Wisconsin fishing license prices for 2024
A Wisconsin resident fishing license costs $28.50 for a full year. A 3-day license costs $13.50. A one-day license costs $8.50. Non-residents pay $48.50 for a full year, $23.50 for 3 days, and $13.50 for one day.
These prices are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and have remained stable for several years. You can buy your license online through the Wisconsin DNR website, by phone, or in person at authorized retailers across the state. The license becomes valid when ready when you purchase it online or by phone, so you can fish the same day.
If you fish in both Wisconsin and another state, you only need one license per state. Wisconsin honors licenses from other states, but you must carry both licenses if you fish in both places during the same trip.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin resident annual licenses cost $28.50; non-residents pay $48.50 for the same period.
- Short-term licenses (one day or three days) are available at lower prices if you do not fish regularly.
- You can purchase a license online through the Wisconsin DNR website and start fishing when ready.
- Certain people, including residents over 65 and disabled veterans, may fish without a license under specific conditions.
Where to buy your Wisconsin fishing license
The fastest way to buy a license is online at the Wisconsin DNR's Go Outdoors Wisconsin portal. You will need a valid email address and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). The license prints to your phone or computer as a PDF, and you can fish right away. Print a copy or keep it on your phone—you must show it to a conservation warden if asked.
You can also call the Wisconsin DNR at 1-888-936-7463 to buy a license by phone. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. A staff member will process your payment and email your license within minutes.
In-person purchases are available at thousands of retailers statewide, including sporting goods stores, bait shops, hardware stores, and some grocery stores. A list of authorized vendors is on the Wisconsin DNR website. Buying in person takes a few minutes, and you walk out with a printed license.
Who does not need a Wisconsin fishing license
Wisconsin residents age 65 and older do not need a license to fish in the state. You must show proof of age (a driver's license or ID card) if a conservation warden asks.
Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 0 percent or higher from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs do not need a license. You must carry your VA disability rating letter or a disabled veteran hunting and fishing license (available free from the DNR) as proof.
Children under 16 do not need a license if they fish with a licensed adult. The adult is responsible for the child's catch and must be present and actively supervising. If a child fishes alone or without a licensed adult present, they need their own license.
What your license covers and does not cover
Your Wisconsin fishing license allows you to fish in all public waters in the state, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It covers freshwater fishing only—saltwater fishing in Lake Michigan requires a separate saltwater license.
The license does not cover spearing, netting, or trapping fish. Those activities require separate permits. It also does not cover fishing on private property without the owner's permission. You must respect posted "No Trespassing" signs and ask landowners before fishing on their land.
Your license does not give you the right to keep unlimited fish. Wisconsin has daily catch limits and size restrictions that vary by species and by water body. Check the Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations guide before you fish to learn the rules for the species and location you plan to fish.
Fishing license rules you need to know
You must carry your license with you at all times while fishing. A conservation warden can ask to see it, and you must show it on demand. If you bought your license online, a printed copy or a photo on your phone both count as proof.
Your license is not transferable. You cannot fish under someone else's license, and you cannot let someone else fish under yours. Each person fishing must have their own valid license.
If you lose your license, you can buy a replacement online or in person. There is no extra fee—you straightforward purchase a new one. If you bought it online, you can print another copy from your email or your account on the Go Outdoors Wisconsin website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish in Wisconsin with a license from another state?
No. Wisconsin requires you to have a Wisconsin license to fish in Wisconsin waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Non-residents must buy a Wisconsin license. If you fish in both states during the same trip, you must carry both licenses.
Do I need a separate license to fish in Lake Michigan?
Yes. Fishing in Lake Michigan requires a Wisconsin saltwater license in addition to your regular fishing license. A resident saltwater license costs $13.50 for the year. Non-residents pay $23.50. You can buy it at the same time and place as your regular license.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Wisconsin law. A conservation warden can issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies depending on the violation, but fines typically range from $100 to several hundred dollars. You may also lose the right to fish for a period of time.
Can I buy a Wisconsin fishing license as a gift for someone else?
Yes. You can buy a license online or in person and give the printed copy to someone else. The license is valid as long as the person fishing has it with them. Some retailers also sell gift cards that the recipient can use to buy their own license.
Does my Wisconsin fishing license work on tribal lands?
Tribal lands have their own fishing rules and may require a separate tribal permit. Contact the specific tribe or band whose land you plan to fish on to learn their requirements. Your Wisconsin license alone may not be enough.