2
** This pamphlet is an interpretive summary of Wisconsin’s shing laws and regulations. For
complete shing laws and regulations, including those that are implemented after the publica-
tion of this pamphlet, consult the Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 29 or the Administrative
Code of the Department of Natural Resources. Consult the legislative website - http://docs.
legis.wi.gov - for more information. For the most up-to-date version of this pamphlet, go to
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/shing/regulations.
Free Fishing Weekends— June 1-2, 2024 and Jan. 18-19, 2025
Every year, the third Saturday and Sunday in January and the first consecutive
Saturday and Sunday in June are designated as Free Fishing Weekends
throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can
fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. However,
all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, seasons, etc.) apply.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs,
services, and functions under an Armative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal
Opportunity Oce, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. The Department of Natural Re-
sources is committed to serving people with disabilities. If you need this information in an alternative
format, please call (608) 267-7498.
Purchase your license online at GoWild.wi.gov or at any one
of over 1,000 license agents.
Wisconsin Fishing...
It's Fun And Easy!
To use this pamphlet, follow these five easy steps:
1
Restrictions: Become familiar with new regulations, license requirements
and Statewide Fishing Restrictions.
2
Trout shing: If you plan to fish for trout, please see the separate inland
trout regulations booklet, Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations,
2024-2025, available online, from your license distributor or any DNR
Service Center.
3
Special regulations: Check for special regulations on the water you will
be fishing in the section entitled Special Regulations-Listed by County
beginning on page 30.
4
Great Lakes, Winnebago System Waters and Boundary Waters: If you
plan to fish on the Great Lakes, their tributaries, Winnebago System
waters or waters bordering other states, check the appropriate tables
on pages 64–78.
5
Statewide rules: If the water you will be fishing is not found in the
Special Regulations-Listed by County and is not a Great Lake, Winnebago
system or boundary water, statewide rules apply. See the regulation table
for General Inland Waters for seasons, length and bag limits, listed by
species.
3
Table Of Contents
What's New in 2024-2025 ......................................................................................................4
Violation Hotline .....................................................................................................................4
Fishing Licenses, Stamps, and Tags .................................................................................5
Statewide Fishing Restrictions ..........................................................................................9
General Information
Anglers’ Club .................................................................................................................14
Artificial Lures ...............................................................................................................14
Bag Limits (Daily and Total Daily)............................................................................16
Boating Information ....................................................................................................14
Camping and State Lands ..........................................................................................14
Catch and Release .......................................................................................................14
Catfish Harvest by Alternate Methods ...................................................................15
Clamming ........................................................................................................................15
Crayfish ............................................................................................................................15
Endangered and Threatened Species ....................................................................17
Frogs .................................................................................................................................17
Game Fish, Rough Fish, and Minnows; Definitions .............................................19
Health Advisory for Eating Fish ................................................................................19
Ice Fishing ......................................................................................................................20
Invasive Species ..........................................................................................................21
Measuring Fish ..............................................................................................................21
Minnow and Other Bait Fish Regulations ..............................................................22
Motor Trolling ................................................................................................................23
Native American Reservations .................................................................................23
Panfish ............................................................................................................................23
Record Fish .....................................................................................................................23
Refuges, Fish ..................................................................................................................25
Record Fish Table .........................................................................................................24
Residency, Establishing ..............................................................................................25
Rough Fish ......................................................................................................................25
Tagged Fish.................................................................................................................... 26
Tournament Permits ................................................................................................... 26
Turtles ..............................................................................................................................17
Urban and Community Fishing ................................................................................ 26
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia ..................................................................................27
Warden Authority .........................................................................................................27
Great Lakes and Mississippi River commercial fishing nets ................................... 28
Fish and Fishing Resources ................................................................................................29
Special Regulations—Listed by County ........................................................................ 30
Season, Length Limit, and Bag Limit Tables
General Inland Waters ................................................................................................71
Wisconsin-Michigan Boundary Waters ..................................................................74
Wisconsin-Minnesota Boundary Waters ...............................................................77
Wisconsin-Iowa Boundary Waters ..........................................................................81
Tributary Streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan ......................................... 83
Lake Michigan ...............................................................................................................88
Lake Superior ................................................................................................................91
Winnebago System Waters ....................................................................................... 94
Printed March 2024
4
4
Violation Hotline - Support ethical, responsible shing
TEXT or CALL
1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367)
Toll Free • Statewide • 24-Hour • Confidential
(Please note: This is not an information number)
Give back what you've been given – the gift of shing.
The water is open to everyone. Take someone you know on Wisconsin's
lakes and streams – a child, friend, neighbor, parents ... anyone!
Make some memories, one sh at a time.
Share The Fishing Legacy
• Statewide walleye/sauger bag limit - Beginning April 1, 2024,
most inland lakes will have a walleye/sauger bag limit of
three sh.
• Fishing tournaments - All tournaments that do not require a
permit will be required to self-register. More information on
page 23.
• St. Croix River gamesh regulations - Gamesh regulations
have changed on the St. Croix River. See WI/MN boundary
water regulations on pages 77-80.
Some new regulations for the
2024-2025 fishing season
5
Fishing Licenses, Stamps And Tags
Wisconsin residents who are 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters
of the state. A driver's license or social security number is required to purchase a license.
Please note: A social security number is required to establish an account and purchase your
first license. Residents need a fishing license to take rough fish by hand, hook and line or
to spear fish where allowed. Residents do not need a fishing license to take smelt, rough
fish, or minnows with nets and seines of legal size. See the Guide to Wisconsin Spearing,
Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025 for additional regulations.
Nonresidents who are 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in
Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Nonresidents need a fishing license to take rough
fish by hand, hook and line, or to spear fish where allowed. Nonresidents of any age need
a fishing license to take smelt, spear fish, or to take rough fish and minnows with nets and
seines of legal size. Nonresidents may not sell minnows or smelt. See the Guide to Wiscon-
sin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025 for additional regulations.
Fishing licenses are sold online at GoWild.wi.gov and at over 1,000 license agents. Participants
in fishing excursions led by nonprofits for groups of people with disabilities may not need
fishing licenses. Well in advance of your event, the sponsoring organization should submit
Form 9400-562A Disabled Group Fishing Event License Waiver request to the DNR. The form
can be found online at https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/doclink/forms/9400-562.pdf To receive an
application by mail, call the DNR at 1-888-936-7463.
All 2024 annual licenses are valid from date of purchase through March 31, 2025.
LICENSE FEE
Resident Individual (Annual) Fishing License $20.00
Resident First-Time Buyer License — A reduced-price license
for residents who have not purchased a license before or last
purchased a license 10 or more years ago.
$5.00
Resident One-Day Fishing License — If an angler purchases a
resident individual (annual) fishing license later in the same
license year, the cost of the one-day license will apply towards
the purchase of that license. Please note: License does not
include trout and salmon stamp privileges.
$8.00
Resident Combination (Spousal) License — Issued to a legally
married couple who meet residency requirements.
$31.00
Resident Sports License — This license allows for fishing and
hunting of small game and gun deer. (Nonresident fee $275)
$60.00
Resident Junior Sports License — 12 to 17 years (Nonresident fee
$36.00)
$35.00
Resident Reduced-Rate Fishing License — Required of anglers
16 and 17 years of age and anglers 65 years of age and older.
Residents born before 1927 do not need a fishing license. Simply
carry proof of age when fishing. Nonresident senior citizens
must purchase a regular nonresident license.
$7.00
6
Resident Conservation Patron License — This license serves as a
substitute for separate licenses and stamp privileges for annual
fishing, inland trout fishing, Great Lakes trout and salmon fish-
ing, hook and line lake sturgeon harvest, hunting small game,
turkey, pheasant, deer, waterfowl, archer hunting and trapping
(trapping for residents and qualified nonresidents only). You also
receive an admission sticker for state parks, state forests and
state trails and a one-year subscription to Wisconsin Natural
Resources magazine. (Nonresident fee $600)
$165.00
Resident Junior Conservation Patron License — 10–17 years
(Nonresident fee $77.00)
$75.00
Resident Annual Fishing Licenses For The Disabled — Anglers must
annually provide one of the following as proof: Social Security
Disability Award Notice for the current year, Letter from Social
Security Administration advising the customer is currently (within
the past year) receiving disability benefits, Letter or Notice of
Railroad Retirement Disability or signed statement from a li-
censed physician or optometrist indicating that the customer’s
sight is impaired to the degree that he/she cannot read ordinary
newspaper print with or without corrective glasses. Discount
applies to resident fishing license only. Disabled nonresidents
need to buy a regular nonresident license.
$7.00
Resident Annual Disabled Veteran’s Fishing License — Veterans
must provide one of the following as proof: Veteran’s Disability
Award Letter showing benefits are being paid for a disability of
70% or more, Letter from Veterans Administration that indicates
customer is receiving benefits for a service-related disability of
70% or more, DNR-issued Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veteran
or Former POW Park Admission Card. Nonresident disabled
veterans must purchase a regular nonresident license.
$3.00
Free Annual Resident Armed Forces Fishing License — For members
of the U.S. armed forces who exhibit proof that they are in ac-
tive service with the armed forces and that they are a resident
on furlough or leave (includes the inland trout and Great Lakes
salmon stamps).
No
charge
Nonresident Individual (Annual) Fishing License $55.00
Nonresident First-Time Buyer License — A reduced-price license
for nonresidents who have not purchased a license before or
last purchased a license 10 or more years ago.
$25.75
Nonresident One-Day Fishing License — If an angler purchases
a nonresident individual (annual) fishing license later in the
same license year, the cost of the one-day license will apply
towards the purchase of that license. Please note: License does
not include trout and salmon stamp privileges.
$15.00
Nonresident 4-Day Individual License $29.00
Nonresident 15-Day Individual License $33.00
7
Nonresident 15-Day Family License — Includes children 16 & 17 years
old (Please Note: Family licenses do not include grandchildren
ages 16 & 17 years old).
$45.00
Nonresident Annual Family License — Includes children 16 & 17 years
old (Please Note: Family licenses do not include grandchildren
ages 16 & 17 years old).
$70.00
Annual Inland Trout Stamp Privilege (residents and nonresidents)
— See The Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2024-
2025 for license restrictions. Required in addition to your fish-
ing license to fish trout on tributaries to Lake Superior and all
inland waters, except Green Bay and Lake Michigan tributaries
up to the first dam or lake.
$10.00
Annual Great Lakes Trout and Salmon Stamp Privilege (residents
and nonresidents) — Required in addition to your fishing license
to fish trout or salmon on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green
Bay and the tributaries of Lake Michigan and Green Bay up to
the first dam or lake.
