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Inland trout fishing

Fishing Wisconsin

fall trout fishing

Fishing Wisconsin's trout

Wisconsin boasts over 13,000 miles of trout streams with over 5,000 classified as high-quality, class I trout streams.

Trout fishing regulations

Enjoy your time on the water, but know the regulations: Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2024-2025[PDF].

TROUT

The Trout Regulations & Opportunities User Tool (TROUT) was designed to help trout anglers find places to fish. The TROUT application includes trout fishing regulations, classified trout waters, public land and DNR fishing easements.

 

TROUT FISHING RESOURCES

Maps of Wisconsin's classified trout streams - arranged by county, this listing of the 13,000 miles of classified trout streams will help you find a prime stream to fish. Learn which streams have naturally reproducing trout populations, which are stocked to jump-start naturally reproducing populations, and which are maintained entirely by stocking.

Catchable-size trout fishing- every year several rainbow, brook and brown trout are stocked at a catchable size for fishing fun.

Public access to trout streams on public lands - This interactive guide shows where you'll find state public lands providing easy access to trout waters.

To Spin or Not to Spin? A spinning rod is the only way to go for many Wisconsin Anglers. Try these spin fishing tips from DNR fisheries biologists and technicians [PDF].

Inland trout management

Managing Wisconsin's inland trout resources through surveys and habitat development.

Public or private? How do I know if I'm trespassing?

Stream access laws for trout fishing - Navigability determines whether a waterway is public or private. Navigable streams are public waterways. Because they are public, you may use them for fishing provided public access is available or you have permission from the landowner. As long as you keep your feet wet, you may walk along the bed of the stream and fish in any navigable stream.

Other trout fishing resources

Check out these other trout resources to make the most of your time on the water.

  • Wisconsin trout stream classification
    Information about, and a listing of, the 10,000 miles of classified trout waters. Learn which streams have naturally reproducing trout populations, which are stocked to jump-start naturally reproducing populations, and which are maintained entirely by stocking.
  • Trout stream classification poster [PDF]
    A detailed, enlarged poster (38" x 44") of all the classified trout streams in Wisconsin for you to save and print.

Trout life history