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Fishing licenses for children

Fishing Wisconsin

Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license. Children have their own bag limits and are expected to follow the same fishing regulations (e.g., length, bag and season limits) that licensed anglers are required to follow.

Children do not need to be accompanied by a licensed adult to fish. However, if your child wants to take a break from fishing, make sure he or she reels in rather than abandons the pole to you. If your help is needed to cast or reel in, make sure you have your license with you, because you are now fishing. Also, on occasion, well-meaning adults get pinched -- warden lingo for caught -- for fishing without a license or with too many hooks when they get caught "holding" their youngster's fishing pole. According to state law, no angler may fish with more than three hooks, baits or lures.

Related resources

For a list of suggested spots to take children fishing, please see places to take kids fishing.

Frequently asked questions

For additional information on Wisconsin fishing, (e.g., maps, fish consumption advisories), please see our list of frequently asked questions.