$10.00
Two-Day Sports Fishing License For Residents And Nonresidents
— This license entitles a resident or nonresident to fish the
outlying waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Green Bay,
as well as Lake Michigan and Green Bay tributaries upstream
to the first dam or lake. License includes the Great Lakes Trout
and Salmon stamp privilege.
$14.00
Two-Day Inland Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) Fishing License
(residents only) — This license authorizes fishing for lake trout
only on inland lakes. A general fishing license or trout stamp is
not required to purchase this license.
$14.00
Hook And Line Lake Sturgeon Harvest Tag — Anglers who intend to
harvest a lake sturgeon must purchase this tag first, regardless
of age or need for a fishing license. Harvest tags are available
for both inland waters and WI/MI boundary waters. A fishing
license is required to fish for sturgeon (unless you are exempt),
but a harvest tag is not required for catch and release sturgeon
fishing. (Nonresident fee $50)
$20.00
Inland Trout/Great Lakes Trout And Salmon Stamp Privileges
You must have an Inland Trout Stamp Privilege if you need a fishing license
and intend to fish for trout or salmon in inland waters, including streams
flowing into Lake Superior (except a trout stamp is not needed for fishing lake
trout in inland lakes under the authority of the two-day lake trout, Salvelinus
namaycush, fishing license). You need a Great Lakes Trout and Salmon Stamp
Privilege to fish for trout and salmon in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay
and streams that flow into Green Bay and Lake Michigan from their mouths up
to the first dam or lake including the Milwaukee River upstream to the Grafton
Dam in the village of Grafton and tributaries of the Milwaukee River upstream
to the first dam or lake, and the Menomonee River upstream to the Lepper
Dam in the village of Menomonee Falls and tributaries of the Menomonee River
8
upstream to the first dam or lake. Anyone who is exempt from the requirements
to have a fishing license or who is not required to pay a fee for a fishing license
also does not need to purchase an Inland Trout or Great Lakes Trout and Salm-
on Stamp Privilege to fish for trout in those waters. NOTE: One trout or salmon
stamp covers all people on a nonresident family license. Please consult the
Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2024-2025 for further trout and
salmon information. For online information on Lake Michigan and its tributaries
visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan.
Fishing And Sport Trolling Guide Licenses
Only licensed fishing guides and sport trollers may guide anglers for any com-
pensation. Guide license fee is $40 for a resident and $100 for a nonresident and
are needed to guide on any Wisconsin water. Sport trolling licenses are required
for guiding any person in sport trolling for trout or salmon on any outlying water
of lakes Superior and Michigan and Green Bay. Sport trolling license fee is $100
for a Wisconsin resident and $400 for a nonresident. Interested persons must
submit the fee with the Guide License Application form 9400-019, available online
at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/permits To receive an application by
mail, call the DNR at 1-888-936-7463.
Hook And Line Lake Sturgeon Harvest Tag, Tagging And Registration
Anglers who intend to harvest a lake sturgeon, regardless of age or need for
a fishing license, must first purchase an inland tag (good for sturgeon harvest
in inland waters and Lake Superior) and/or a WI/MI boundary water tag (good
for sturgeon harvest on the Menominee River) online or from your local DNR
Service Center or License Sales Agent. You do not need a harvest tag to catch
and release sturgeon on waters open to sturgeon shing during the open hook
and line season. After you catch a lake sturgeon of legal length that you wish
to keep, you must immediately validate your tag. If you don't plan to keep the
fish, it must be immediately released. It is illegal to tether, keep, or possess a
sturgeon without validating the tag. A harvested fish must be registered at a
designated registration station no later than 6 p.m. the day after you caught the
fish.
Go Wild
Find your adventure hunting, fishing and more in
Wisconsin. Visit GoWild.Wi.Gov or stop at any one of
over 1,000 license agents to buy your licenses today.
The Go Wild system secures your license and
registration information online – no more worries
about losing your one and only copy. An optional
conservation card provides access to your license and
hunter safety certificates. GoWild.WI.Gov also acts as a
portal to help you plan your adventure and make the
most of Wisconsin’s great outdoors. Note: Anglers must
carry a paper copy of their license/stamps when shing
the Great Lakes and boundary waters.
9
Statewide Fishing Restrictions
IT IS ILLEGAL —
LICENSES
It is illegal:
• to sh in any waters of this state without a Wisconsin shing license and stamp
privilege as required. You must be able to present your shing license to a
warden on request. Even waters with no public access (including most private
ponds) are considered waters of the state and the appropriate license, tag or
stamp is still generally required. Note: An angler shing in a man-made articial
pond that is not connected to any other waters of the state located entirely
on private lands of one owner does not need a shing license if the owner has
given the angler permission to sh in that pond. All other rules apply.
• to possess, loan, or borrow another person’s license, stamp or tag.
ANGLING METHODS AND LURES
It is illegal:
• to move live sh away from a water, except minnows that were purchased from
a bait dealer may be moved under the conditions of the Minnows and Bait Fish
Regulations on page 22.
• to sh with more than three hooks, baits or lures.
• to take sh by any means other than hook and line unless otherwise allowed.
• to leave any fish line unattended, except when using licensed setlines or bank
poles. When fishing open water (water not covered by ice), anglers must remain
within 100 yards of their line(s). Failure to immediately respond to any line
(located in open water or on the ice) upon indication of a bite will be sucient
evidence that the line is unattended.
• to fish with an unmanned aircraft system, such as a drone, or to fish using the
technique known as “jug” fishing in all waters of the state. Jug fishing is the
use of any free floating, remote-controlled or anchored bouyant device with
attached hook and line that is not held or otherwise controlled by the angler
with the use of a line.
• to possess or use spears, snag hooks, gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets or fish
traps (except where authorized) or to use or possess on the water unlicensed
setlines, bank poles and trotlines. See the Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting,
and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024–2025 for more information.
• to fish with a minnow 8" or longer unless using a “quick-strike rig” or a “non-
oset circle hook." When using a quick-strike rig and a minnow 8" or longer for
bait, you must immediately attempt to set the hook upon indication of a bite.
A "quick-strike rig" is a bait rig that has one or more treble hooks attached to
the body of a minnow, behind the head. This rig may also include a jig or other
hook in the snout of a minnow. A "non-oset circle hook" means a hook that
is curved in a circular or oval shape so the tip of the point is turned and per-
pendicular to the shank and is designed so that the tip end of the hook is not
oset or angled sideways and is in alignment with the shank – see diagram on
top of page 10.
10
• to fish by snagging, foul-hooking or attempting to hook fish other than in the
mouth.
• to keep foul-hooked, snagged or any fish not hooked in the mouth.
• to take fish other than rough fish, catfish and bullheads by hand.
• to take fish using a firearm, air gun or similar device.
• to fish with a hook and line while operating a dip net from a boat or while in pos-
session of a dip net. Note: A landing net is not a dip net.
• to possess or use a sinker release device while fishing.
• to tag or mark and release fish without first obtaining authorization from the
DNR.
BAIT
It is illegal:
• to release unused bait into Wisconsin’s lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.
• to possess live crayfish while fishing or while possessing angling equipment on
any water. Note: For Mississippi River and outlying waters exceptions, see pages
77, 83, 88 and 91.
• to use goldfish, gobies or alewife in any form for bait in state waters, except that
alewife may be used on Lake Michigan, Green Bay and their tributary streams
up to the first dam or lake.
• to remove insect larvae from a trout stream, except that a licensed angler may
take insect larvae or nymphs from trout streams by hand (no seines or nets)
during the open trout season for their immediate personal use as bait in the
stream from which they were taken. All unused larvae and nymphs must be
returned to the stream prior to leaving the stream from which taken.
• to remove fish eggs for bait from under-sized fish, fish caught during the closed
season for that species or fish caught be illegal methods (i.e., snagged, foul
hooked). Fish eggs may be removed from legal-sized fish and the fish returned
to the water, but the fish would count toward the angler's daily bag limit. Live
fish eggs cannot be transported away from the water.
• to use gamefish as bait unless they meet any length restriction for the water
body you are fishing and are included in your daily bag limit for that species.
• to possess any bait on waters where only the use of artificial lures is authorized.
SEASONS, BAG LIMITS, LENGTH LIMITS AND POSSESSION LIMITS
It is illegal:
• to fish for a species of fish during the closed season for that species (includes
catch and release fishing).
• to possess a fish that is above a maximum length limit or below the minimum
length limit established for the waters being fished.
• to take, catch, kill or fish for any variety of fish in excess of the daily bag limit
or total daily bag limit.
• to group bag. For example, if an angler catches a limit of 25 panfish and gives
them to another person, the person catching the fish has attained their daily
non-oset
circle hook
quick-strike rig
11
bag limit and can no longer keep panfish that day. Any fish received are con-
sidered part of the recipient's possession limit, but not part of their daily bag
limit unless they are possessed while on the water, bank or shore of the water,
ice or while fishing.
• to possess or fish for more than the daily bag limit of fish while you’re fishing
or while you’re on the water, shore of the water, or on the ice, regardless of
number of days fished.
• to possess more than the possession limit (twice the total daily bag limit) at any
time and any location, except from the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters
(defined on page 74) where only one total daily bag limit can be possessed. The
possession limit for the Great Lakes and their tributaries having anadromous
trout is twice the total daily bag limit. The possession limit on trout in inland
waters is 10.
• to transport fish subject to a length limit, unless you keep the carcasses of the
fish with the fillet and the skin and scales remain intact (on the fillets) to show
the fish still meet the length restrictions.
• to sort or cull fish, except as authorized under certain bass fishing tournament
permits. Any fish you take into possession which you do not release immediately
is part of your daily bag limit even if it is released later. “Culling” is the release
of a fish after it was held in an angler’s possession to be replaced with another
fish.
• to fish in trout streams for any species of fish when the trout season is closed,
except that rough fish may be taken by hand.
RESTRICTED FISHING AREAS
It is illegal:
• to sponsor a fishing tournament (that needs a permit) without a permit from
the DNR. See page 26 for tournament details and exemptions.
• to fish in fish refuges. Refuges are posted “No Fishing” with DNR or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service signs. See additional refuge information on page 25.
• to fish within 200 feet of a fishway, lock or dam, except that fish may be taken
by hook and line if the area is not posted otherwise. Note: Rough fish may be
taken by hand year-round or by hand-held spear June 1 to Aug. 31 where spearing
is allowed within 200 feet of a fishway, lock or dam. It is not legal to take rough
fish by hand or by spearing within 200 feet of a fishway, lock or dam located on
the Wisconsin boundary waters with Iowa, Michigan or Minnesota.
