, your applications will be considered on a first-come, first served basis.

What Happens Next?

  • Once the application is received, A fisheries biologist will review it;
  • If approved, the biologist will mail you a signed permit with conditions for the tournament and a blank results form;
  • The results form must be filled out and returned to the address above within 30 days after the tournament is held.

Fishing Tournament Questions?

You may find your answers on our list of Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts

If you have questions about submitting a tournament permit application or on tournaments in general, please contact Hadley Boehm, Tournament Database Coordinator, 608-264-6028

 

Last Revised: Tuesday December 20 2011