Wisconsin Fishing Regulations: Bag Limits, Size Limits and Seasons

These are the statewide daily bag limits and length limits Wisconsin anglers work under, taken from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guide for May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 (general inland season). Statewide means the default: most states, Wisconsin included, override these on specific lakes, rivers and coastal zones, so treat this page as the baseline and the official guide as the rule for the water you are standing on.

The general inland season opens the first Saturday in May and runs into early March. Largemouth and smallmouth bass harvest opens with the general season in the southern zone; in the northern zone, bass are catch-and-release until the third Saturday in June. Muskellunge opens the first Saturday in May in the south and the Saturday nearest Memorial Day in the north. Panfish and catfish are open year-round on most waters. Inland trout streams open the first Saturday in May, with a catch-and-release early season from early January. You will still need the Wisconsin fishing license, which runs $20 for residents and $55 for non-residents; the Wisconsin fishing license page covers short-term options, exemptions and where to buy.

AgencyWisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Regulation yearMay 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 (general inland season)
Free fishingTwo Free Fishing Weekends: the first full weekend in June and the third full weekend in January (June 6-7, 2026 and January 16-17, 2027). No license or trout stamp needed; all other rules apply.
Official regulation guide License cost

Limits last verified 2026-09-16.

Wisconsin freshwater bag and length limits

Statewide freshwater limits. Water-specific exceptions in the official guide take precedence.
Species Daily bag Length
Walleye, sauger and hybridsDozens of lakes and the Ceded Territory use different limits. 5 combined 15 in. minimum on most waters
Northern pikeSome waters use a 2-fish, 26 in. rule. 5 None on most waters
Largemouth and smallmouth bassMany waters carry a 14-18 in. slot or catch-and-release rule. 5 combined 14 in. minimum
MuskellungeHigher minimums (50 in.) on several waters. 1 40 in. minimum
Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch, sunfish, rock bass, white bass)Reduced 10 or 15 limits on many lakes. 25 combined None
Channel and flathead catfish 25 combined None
Inland troutTrout stamp required. Check the county trout maps. 5 on most streams Varies by stream (8 in. is common)
Lake sturgeonOpen only on listed waters in September and October. 1 per season with a tag 60 in. minimum

How to read a bag limit

A daily bag limit is the number of that species one angler may keep in a day, and in most states also the number you may have in possession on the water. Where a row says "combined", the number is shared across every species named in it. A minimum length is measured from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the tail with the tail pinched; a slot means fish inside the range must go back. When a lake has its own rule in the official guide, that rule replaces the statewide one for that water only.

Related: the Wisconsin fishing license page for the fee and where to buy, non-resident fishing license fees across states, and fishing regulations for every state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the bass limit in Wisconsin?

Statewide, Wisconsin allows 5 combined largemouth and smallmouth bass per day, with a length rule of 14 in. minimum. Many waters carry a 14-18 in. slot or catch-and-release rule. Individual lakes often carry a different slot or minimum, so check the water-specific exceptions in the official guide.

How many crappie can you keep in Wisconsin?

The statewide daily limit is 25 combined, size rule none. Reduced 10 or 15 limits on many lakes.

What is the catfish limit in Wisconsin?

Channel and flathead catfish: 25 combined per day, none.

What is the trout limit in Wisconsin?

Inland trout: 5 on most streams per day, varies by stream (8 in. is common). Trout stamp required. Check the county trout maps.

Is there a closed season for fishing in Wisconsin?

The general inland season opens the first Saturday in May and runs into early March. Largemouth and smallmouth bass harvest opens with the general season in the southern zone; in the northern zone, bass are catch-and-release until the third Saturday in June. Muskellunge opens the first Saturday in May in the south and the Saturday nearest Memorial Day in the north. Panfish and catfish are open year-round on most waters. Inland trout streams open the first Saturday in May, with a catch-and-release early season from early January.

When can you fish without a license in Wisconsin?

Two Free Fishing Weekends: the first full weekend in June and the third full weekend in January (June 6-7, 2026 and January 16-17, 2027). No license or trout stamp needed; all other rules apply.

Do I need a license to fish in Wisconsin?

Yes for most adults. The annual Wisconsin fishing license costs $20 for residents and $55 for non-residents. First-time resident buyers pay $5. Anglers 15 and under fish free. See the Wisconsin fishing license page for short-term options and where to buy.

Where do these Wisconsin limits come from?

Every figure on this page was read from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulation guide for May 2, 2026 to March 7, 2027 (general inland season) and last checked on 2026-09-16. The guide, not this page, is the legal document. Use the official source link above before you keep a fish.