• to fish within 500 feet of any DNR net or weir when the area is posted by the
DNR.
OTHER
It is illegal:
• to stock fish into Wisconsin waters (including private ponds) without first ob-
taining a stocking permit.
• to deposit fish carcasses or parts, including entrails or other waste, into Wis-
consin waters or on the bank or shore of any water.
• to use or possess a box or container in which to hold live fish in any water of
the state unless a legible tag bearing the owner or user’s name and address
or DNR customer ID number is attached to the container. Containers and live
boxes used by anglers while fishing are exempt from this requirement.
12
• to buy, sell or trade any game fish. It is legal to sell rough fish (see the defini-
tion of rough fish on page 25). Selling rough fish to anyone other than the final
consumer requires a wholesale fish dealers license unless you hold a commercial
fishing license.
• to buy, sell or trade minnows, frogs or crayfish for use as bait without a bait
dealer license (except residents under 16 years of age - see page 22 for details)
• to transport live rough fish (excluding suckers purchased for bait) or invasive
species into or within the state without a permit from the DNR. Note: Rough fish
or invasive fish that can be revived are considered live fish. Therefore, to ensure
that rough fish, including Asian carp and other invasive fish are dead and no
longer capable of being revived, they must be eviscerated (entrails removed)
or other similar action be taken to assure the fish are dead before transporting
them.
• to withhold catch and fishing eort information when interviewed by authorized
DNR creel clerks.
Bass Management Zones
The following map identifies the boundary and regulation dierences between the
Northern and Southern Bass Management Zones. Check the Special Regulations—
Listed by County (page 30) for exceptions to the following statewide regulations.
See tables on pages 70-74 for specific application of Northern and Southern Bass
Management Zone rules for Lake Michigan, Green Bay and their tributaries.
DOUGLAS
BAYFIELD
ASHLAND
IRON
BURNETT
VILAS
WASHBURN
SAWYER
PRICE
ONEIDA
FOREST FLORENCE
BARRON
POLK
RUSK
TAYLOR
CHIPPEWA
DUNN
ST. CROIX
PIERCE
PEPIN
EAU CLAIRE
CLARK
LINCOLN
MARATHON
LANGLADE
MARINETTE
OCONTO
MENOMINEE
SHAWANO
DOOR
KEWAUNEE
BROWN
OUTAGAMIE
WAUPACA
WOOD
PORTAGE
JACKSON
BUFFALO
TREMPEALEAU
77
27
64
29
Southern Zone
May 4, 2024 to March 2, 2025 —Largemouth and smallmouth bass harvest. Five
largemouth or smallmouth bass in combination may be kept and they must be
at least 14". All other times of year: catch and release only.
Northern Zone
May 4, 2024 to March 2, 2025 — Largemouth bass
harvest. Five largemouth bass may be kept and
they must be at least 14". June 15, 2024 to March 2,
2025 — Smallmouth bass harvest. Five largemouth
or smallmouth bass in combination may be kept
and they must be at least 14". All other times of
year: catch and release only.
13
DOUGLAS
BAYFIELD
ASHLAND
IRON
BURNETT
VILAS
WASHBURN
SAWYER
PRICE
ONEIDA
FOREST
FLORENCE
BARRON
POLK
RUSK
TAYLOR
CHIPPEWA
DUNN
ST. CROIX
PIERCE
PEPIN
EAU CLAIRE
CLARK
LINCOLN
MARATHON
LANGLADE
MARINETTE
OCONTO
MENOMINEE
SHAWANO
DOOR
KEWAUNEE
BROWN
OUTAGAMIE
WAUPACA
WOOD
PORTAGE
MANITOWOCWINNEBAGO
CALUMET
WAUSHARA
JACKSON
JUNEAU
ADAMS
MARQUETTE
GREEN
LAKE
FOND DU LAC
SHEBOYGAN
MONROE
SAUK COLUMBIA
DODGE
WASHING-
TON
OZAUKEE
MILWAUKEE
WAUKESHA
JEFFERSON
DANE
KENOSHA
RACINE
WALWORTH
ROCK
GREEN
LAFAYETTE
IOWA
GRANT
RICHLAND
CRAWFORD
VERNON
LA CROSSE
BUFFALO
TREMPEALEAU
DOUGLAS
BAYFIELD
ASHLAND
IRON
SAWYER
WASHBUR
N
POLK
ST. CROI
X
BARRON
CHIPPEW
A
PEPI
N
BUFFALO
MARATHON
ONIED
A
MENOMINE
E
LINCOL
N
OUTAGAMIE
WAUPAC
A
KEWAUNE
E
MARINETTE
PORTAG
E
WINNEBAGO
WAUSHAR
A
WOOD
BROWN
BURNETT
RUS
K
TAYLO
R
PRICE
DUNN
PIERCE
EAU CLAIRE
CLAR
K
SHAWANO
DOOR
SHEBOYGAN
FOND DU LAC
MANITOWOC
CALUME
T
OZAUKE
E
WASHINGTON
JEFFERSO
N
DODGE
MILWAUKE
E
WAUKESH
A
RACINE
KENOSH
A
WALWORT
H
ROCK
GREEN
IOWA
DANE
LAFAYETTE
COLUMBIA
VERNO
N
SAUK
GRANT
GREEN
LAK
E
MARQUETTE
JUNEAU
ADAM
S
JACKSON
MONROE
LACROSSE
TREMPEALEAU
RICHLAND
CRAWFORD
VILAS
FOREST
FLORENC
E
OCONTO
LANGLAD
E
10
10
10
Northern Zone
(inland waters north of Highway 10
Waldo Blvd — excluding WI/MN boundary waters)
Muskellunge season & limits: May 25 to Dec. 31
(on open water only). One muskellunge
may be kept and it must be at least 40".
Northern pike season & limits: May 4
to March 2, 2025. Five northern pike
of any length may be kept. See
Tributary Streams to Green Bay
and Lake Michigan (page 70) for
exceptions.
Southern Zone
(inland waters south of Highway
10/Waldo Blvd)
Muskellunge season & limits: May 4 to Dec.
31. Only one muskellunge may be kept and it
must be at least 40".
Northern pike season & limits: May 4, 2024 to
March 2, 2025. Two northern pike may be kept
and they must be at least 26".
Ceded Territory
The Ceded Territory encompasses
22,400 square miles of northern Wis-
consin that was ceded to the United
States by the Lake Superior Chippewa
Tribes in 1837 and 1842. Some special
fisheries regulations occur in the ceded
territory as a result of Chippewa o-
reservation treaty rights as mandated
by Federal Court rulings. Some waters
may have more restrictive bag or length
limits. Check for public notices at ac-
cess points.
Ceded Territory Walleye Regulations
Inland lakes and rivers within the Ceded
Territory have a daily bag limit of three
walleye and most have a standard
length regulation where walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
Length and bag limit exceptions to the standard regulation can be found in the
Special Regulations — Listed by County section beginning on page 30.
Muskellunge And Northern Pike Management Zones
US Highway 10 divides the state into a northern and southern management zone
for muskellunge and northern pike. Check the Special Regulations — Listed by
County for exceptions to the following statewide regulations:
14
GENERAL INFORMATION
Anglers’ Club
The Hooked on Wisconsin Anglers’ Club is a program that acknowledges resident
and nonresident anglers for their outstanding sport shing catches. Anglers may
apply for membership in the Live Release, Kept Fish or Mixed Bag categories. For
complete details, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/shing/anglersclub.
Articial Lures
Some regulations restrict anglers to the use of only artificial lures. Artificial
lure means a spoon, spinner, plug or other fish bait made of hair, feathers, cork,
wood, rubber, metal, plastic, or other synthetic materials, or combinations
of these materials. An artificial lure may not include natural or organic food
stus like corn, marshmallows, dough, cheese, meat, living or dead organisms
or parts thereof, except hair, feathers, cork, wood and rubber. Liquid scents
sprayed on an artificial lure are legal to use when fishing waters where only
artificial lures may be used.
Boating Information
A wearable personal flotation device (life jacket) of the correct size for the intended
wearer must be available for each person in a boat. Additional boating informa-
tion is contained in Wisconsin Boating Regulations available online at https://
widnr.widen.net/s/0vw8hwrae3 or by calling 608-266-2141. Information on boat
registration, including online registration and the Boat Registration Application
form 9400-193, can be obtained online at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/reg-
istrations/boat To receive an application by mail, call the DNR at 1-888-936-7463.
.
Camping And State Lands/Removal Of Wood
Camping on state-owned lands is strictly prohibited, except within designated
camping areas or areas otherwise allowed by law. Check with the local DNR oce
for specific camping regulations. Please don’t move rewood. Keeping firewood
local helps protect Wisconsin’s natural resources from emerald ash borer and other
pests and diseases that move around on firewood. Removal of drift wood from
a lakebed or state-owned properties is illegal without a DNR permit. Waterfront
property owners must check with DNR water regulation sta to determine if a
permit would be required to remove wood from a lakebed.
Catch And Release Responsibly
Fish you wish to release, and fish not meeting the legal length limit, should be
played as little as possible and handled carefully with wet hands. The fish should
not be held out of the water longer than necessary to remove hooks, take a pho-
tograph or measure the fish. If live release is intended, a quick-strike rig should
be used, where the hook is set immediately when a fish strikes to prevent deeply
hooked fish. Deep-hooked fish, if meeting the legal limit, should be kept. If the
sh does not meet the legal length limit it must be let go after cutting the line
or leader as close to the hook as possible. For more information on responsible
release, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/shing/outreach/responsiblerelease.html
15
Catsh Harvest By Alternate Methods
Channel and flathead catfish may be harvested by bowfishing or by hand. See the
Guide to Wisconsin Spearing, Netting and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025 for
current harvest regulations.
Clamming
There is no open season for taking live clams (mussels) from any inland water of
the state. Mussels may be taken from boundary and outlying waters. It is illegal to
possess live mussels or take dead mussel shells from the St. Croix and Namekagon
rivers. It is illegal to possess or transport live zebra or quagga mussels without
an invasive species permit. For complete mussel information, visit dnr.wi.gov/
topic/shing/regulation/musselregs.
Craysh
• A fishing or small game license is required to take crayfish, unless under age
16.
• No person may use or possess live crayfish and angling equipment simultane-
ously on any inland water, except the Mississippi River (see pages 77 and 81 for
more details).
