Open the OutdoorsFishing

There are a number of areas around Wisconsin which offer excellent shore-fishing opportunities for people with disabilities. There are piers and platforms on Wisconsin's beautiful lakes and rivers.

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), every fishing pier the Department of Natural Resources builds is accessible to people with disabilities. The accessible fishing piers are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, are wider to offer enough room for turning around and have lower railings and rod holders so that anglers can cast out and fish.

The links below provide locations and various details by region of each accessible fishing area. Find DNR boat and shore fishing access sites with our mapping application.

• Fishing season dates
• Southeast Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee Fall Fishing
  • Accessible fishing piers in the DNR Southeast Region
  • Accessible fishing on Lake Michigan and its tributaries
  • Accessible activities in Washington County [exit DNR]
  • Accessible fishing in the Kettle Moraine-Northern Unit
    • Long Lake Fishing Pier
    • Mauthe Lake Fishing Pier
    • Mauthe Lake Dam
• Dane County [exit DNR]
• Accessible Fishing on Coon Creek Coon Valley, Wisconsin
• Licenses and permits for people with disabilities

The following site is also a great resource for adaptive fishing equipment and accessible fishing locations in other states.

• Wheelchair Fisherman [exit DNR]

Disabled fishing organizations

There are three prominent disability groups in Wisconsin that provide enhanced fishing experiences to people with disabilities. From adaptive equipment to numerous events throughout the year, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities to get out on the water fishing. See their websites below to find out more.

• Fishing Has No Boundaries [Exit DNR]
• Challenge The Outdoors [exit DNR]
• The North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.) — pontoon boat and lake tours [exit DNR]