• Any non-native species of crayfish must be immediately killed.
• Crayfish traps placed in trout streams shall conform to the dimensions of min-
now traps. See Minnow and other Bait Fish Regulations.
There are no bag or size limits on crayfish and no closed season, except on the
Wisconsin/Minnesota boundary waters where the open season is from May 1 to
the following March 1, both dates inclusive.
Crayfish scoops may be used in Wisconsin/Minnesota boundary waters provided
the scoops do not exceed 4' in length, 3' in width and 18" in depth attached to a
handle not to exceed 4 feet in length.
Crayfish may be taken in all waters by the following means only: By hand, by use
of minnow seines and minnow dip nets, where the same are permitted for the
taking of minnows and by crayfish traps (other than in trout streams) with any
entrance to the trap not to exceed 2-½" at the greatest diagonal measurement.
Crayfish may not be taken by hook and line. Traps must bear the name and ad-
dress or DNR Customer ID of the owner and must be raised and emptied at least
once each day following the day set.
Parts of fish, fish by-products including fish meal or prepared parts of such fish
may not be used for bait unless: the fish were caught from the water being trapped,
were obtained from a bait dealer or were used with written authorization from the
DNR. Other meats (e.g., chicken and beef livers) may be used for bait for crayfish.
Floats or markers used to locate traps 1) may not exceed 5" in size, 2) may not
extend more than 4" above the water surface, 3) must clearly display the name
and address (in the English language) of owner or operator and 4) must not be
orange or any other fluorescent color.
16
TOTAL DAILY BAG LIMITS FOR WISCONSIN FISH SPECIES*
Species Total Daily Bag Limit
Catfish 25 in total; only one may be
a flathead catfish if fishing
Winnebago system waters (see
page 91).
Cisco (lake herring), whitefish and hybrids
Inland waters 10 in total
Outlying waters 10 in total
Lake sturgeon 1 per season
Largemouth and smallmouth bass 5 in total
Muskellunge 1
Northern pike
All waters north of U.S. Hwy 10 5 in total
All waters south of U.S. Hwy 10 2 in total
Panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch,
white and black crappie)
25 in total
Rock bass, white and yellow bass, bullheads,
and rough fish
None
Daily Bag/Total Daily Bag Limits
The daily bag limit is the maximum number of sh that an angler may possess
or reduce to his/her possession from a specied waterbody in one day. The
total daily bag limit is the maximum number of sh that an angler may reduce
to his/her possession in one day from all waters shed for that day. An angler
may combine the catch of a particular species from multiple waters until the
total daily bag limit is reached as long as the daily bag limit for each body
of water is never exceeded. Be aware that while on the water you may not
possess more than the daily limit for that body of water. For example, an angler
catches a daily limit of walleye from a three-bag limit lake. The angler can not
then sh another lake with a two walleye limit while still possessing the three
walleye from the previous lake.
Total Daily Bag Limit (Catsh) - As an example, the daily
bag limit on catfish for most waters is 10 in total (page
71). However, the total daily bag limit is 25. That means
you can combine your catch from multiple waters in a
single day to get your total daily bag limit (25) as long
as the daily bag limit for each body of water is never
exceeded (e.g., 10 from one water, 10 from another water
and 5 from a third water).
17
Rue and gobies (and other nonnative
detrimental fish)
0 but one of each may be killed
and possessed for immediate
delivery to a DNR Service
Center or regional oce.
Shovelnose sturgeon 3
Walleye, sauger, and hybrid (saugeye) 5 in total
* The total daily bag limit may be exceeded only on specic waters authorized
or posted by the DNR. See the Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations,
2024-2025 for trout total daily bag limits.
Endangered And Threatened (E/T) Species
Without a permit, it is illegal to take, possess, transport or sell any species that
is included on the Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species List. Endan-
gered fish species include: skipjack herring, crystal darter, gravel chub, bluntnose
darter, starhead topminnow, goldeye, striped shiner, black redhorse, pallid shiner
and slender madtom. Threatened fish species include: blue sucker, black bualo,
longear sunfish, redfin shiner, river redhorse, pugnose shiner, Ozark minnow, gilt
darter and paddlefish. Visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/endangered resources to find ad-
ditional listed species information.
Frogs
These regulations apply to native Wisconsin frog species, regardless of their
origin.
• The open frog season runs from the Saturday nearest May 1 through Dec.
31.
• Up to five frogs may be taken and possessed without a license.
• Nonresidents are prohibited from harvesting or possessing frogs, except
for use as fishing bait.
• More than five frogs may be collected for use as fishing bait, but no more
than five of any species may be possessed for more than 24 hours.
• Licensed bait dealers and registered fish farmers may possess more than
five specimens of any unprotected amphibian species which are collected
or possessed as part of a bait collection or shipment. Licensed bait
dealers may sell frogs for use as fishing bait.
• It is illegal to take frogs by firearms or airguns.
Turtles
These regulations apply to all turtle species, regardless of their origin.
All residents and nonresidents who collect, attempt to collect or possess native
Wisconsin aquatic turtles must possess one of the following resident or nonresi-
dent licenses: Fishing, Small Game, Sports, Conservation Patron, Setline* or Set
or Bank Pole*. (* These licenses are available only to residents). Existing Senior
Citizen Recreational Cards also qualify. In addition to the licenses listed above,
18
residents holding a Commercial Fishing License may harvest turtles on Missis-
sippi River Boundary Waters. Note: Residents under the age of 16 do not need a
license to take turtles but must comply with all other regulations. Some species
are protected and may not be harvested.
Season
The open turtle season runs from July 15 through Nov. 30. Turtles or turtle eggs
may not be taken during the closed season.
Possession Limits
The possession limit for snapping turtles and softshell turtles is three statewide,
except on the Mississippi River, where the possession limit is 10 for snapping
turtles and five for soft-shell turtles. The possession limit for all other turtle
species (not endangered or threatened) is five in total. There is no open season
on Blanding's turtles.
It is illegal to sell native amphibians and reptiles, except persons with a Class A
Captive Wild Animal Farm license may sell:
1) Eastern tiger salamanders, mudpuppies and northern leopard frogs.
2) Native amphibians and reptiles not considered endangered and
threatened, and collected outside the state, to out of state sources or to
education or research institutions in-state.
In addition, it is legal to sell legally harvested dead turtles and their parts dur-
ing the open season in Wisconsin.
Size Limits
• Snapping turtle size limits are a 12" minimum
and a 16" maximum carapace (top shell
straight front to back) length.
• There are no size limits for other turtles.
Harvesting Methods
• Turtles may be taken by hand, dip net, hook and line, set line, set or bank poles,
hooking or hoop net trap (see allowed design on page 19). No other trap types
are allowed.
• Setlines and set or bank poles must be licensed, tagged and used in compliance
with rules on these lines for fishing. See Guide to Wisconsin Setline, Set and
Bank Pole Regulations, 2024-2025 for details.
• Turtles may not be taken by hook and line from trout streams during the closed
trout season.
• Parts of fish, fish by-products including fish meal or prepared parts of such
fish may not be used for bait unless: the fish were caught from the water being
trapped, were obtained from a bait dealer or were used with written authoriza-
tion from the DNR. Other meats (e.g., chicken and beef livers) may be used for
bait for turtles.
• The number of hoop traps that can be operated are 10 in Iowa-Wisconsin or
Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters and three in all other waters of the state.
front to back
19
Hoop Net Trap Specications
Traps must be made of stretchable fabric (e.g., nylon) and must have a minimum
mesh stretch of 6".
No wire mesh is allowed. Each trap must have a metal tag stamped or engraved
with the name and address of the operator attached, and must be visible above
the water’s surface. The operator identified on the trap tag is the only person au-
thorized to tend these traps. Traps must be set with the hoops exposed a minimum
of 2" above the water’s surface. Turtle traps must be checked and the entrapped
contents removed at least once each day after the day they are set in all waters.
Game Fish, Rough Fish And Minnows; Denitions
Game sh are defined as all varieties of fish (including those commonly referred to
as panfish), except rough fish and minnows. Rough sh include: suckers, common
carp, Asian carp (silver, bighead, black and grass), goldfish, redhorse, freshwater
drum, burbot, bowfin, gar, bualo, lamprey, alewife, gizzard shad, smelt, mooneye
and carpsuckers. Minnows include: suckers, mud minnow, madtom, stonecat, kil-
lifish, topminnow, silverside, sticklebacks, trout perch, darters, sculpins and all
species in the minnow family (except goldfish and carp).
Health Advisory For Eating Fish
Although fish are delicious and nutritious, some fish contain contaminants at
levels that can pose health risks to people who eat fish frequently. To reduce
your exposure to these contaminants, the state issues advice to help you plan
what fish to keep as well as how often and how much fish to eat. Please read
the information below and consult the complete fish consumption advisory as
a guide to eating fish low in contaminants. Fish consumption advice is provided
for fish that may contain mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluo-
rooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other compounds.
Statewide mercury advisory: Mercury is found in almost all waters throughout
the state. Wisconsin’s statewide advice for most of Wisconsin’s inland waters
recommends that:
6" minimum mesh
stretch (knot to knot)
No less than 2"
above water surface
Water surface
Name tag
20
Women of childbearing years, nursing mothers and all children under 15 may
eat:
• One meal per week of bluegill, sunfish, crappies, yellow perch, bull
heads, inland trout;
and
• One meal per month of walleye, northern pike, bass, catfish and all
other species
• Do not eat muskies.
Men and women beyond their childbearing years may eat:
• Unrestricted amounts of bluegill, sunfish, crappies, yellow perch, bull
heads, inland trout;
and
• One meal per week of walleye, northern pike, bass, catfish and all other
species.
• One meal per month of musky.
Studies suggest that regularly including modest amounts of fish and shellfish (one
or two servings per week) in your diet can benefit your health. Little additional
benefit is obtained from consuming more than that amount. And, for some wa-
ters, fewer meals should be eaten. On certain waters, where data indicates higher
mercury levels, more restrictive advice is needed. In addition, fish purchased from
stores or restaurants may contain mercury. Consult the fish consumption advisory
booklet for the list of waters with exceptions to the above advice.
PCB advisory: PCBs are most often associated with industrialized river systems
and the Great Lakes. Check the fish consumption advisory booklet for specific
recommendations on how many meals you can safely eat of fish species caught
from waters contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), such as Lakes
Michigan and Superior, some large rivers and other surface waters. PCBs tend to
build up in fatty tissues, so you can reduce PCB levels in fish you eat by trimming
away the fatty areas and properly cooking your fish. The advisory booklet contains
more information on cooking and cleaning your fish.
PFOS: PFOS are one of many per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a
group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, including
non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of
firefighting foam. These contaminants have made their way into the environment
in a variety of ways, including spills of PFAS-containing materials, discharges of
PFAS-containing wastewater to treatment plants and certain types of firefighting
foams. You can download the complete fish consumption advisory directly at
https://widnr.widen.net/s/s6mkcq6tmr/pub_fh_824_choosewisely
Ice Fishing
Statewide fishing restrictions apply (see page 9). Fishing holes cut through the ice
cannot measure more than 12" across. The doors of enclosed fishing shelters must
be readily opened from the outside while occupied; they may be locked only while
not occupied and not in use. The shelter owner’s name and address (in English)
or DNR Customer ID number must be legibly painted or otherwise axed on the
outside of the fishing shelter with block lettering a minimum of one inch square
21
and in contrasting colors. Fishing shelters that are occupied or otherwise in use
are exempt from this requirement. After the date for removing shelters from the
ice, you may continue to use a portable shelter, but you must remove it daily when
it is not occupied or in use. Shelters must be removed daily on the Fox River in
Brown County from the DePere Dam downstream. All ice fishing shelters must be
removed from the ice daily and when not in use:
• Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior, and inland waters north of Highway
64 after the First Sunday following March 12.
• Inland waters south of Highway 64 after the First Sunday following March 1.
• Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters by March 15.
• Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters by March 1.
• Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters by Feb. 20.
Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species can
crowd out native plants and
animals and threaten the qual-
ity of boating and fishing in the
waters we love. To prevent the
spread of aquatic invasive spe-
cies and diseases Wisconsin
law requires that you:
INSPECT your boat, trailer and equipment.
REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading
& before transporting on a public highway).
DRAIN all water from boats, motors and equipment (livewell, coolers, buckets, etc.).
NEVER MOVE live fish away from a waterbody. Fish out of water are not considered
live. Transport on ice is legal and recommended.
BUY minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer and USE leftover minnows only under
certain conditions.*
*You may take leftover minnows purchased from a Wisconsin bait dealer away
from any state water and use them again on that same water. You may use leftover
minnows on other waters only if no lake or river water, or other fish were added
to their container.
It is illegal to possess, introduce, transport or transfer a live specimen of any
nonnative fish species without a permit issued by the DNR. https://dnr.wiscon-
sin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Fishing/Permits_9400234LiveTransport.pdf
It is illegal to possess, introduce, transport or transfer a live nonnative crayfish
without a permit issued by the DNR, except rusty crayfish when being used as
bait on the Mississippi River.
Measuring Fish
Fish must be measured in a straight line
from the tip of the snout with the mouth
closed to the end of the compressed tail.
22
Minnows And Other Bait Fish Regulations
You may take live minnows purchased from a Wisconsin bait dealer (which includes
Wisconsin registered fish farms) away from a waterbody if any of the following
three conditions are met:
• Anglers can take purchased minnows away from a lake or river and use them
again on that same waterbody.
• Anglers can also take purchased minnows away from a waterbody and use them
elsewhere if no lake or river water or other fish were added to the bait container.
• Anglers can also take purchased minnows away from a waterbody for use
elsewhere if they intend to preserve them as dead bait using approved methods.
In each of these cases, minnows may be transported in the amount of water
needed to keep the minnows alive, up to 2 gallons. No other fish may be held in
the minnow container.
It is illegal for anyone to possess more than 600 minnows, except licensed bait
dealers and residents younger than 16 years who are selling the minnows for
fishing bait. It is also illegal for nonresidents to sell minnows, crayfish or frogs as
bait. Residents 16 years or older must have a bait dealer’s license to sell minnows,
crayfish or frogs for bait. Residents under 16 years can possess no more than
5,000 of each species and can sell less than $500 worth annually without a bait
dealer’s license. Bait dealers and residents older than 16 years are required to
possess an approved wild bait harvest permit to harvest bait minnows from any
approved location. Only licensed bait dealers with a wild bait harvest permit and
a nonstandard gear permit from the DNR may use minnow seines or minnow dip
nets of any type or description in inland trout streams or tributary spring ponds.
During the open trout season, people who do not possess a bait dealer’s license
can’t use more than three minnow traps to harvest minnows from trout streams
and these minnows may not be transported away from the stream alive. Minnow
traps are not allowed in trout streams during the closed season for trout.
BAIT-MINNOW HARVEST IS CLOSED TO ALL PERSONS ON ALL VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC
SEPTICEMIA (VHS) KNOWN AND SUSPECT WATERS. Minnow harvest gear is prohibited
on these waters. Waters include Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the Winnebago
system, the Mississippi River, the Wisconsin River up to the Prairie du Sac Dam
and all waters connected to these waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish.
On all other waters, bait fish may be collected, possessed and used on the water
they were caught on, or a connected water without a wild bait harvest permit
if they are never transported away from the water, bank, or shore. Suckers may
be harvested with dip nets from VHS waters (except Lake Superior), but cannot
be taken away from the water alive. Dead bait (minnows or eggs) can be used
unpreserved on the same water from where it was gathered, or on Lake Michigan
or Green Bay, but otherwise must be preserved by a method that does not require
refrigeration or freezing.
Bait minnows may be taken, where allowed, by the following methods only:
• Hook and line.
• With seines no more than 35 feet long with a mesh no larger than 1/2-inch
stretch measure in inland waters. Fifty-foot lengths of seine may be used in
Minnesota and Iowa boundary waters.
• With dip nets no more than eight feet in diameter or square.
23
• With traps no more than 24" long and 16" in diameter or square with a throat
measuring 1-1/2" or less. All traps must bear their owner’s name and address and
be emptied at least once every 48 hours (once every 24 hours on trout streams).
Note: Except for bait dealers with the proper permits, the transporting of live,
harvested minnows or suckers away from the water where they were caught
is not allowed.
Motor Trolling
Motor trolling is trailing a lure, bait or similar device used to attract or catch fish
from a boat while being propelled (forwards or backwards) by a motor or a sail
or while being towed by a boat being propelled by a motor or sail.
Motor trolling is legal on all inland waters with either:
• One hook, bait or lure/person: maximum of three lines trolled per boat or
• Three hooks, baits or lures/person with no maximum number of lines per boat.
The county-specic trolling regulations are listed in the Special Regulations—
Listed by County section beginning on page 30. An angler who holds a Trolling
Disability Permit and any other persons in the boat may troll using an electric
trolling motor with up to three hooks, baits or lures per person on any water.
Native American Reservations
Native American reservations in Wisconsin are governed by a unique blend of
federal, state and tribal law. You should find out about current tribal policies
for natural resources use at each tribal headquarters before entering a reserva-
tion to hunt or fish. Failure to do so may place you in conflict with the law and
subject you to enforcement action.
Pansh
The term “panfish” is defined as any of the following species: bluegill, pump-
kinseed, black and white crappie, yellow perch, green sunfish, warmouth and
orangespotted sunfish.
Position Fishing
Position fishing is fishing from a boat where the fishing line extends vertically
into the water while the boat is maneuvered (forwards or backwards) by a
motor used to position or maintain the position of the boat over underwater
structure. Position fishing is allowed statewide in all waters.
Record Fish
If you think you caught a fish that may be a state record, here’s what to do:
• don’t clean or freeze the fish.
• keep the fish cool—preferably on ice.
• get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (found in grocery,
hardware stores, etc.) and witnessed by an observer.
• contact the nearest DNR oce to get the fish species positively identified and
to find out whether the fish is a state record.
See page 24 for a partial list of current state record fish. For a complete list of
Wisconsin’s record fish, see https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/tiny/81, contact any DNR
24
Wisconsin’s Hook and Line Record Fish
(For a complete list contact any DNR oce)
Species Weight Date caught Location caught
Bass, Largemouth 11 lbs. 3 oz. 10/12/1940 Lake Ripley, Jeerson Co.
Bass, Smallmouth 9 lbs. 1 oz. 06/21/1950 Indian Lake, Oneida Co.
Bass, Rock 2 lbs. 15 oz. 06/02/1990 Shadow Lake, Waupaca Co.
Bass, Hybrid Striped 13 lbs. 14.2 oz. 03/16/2002 Lake Columbia, Columbia Co.
Bass (White) 5 lbs. 3.8 oz. 05/05/2019 Mississippi River, Vernon Co.
Bluegill 2 lbs. 9.8 oz. 08/02/1995 Green Bay, Brown Co.
Bualo, Bigmouth 76 lbs. 8 oz. 06/21/2013 Petenwell Flowage, Adams Co.
Bullhead, Black 5 lbs. 8 oz. 09/02/1989 Big Falls Flowage, Rusk Co.
Bullhead, Brown 4 lbs. 2 oz. 07/07/2006 Little Green Lake, Green Lake Co.
Bullhead, Yellow 4 lbs. 5 oz. 08/06/2021 White Mound Lake, Sauk Co.
Carp, Common 57 lbs. 2 oz. 08/28/1966 Lake Wisconsin, Columbia Co.
Catfish, Channel 44 lbs. 0 oz. 1962 Wisconsin River, Columbia Co.
Catfish, Flathead 74 lbs. 5 oz. 03/30/2001 Mississippi River, Vernon Co.
Crappie, Black 4 lbs. 8 oz. 08/12/1967 Gile Flowage, Iron Co.
Crappie, White 3 lbs. 13.1 oz. 05/04/2003 Cranberry Marsh, Monroe Co.
Drum (Sheepshead) 35 lbs. 4 oz. 08/29/1992 Mississippi River, Crawford Co.
Muskellunge 69 lbs. 11 oz. 10/20/1949 Chippewa Flowage, Sawyer Co.
Muskellunge, Tiger 51 lbs. 3 oz. 07/16/1919 Lake Vieux Desert, Vilas Co.
Northern Pike 38 lbs. 0 oz. 08/06/1952 Lake Puckaway, Green Lake Co.
Perch, Yellow 3 lbs. 4 oz. 1954 Lake Winnebago, Winnebago Co.
Pumpkinseed 1 lb. 3.4 oz. 05/31/2020 Silver Lake, Washington Co.
Salmon, Coho 26 lbs. 1.9 oz. 08/21/1999 Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Co.
Salmon, Chinook 44 lbs. 15 oz. 07/19/1994 Lake Michigan, Door Co.
Sauger 6 lbs. 6.7 oz. 03/19/2009 Mississippi River, Pierce Co.
Sturgeon, Lake 170 lbs. 10 oz. 09/22/1979 Yellow Lake, Burnett Co
Sturgeon, Shovelnose 7 lbs. 13.1 oz. 05/28/2017 Mississippi River, Vernon Co
Trout, Brook (inland) 9 lbs. 15 oz. 09/02/1944 Prairie River, Lincoln Co.
Trout, Brook (outlying) 10 lbs. 1 oz. 06/08/1999 Lake Michigan, Ozaukee Co.
Trout, Brown (inland) 18 lbs. 6 oz. 05/07/1984 Geneva Lake, Walworth Co.
Trout, Brown (outlying) 41 lbs. 8 oz. 07/16/2010 Lake Michigan, Racine Co.
Trout, Lake (inland) 35 lbs. 4 oz. 06/01/1957 Green Lake, Green Lake Co.
Trout, Lake (outlying) 47 lbs. 0 oz. 09/09/1946 Lake Superior, Bayfield Co.
Trout, Rainbow (inland) 12 lbs. 3 oz. 06/15/2006 Elbow Lake, Marinette Co.
Trout, Rainbow (outlying) 27 lbs. 2 oz. 07/26/1997 Lake Michigan, Kewaunee Co.
Walleye 18 lbs. 0 oz. 09/16/1933 High Lake, Vilas Co.
25
Service Center or write to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of
Fisheries Management, Record Fish Program - FH/4, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
Refuges, Fish
Occasionally, fish need additional protection during critical times of their lives. Fish
refuges are one of the tools a fisheries biologist uses to provide this protection.
Refuges are generally created to protect spawning fish or the nursery areas of
developing fish. All refuges are posted with No Fishing signs from the DNR or the
US Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to enter or disturb, take, catch, capture,
kill or fish for fish in any manner in a posted refuge. Some refuges are operated
year round, while others restrict angler access seasonally. Anglers should contact
their local fisheries biologist for more detailed information on refuges in their
immediate area.
Residency, Establishing
You are eligible to obtain a resident license or a nonresident license at the resi-
dent fee if:
• immediately before applying for a license, you have maintained your perma-
nent residence and have lived in Wisconsin for a period of 30 days. Ownership
of property and payment of property tax do not alone establish residency.
The location where the person votes, pays personal income taxes or obtains a
driver's license are also factors that influence residency.
• you are 16-17 years old and have a parent that is a Wisconsin resident.
• you are a nonresident in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Maritime Service) and are either stationed
in Wisconsin or were a Wisconsin resident when you joined the service.
• you are a full-time nonresident/ student in residence at any Wisconsin public
or private college or university oering degree; or,
• you are a citizen of a foreign country temporarily residing in the state while at-
tending a Wisconsin high school or agricultural short course in the UW system.
Rough Fish
Rough fish may be taken by hand and hook and line. They may also be taken by
spear and bow and arrow/crossbow in some counties (See separate Guide to
Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025). Rough fish
includes suckers, (unless listed as threatened or endangered, page 17), common
carp, invasive carp, goldfish, freshwater drum, burbot, bowfin, gar, sea lamprey,
alewife, gizzard shad, rainbow smelt and mooneye. It is illegal to fish by hook and
line in a trout stream during the closed trout season. (See Guide to Wisconsin
Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025). Note: Unless posted
otherwise, fish may be taken by hook and line and rough fish may be taken by
hand year-round or by hand-held spear June 1 to Aug. 31 where spearing is al-
lowed within 200 feet of a fishway, lock or dam. You may return rough fish taken
by hand or hook and line to the water. Rough fish taken by spear or bow and arrow
may not be returned to the water. Dispose of them properly; do not leave them
on shore or on the ice. Asian carp (e.g., bighead carp, black carp, silver carp and
grass carp) can survive long periods out of the water, especially if placed on ice.
Transportation restrictions on rough fish include:
• It is illegal to transport a live Asian carp unless in possession of a state per-
mit from the DNR and a federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
26
• A fish, even one held out of water that can be revived is considered a live fish
(if put back into water, it will return to life) for the purposes of the rough and
invasive fish transportation restrictions.
• To ensure that rough fish, including Asian carp and other invasive fish are
dead and no longer capable of being revived, the fish must be eviscerated
(entrails removed), the gills cut or some other similar action be taken to as-
sure fish are dead before transporting them.
Tagged Fish And Tagging Fish
DNR fisheries biologists attach tags to fish for research purposes. If you catch a
tagged fish, please notify the nearest DNR oce with the tag number, when and
where the fish was caught, its length and its weight. If you keep the fish, send in
the tag. If you release it, leave the tag on the fish but be sure to record the tag
number. By including your contact information, the biologist will be able to send
back to you information about the tagged fish. It is illegal for anyone to catch, tag,
mark or attach any object and release a fish without first obtaining authorization
from the department. Go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/questions/
taggedsh.html.
Tournament Permits
A permit is required from the DNR to hold a fishing tournament where the waters
to be fished are identified by name, where participants compete for prizes, and
where any of the following apply:
• the tournament either involves 20 or more boats or 100 or more participants;
• the tournament includes any trout species on classified trout streams
• the tournament is a catch-hold-release tournament with either the state-
wide bass regulation of five fish per day and 14" minimum length limit or an
o-site weigh-in
• the tournament allows participants to cull largemouth and smallmouth bass or
• the total prize value is $10,000 or greater.
Application fees must accompany applications and vary depending on the type
of tournament and the amount of prizes being awarded. Details regarding ap-
plication fees and other information on rules governing fishing tournaments can
be found online at: dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/fishingtournaments/. Applications
for holding a fishing tournament can also be submitted online. Results of the
tournament must be reported on forms provided with the permit and returned
to: DNR Fishing Tournaments, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.
New Tournament Rules For 2024 - All tournaments that do not require a permit
are required to self-register to collect information on the number and types of
small tournaments and participants across Wisconsin waters. More Information
and a form are available on the DNR's fishing tournaments webpage.
Urban And Community Fishing
Urban fishing waters are small lakes and ponds under 25 acres that are intensively
and cooperatively managed with a municipality. They are posted with signs, have
special regulations and their shoreline is accessible to the public.
• The following urban waters have a continuous, year-round open season for
all anglers, except for a special season from (March 9 - April 26, 2024; March 8
27
- April 25, 2025) during which only persons 15 years of age and younger and cer-
tain disabled anglers may sh. Regardless of season, the ponds have no length
limits and have a daily bag limit of three trout, one gamesh (largemouth bass,
smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike) and 10 pansh (bluegill,
crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and bullhead).
Posted waters: Brown County: Village of Suamico - Unnamed Fishing Pond (44.61710
N, 88.06849 W) Kenosha County: Anderson Park, Bong Children’s Pond, Milwau-
kee County: Brown Deer Park, Dineen Park, Estabrook Park, Franklin High School,
Greeneld Park, Holler Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Juneau Park, Kosciuszko
Park, McCarty Park, McGovern Park, Miller Park, Mitchell Park, Oak Creek Parkway,
Saveland Park, Schoetz Park, Scout Lake, Sheridan Park, Washington Park, Wilson
Park; Outagamie County: Appleton Memorial Pond; Ozaukee County: Harrington
Beach Quarry, Mequon Rotary Park East and West, Pucketts Pond, Schowalter
Park, Willow Brooke Park; Racine County: Gorney Park, Johnson Park, Lockwood
Park, Pritchard Park, Quarry Lake, Reservoir Park; Rock County: Lions Park Pond
Sheboygan County: Kohler-Andrae State Park Pond, Sheboygan Quarry, Memorial
Park, River Park Lagoon; Vilas County: Pipke Park Pond (T44 R6E S34); Walworth
County: Ceylon Lagoon, Congdon Park, Millpond Park Pond; Washington County:
Boot Lake, Hartford Millpond, Homestead Hollow Park, Kewaskum Millpond, Regner
Pond, Sandy Knoll Park, Wells Lake, Wiedenbach Park Pond; Waukesha County:
Calhoun Park, Delaeld Rearing Pond, Foxbrook Pond, Heyer Park North and South,
Lapham Peak Pond, Lepper Dam Millpond, Lions Park-Overland, Menomonee
Park, Minooka Park, Muskego Park, Nixon Park, Regal Park and Woodeld North.
Current sh stocking and regulation information for southeastern waters is
available from Feb. 15 - Nov. 15 on the 24-hour Urban Waters Fishing Hotline at
414/263-8494 or toll free at 1-888-FISH-LNE (1-888-347-4563).
• The following urban waters have a year-round season and no length limits.
Note: Only persons 15 years of age and younger and certain disabled anglers may
fish these waters. These waters have a daily bag limit of three trout, one gamesh
(largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike) and 10
pansh (bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and bullhead).
Posted waters: Brown County: Manger Lagoon - city of Green Bay; Dane County:
Token Creek ponds, Syene ponds; Langlade County: Remington Lake; Lincoln
County: Mirror Lake.
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, or VHS, is a serious sh disease that was found in
Wisconsin in 2007. VHS is not a threat to human health, but it can affect a variety
of Wisconsin shes and cause large sh kills. To nd out more about VHS and the
current rules to minimize the spread of this deadly sh disease, visit dnr.wi.gov/
topic/shing/vhs.
Warden Authority
Conservation wardens performing their duties may enter private land at
any time. Wardens may also seize as evidence all sh taken or possessed in
violation of the law, and any equipment used in connection with a violation.
Wardens do not have the authority to enforce trespass laws.
28
Great Lakes And Mississippi River Commercial Fishing Nets
Anglers and boaters on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River may encounter commercial
trap nets and gill nets. All state-licensed commercial gear are required to be marked with
floats or sta/flag combinations. Anglers and boaters should give wide berth to any markers,
since anchor lines may extend several hundred feet in any direction from the floats or flags
and along the length of the gear. The diagrams below can assist sport anglers and boaters
in avoiding entanglement of fishing gear or boat propellers.
Tampering with commercial fishing gear is illegal. Removal or destruction of marker buoys
and flags or other disturbance of gear often results in the waste of a valuable resource, since
the nets continue to catch fish. They also can create safety problems for others on the water.
Trap Net
Dark single ag
marks deep end
Orange
agged
anchor bouy
Orange double-
agged anchor
bouy
NO TROLLING
Gill Net
generally set perpendicular to shore
shore
deep water
29
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
30
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶ identifies quality fishing opportunity
Special Regulations—Listed By County
Remember: These regulations apply in addition to the statewide general regu-
lations. Trout regulations are covered in the annual Guide to Wisconsin Trout
Fishing Regulations.
identifies a quality fishing opportunity.
Great Lakes, Tributaries, Winnebago System Waters and Boundary Waters—see
pages 74–94.
ADAMS
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Amey Pond: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32”. Five
largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be kept, except all bass between
14-18” must be released and only one may be longer than 18”.
• Arrowhead Lake: Twenty-ve pansh may be kept, but no more than 10 of any
one species.
• Camelot Lake: Twenty-ve pansh may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Crooked Lake: During May and June, 15 pansh may be kept, but no more than
ve of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 pansh may be
kept.
• Jordan Lake: Five largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be kept, except
all bass between 14-18” must be released and only one may be longer than 18”.
• Mason Lake: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32”. Five
largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be kept, except all bass between
14-18” must be released and only one may be longer than 18”.
• Parker Lake: Five largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be kept, except
all bass between 14-18” must be released and only one may be longer than 18”.
Fifteen pansh may be kept, but no more than ve of any one species. Five
northern pike may be kept, except pike between 25-35" may not be kept.
• Sherwood Lake: Twenty-ve pansh may be kept, but no more than 10 of any
one species.
Wisconsin River (including Castle Rock and Petenwell Flowages and sloughs,
bayous, and owages upstream to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F Only
one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32". Only walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one sh may be over 28".
Muskellunge must be at least 50".
ASHLAND
Ashland County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Tributaries to Lake Superior have dierent regulations for walleye,
sauger, and northern pike (see page 91). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person). With the exceptions below, Northern Bass
Zone rules apply (see the base regulations on page 12).
• Beaver Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Butternut Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be
over 14". Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
31
Day Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
East Twin Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• English Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Flambeau River, North Fork (from Upper Park Falls Flowage Dam in Price County
upstream to the sh refuge below the Turtle-Flambeau Dam in Iron County):
Walleye 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
Kakagon River and Slough: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be
kept and it must be at least 22".
Lake Galilee: The bag limit on panfish is 10 in total.
• Lake Superior: See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91.
Lake Three: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Little Clam Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
Mineral Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14". Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least
18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Potter Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Spider/Moquah Chain: Walleye must be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least
28".
Spillerberg Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be
over 14". Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be
at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Upper Park Falls Flowage: Walleye 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 24".
BARRON
Barron County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
• Bear Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18"
• Beaver Dam Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Chetek Chain of Lakes (Prairie, Chetek, Pokegama, Mud and Ten Mile Lakes): Only
two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Dummy Lake, Big: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18". Only two northern pike may be kept and they
must be at least 26".
• Dummy Lake, Little: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be
kept, except one fish may be over 18". Only two northern pike may be kept and
they must be at least 26".
• Horseshoe Lake (T34N R14W): Only two northern pike may be kept and they must
be at least 26".
• Horseshoe Lake (T36N R14E): Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may
be kept. Walleye must be at least 18".
• Loon Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish may be over 14".
Rice Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Staples Lake: Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
Stump Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
32
• Turtle Lake, Lower: Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18".
• Turtle Lake, Upper: Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18".
BAYFIELD
Bayfield County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). Tributaries to Lake Superior have special regulations for walleye,
sauger, and northern pike. See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91. With the
exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see base regulation on page 12).
Atkins Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Bladder Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
Bony Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only walleye and sauger less than 14”
may be kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept.
Cable Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Combined management with Wiley Lake: only one bass in total
from both lakes.
Diamond Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18". Only two northern pike may be kept
and they must be at least 26".
Eau Claire Lake, Lower: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth bass of any
length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at
least 18".
Eau Claire Lake, Middle: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only walleye and sauger
less than 14” may be kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept. Largemouth bass
of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
Eau Claire Lake, Upper: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth bass of any
length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at
least 18".
• Inch Lake: Artificial lures only. Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only).
• Lake Owen: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18". Walleye must be at least 18".
Namekagon Lake (including Jackson and Garden lakes): Largemouth bass of any
length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at
least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Pigeon Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
Pike Lake Chain (includes Buskey Bay, Millicent, Hart, Twin Bear, Eagle, Flynn and
McCarry lakes combined): Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except one fish
over 18” may be kept.
• Sawdust Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Lake Superior: See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91.
Wiley Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Combined management with Cable Lake: only one bass in total
from both lakes.
33
BROWN
The daily bag limit on catfish is 25, countywide. A portion of Brown County is in the
Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted
countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Fox River: Upstream to the De Pere Dam is considered part of Lake Michigan.
See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74. From the dam at De Pere up-
stream is considered inland water.
F The open season on muskellunge is May
25 to Dec. 31 and they must be at least 50". From the De Pere Dam upstream,
walleye, sauger and their hybrids of any length may be kept and there is a con-
tinuous open season. Below the DePere Dam, a fish refuge season is in eect
from March 1 until May 31.
• Green Bay: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Lilly Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Manger Lagoon: Is an urban fishing water. See regulation details on pages 26-27.
• Tributary Streams to Green Bay: See the tributary streams regulations on page 83.
BUFFALO,
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Chippewa River upstream from the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad
Bridge (includes tributaries of the river from their mouths up to the first road
or railroad bridge)
F Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Mississippi River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters: See page
77 for those regulations.
BURNETT
Burnett County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). A portion of Burnett County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base
regulations on page 12).
Countywide: With the exceptions below, there is no minimum length limit on
largemouth and smallmouth bass in all waters of Burnett County (including all
lakes and owages that are border waters between Burnett and Polk counties).
• Big McKenzie Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Dunham Lake: Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Middle McKenzie Lake : Walleye must be at least 18".
• Namekagon River: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
Namekagon River from the Trego Dam to the conuence with the St. Croix River:
Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• St. Croix River (including owages): Where the St.Croix River forms the boundary
between Wisconsin and Minnesota, boundary water regulations apply. See those
regulations on page 77. Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
• Totagatic River: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
• Webb Lake: Is included in the Southern Bass Management Zone (see page 12).
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
34
CALUMET
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Lake Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Lake Winnebago: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
CHIPPEWA
Chippewa County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded ter-
ritory information). A portion of Chippewa County is in the Northern Bass Zone
(see base regulations on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three
hooks, baits or lures per person).
Chippewa River (each of the following river segments or owage is treated as as
a separate water and the regulations extend upstream on tributaries to the first
dam or lake):
a Dells Pond in Eau Claire County upstream to Chippewa Falls Flowage Dam:
Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be
released and only one may be over 24".
a Chippewa Falls Flowage Dam upstream to Lake Wissota Dam: Walleye of at
least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released and
only one may be over 24".
a Lake Wissota upstream to Old Abe Flowage Dam in Jim Falls, including the
Yellow River upstream to Svetlik Dam at Cadott: Walleye of at least 13" may
be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released and only one may be
over 24". Muskellunge must be at least 50".
a Old Abe Flowage upstream to Cornell Flowage Dam: Walleye of at least 13" may
be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released and only one may be
over 24".
a Cornell Flowage upstream to Lake Holcombe Dam: Walleye of at least 13" may
be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released and only one may be
over 24".
a Lake Holcombe upstream to the Arpin dam in Sawyer County, including the
Flambeau river upstream to the Thornapple owage dam in Rusk County:
Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be
released and only one may be over 24".
aLake Holcombe including the Chippewa River upstream to the conuence
with the Flambeau River, to the mouth of Main Creek, and to the mouth of
the Jump River:
Muskellunge must be at least 50”.
• Cornell Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Hodge Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Island Chain of Lakes (Chain, Clear, Island and McCann): Largemouth and small-
mouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be over 18”.
• Jump River (includes tributaries from their mouths upstream to the rst dam or
lake): Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be
released and only one may be over 24".
Long Lake (T32N, R8W) including Dark and Herde lakes: Walleye must be over 18”.
Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be
kept and it must be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
35
• Pike Lake: Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept,
except one fish over 18” may be kept.
• Round Lake: Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept,
except one fish over 18” may be kept.
• Sand Lake: Walleye must be over 18”. Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any
length may be kept.
CLARK
Clark County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
Lake Arbutus (including Black River up to STH 95; East Fork of Black River to E
Fork Road and Arnold Creek upstream to Bachelors Ave.): Only 10 panfish may
be kept.
• Sherwood Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
COLUMBIA
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Baraboo River:
F
• Columbia Lake: F The daily bag limit on catfish is 10. Only one largemouth or
smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Crawsh River (including impoundments and sloughs):
F
• Fox River (downstream from the west highway crossing of Highway 33 at Portage):
F
• Lazy Lake: F Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Long Lake:
F
• Park Lake (including the Fox River upstream to Highway 33): Only one largemouth
or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18". Only one northern
pike may be kept and it must be at least 32". Walleye must be at least 18".
Wisconsin River (including Lake WI and sloughs, bayous (Okee Bay, Whalen’s
Grade), owages and tributaries upstream to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F Muskellunge must be at least 50". The daily bag limit on catfish is 10. The sea-
son for catfish is open all year except from the Prairie du Sac Dam downstream
to the Highway 12 bridge, where the open season is May 4 through Nov. 30. From
the Wisconsin Dells Dam upstream, only one northern pike may be kept and it
must be at least 32". Upstream from the Prairie du Sac Dam, walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" and only one over 28" may be kept. Below the Prairie
du Sac Dam, walleye must be at least 18" and sauger or hybrids must be at least
15".
CRAWFORD
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Mississippi River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters. See regulations
on page 81.
• Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, owages, and tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F The open season includes tributaries
upstream to the first highway bridge. Only 10 catfish may be kept. Walleye must
be at least 18" and sauger or hybrids must be at least 15"and the daily bag limit
is three in total.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
36
DANE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lake Belleview: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
• Busseyville (Koshkonong) Creek downstream from County Highway B:
F Walleye,
sauger or hybrids must be at least 18".
• Fish Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be
at least 18".
• Indian Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Lake Koshkonong:
F Walleye or sauger must be at least 18".
Lake Mendota including Sixmile Creek (downstream from Highway 19 in Section
8), Pheasant Branch Creek (downstream from Highway M), Yahara River (down-
stream from Highway 19), Cherokee Lake, and Warner Park Lagoons: Only 10
panfish may be kept. Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least
40". Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18".
Lake Monona (including Starkweather and Wingra creeks): Muskellunge must be
at least 50".
• Mud Lake (NW corner of Dane County, west of Fish Lake; S3&4,T9N,R7E): Only one
largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Lake Waubesa (including Nine Springs Creek, Swan Creek, and Upper Mud Lake):
Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Lake Wingra: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, owages, and tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F Upstream of the Highway 12 bridge, mus-
kellunge must be at least 50". The open season includes tributaries upstream to
the first highway bridge. The season for catfish is open all year except from the
Prairie du Sac Dam downstream to the Highway 12 bridge, where the open season
for catfish is May 4 through Nov. 30. Walleye must be at least 18" and sauger or
hybrids must be at least 15".
Yahara River (from Tenney Locks downstream to Babcock Dam): Muskellunge
must be at least 50".
DODGE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Beaver Dam Lake (including Beaver Creek, Mill Creek and all tributaries): Walleye
must be over 18”.
• Beaver Dam River (downstream from the dam in the city of Beaver Dam):
F
• Crawsh River: F
Fox Lake and its tributaries and connected open waters: Walleye must be over 18”.
Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
• Lake Emily: Only two northern pike may be kept and pike from 25-35" must be
released. Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Lake Sinissippi:
F
• Lost Lake: F
37
• Rock River (designated shore shing locations only within the Horicon National
Wildlife Refuge):
F Note: The refuge does not allow sinkers or lures containing lead.
• Rubicon River:
F
• Wildcat Creek: F
DOOR
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Door County inland waters are in the Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations on
page 12).
• Clark Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Kangaroo Lake: Walleye must be over 18”.
• Lake Michigan, Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay: See the Lake Michigan regulations
on page 74.
• Mink River: Fish refuge (season closure) downstream to the mouth at Rowley Bay
from the First Sunday in March through June 15.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan and Green Bay: See the tributary regulations on
page 83.
DOUGLAS
Douglas County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). Tributaries to Lake Superior have special regulations for walleye,
sauger and northern pike. See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91. For lakes
and flowages also partially in Burnett and Washburn counties, largemouth and
smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Douglas County is in the Northern
Bass Zone (see base regulations on page 12).
Amnicon Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Allouez Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
Bond Lake: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be
kept and it must be at least 18".
• Beauregard Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be
over 14".
Eau Claire, Lower: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth bass of any length
may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Kimballs Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
Lake Nebagamon: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Lake Superior (excluding Allouez Bay, Little Pokegama Bay, Pokegama Bay, and
Kimballs Bay): See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91.
Little Pokegama Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See
those regulations on page 77.
• Lyman Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish may be over
14".
• Minnesuing Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish may be
over 14".
• Minong Flowage (upstream to and including Cranberry Lake): Walleye of any
length may be kept, but only one sh can be over 14".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
38
Nemadji River: The muskellunge season is open from May 25 through Dec. 31 (on
open water only). Muskellunge must be at least 50". The northern pike season
is from May 11 through March 1, and there is a daily bag limit of 2. Walleye and
sauger season is open May 11 through March 1 with a daily bag limit of 2. The
bass season is open from May 25 through March 1. Five bass may be kept and
they must be at least 12". Lake sturgeon may be caught and released from June
16 to April 14.
Pokegama Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
Red Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• St. Louis Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• St. Louis River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• Superior Bay: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
Upper St. Croix Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one
smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Whitesh Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
DUNN
Dunn County is partially in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded
territory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Chippewa River (includes tributaries from their mouths upstream to the rst
road or railroad bridge)
F
• Dunnville Bottoms:
F
• Eau Galle River (downstream from Lake Eau Galle): F
• Lake Menomin (including the Red Cedar River upstream from the Lake Menomin
Dam to the Cedar Falls Dam: Only 10 pansh may be kept. Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one sh may be over 24".
• Red Cedar River (from the Chippewa River to Lake Menomin):
F
• Tainter Lake: Only 10 pansh may be kept.
EAU CLAIRE
Eau Claire County is partially in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional
ceded territory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three
hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Altoona Lake: Only 10 pansh may be kept.
• Chippewa River upstream from the Dells Pond Dam, including Dells Pond upstream
to the Chippewa Falls Flowage Dam (includes tributaries from their mouths
upstream to the rst dam or lake): Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except
walleye from 16" to 24" must be released and only one may be over 24".
• Chippewa River downstream of the Dells Pond Dam (includes all tributaries of
the river from their mouths upstream to the rst road or railroad bridge):
F
Walleye must be at least 15".
• Eau Claire, Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any
one species.
39
• Eau Claire River (each of the following river segments or flowage is treated as a
separate water):
a Eau Claire River (from the Altoona Lake Dam downstream):
F Walleye must
be at least 15".
a Altoona Lake upstream to the Lake Eau Claire Dam: Walleye from 15" but less
than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Lake Eau Claire Dam upstream: Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 24".
• Half Moon Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
FLORENCE
Florence County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded ter-
ritory information). Florence County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see the base
regulations on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait
or lure per person; three lines maximum per boat).
• Brule River (and its owages): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.
See those regulations on either page 74 or consult the Guide to Wisconsin Trout
Fishing Regulations, 2024-2025.
• Cosgrove and Little Cosgrove lakes: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less
than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
Ellwood, Lake: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 40".
• Halsey Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of one species.
Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept, except one fish
over 18” may be kept.
Keyes Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Only largemouth and smallmouth bass
less than 14” may be kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept.
• Menominee River (and its owages): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary
waters. See those regulations on page 74.
Sea Lion Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no
more than five of one species.
• Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no
more than five of one species. Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than
14” may be kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept. Walleye must be at least
18".
FOND DU LAC
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Lake Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Fond du Lac River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Forest Lake: Catch and release only for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye,
and northern pike.
• Kettle Moraine Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18". Five northern
pike of any length may be kept.
• Long Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18". Five northern pike of
any length may be kept.
• Mullet Lake:
F Walleye of any length may be kept.
• Rock River:
F Walleye of any length may be kept.
• Tittle Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18". Five northern pike of
any length may be kept.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
40
• Winnebago, Lake: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Wolf Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18".
FOREST
Forest County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). With the exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see page
12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Brule River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those regula-
tions on either page 74 or consult the Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regula-
tions, 2024–2025.
• Butternut Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
• Crane Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Franklin Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Only largemouth or smallmouth bass
less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
Hilbert Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Julia Lake (S12, T38N, R11E): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish
may be over 14". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
Jungle Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye
must be at least 18".
Kentuck Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Lake Lucerne: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18".
Luna Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be
at least 18".
McKinley Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
Pickerel Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Roberts Lake: Five bass of any length may be kept.
• Stevens Lake: Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
Trump Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
• Wabikon/Riley Lakes: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of
one species.
White Deer Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
GRANT
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Mississippi River: For Wisconsin-Iowa boundary water regulations, see page 81.
• Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, owages and tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or highway bridge): F The open season includes tributaries up-
stream to the first highway bridge. Walleye must be at least 18" and sauger and
hybrids must be at least 15".
41
GREEN
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Pecatonica River:
F
GREEN LAKE
Countywide catfish regulations follow those of the Winnebago system waters (see
page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per
person).
• Fox River (below the rst dam upstream from Princeton): See the Winnebago
System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Fox River (above the rst dam upstream from Princeton):
F
• Lake Maria: F
Lake Puckaway: F Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least
32".
• Puckyan River: See Winnebago system waters regulations on page 94.
IOWA
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Blackhawk Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Walleye, sauger or hybids must be
at least 18". Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Cox Hollow Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18". Only 10 panfish
may be kept. Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Twin Valley Lake: Walleye, sauger or hybrids must be at least 18".
• Pecatonica River (East Branch-downstream from the bridge at STH 39—1/2 mile
east of Hollandale):
F
• Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, owages, and tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F The open season includes tributaries
upstream to the first highway bridge. Walleye must be at least 18" and sauger or
hybrids must be at least 15".
IRON
Iron County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per
person; three lines maximum per boat). Tributaries to Lake Superior have special
regulations for walleye, sauger, and northern pike. See the Lake Superior regula-
tions on page 91. With the exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see
page 12).
• Bear River: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 12”, and
only one over 15” may be kept.
• Bearskull Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
Evelyn Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Flambeau River (above Turtle Flambeau Flowage): Muskellunge must be at least
50". Walleye must be at least 12”, and only one over 15” may be kept.
• Flambeau River, North Fork (from Upper Park Falls Flowage Dam in Price County
upstream to the sh refuge below the Turtle-Flambeau Dam in Iron County: ):
Walleye 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
42
Gile Flowage: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept and crappies must
be at least 10". Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
Grand Portage: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Island Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Lake Superior: See the Lake Superior regulations on page 91.
• Manitowish River upstream of the Flambeau River to the Rest Lake Dam (including
Benson, Sturgeon and Vance lakes): Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye
must be at least 12”, and only one over 15” may be kept.
• McDermott Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Mercer Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Montreal River (upstream from Superior Falls along the Michigan boundary): Is
part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those regulations on page
74.
• Montreal River (West Branch): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one
fish can be over 14".
O’Brien Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
One Man Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Owl Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 28".
Pine Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Sherman Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Spider Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
Trude Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 12”, and
only one over 15” may be kept. Only 10 panfish may be kept. Crappie must be at
least 10". Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept, except
one fish over 18” may be kept.
Turtle/Flambeau Flowage: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at
least 12”, and only one over 15” may be kept. Only 10 panfish may be kept. Crappie
must be at least 10". Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be
kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept.
• Turtle River, Little: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 12”,
and only one over 15” may be kept.
Wilson Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 12" and greater than
16" may be kept.
JACKSON
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Lake Arbutus (including Black River up to STH 95; East Fork of Black River to E
Fork Road and Arnold Creek upstream to Bachelors Ave.): Only 10 panfish may
be kept.
• Black River (downstream of the dam in Black River Falls including tributaries up
to the rst road crossing or dam):
F
43
• Buffalo River (including tributaries): Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Trempealeau River (including tributaries): Five northern pike of any length may
be kept.
• Lake Wazee: Only two bass and two walleye may be kept. Only 10 panfish may be
kept.
JEFFERSON
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Bark River (from the mouth upstream to the former Hebron Dam at Highway 106):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Bark River (all other areas):
F
• Bean Lake: F
• Busseyville (Koshkonong) Creek (from the mouth upstream to County Highway
B):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Crawsh River (from the mouth upstream to and including the Highway 19 bridge):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Crawsh River (all other areas):
F
• Golden Lake: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Goose Lake:
F
• Hahns Lake: F
• Lake Koshkonong (and connected tributaries upstream to the rst dam unless
otherwise listed):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Mud Lake (at Koshkonong):
F
• Red Cedar Lake: F
• Rock River (from the Indianford Dam upstream to the lower Watertown Dam)
and connected tributaries (upstream to the rst dam unless otherwise listed):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Rock River (all other areas):
F
• Scuppernong River (downstream from the dam at Palmyra): F
• Waterloo Creek (Maunesha River) downstream from the former Malthouse Dam):
F
JUNEAU
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lemonweir River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the
rst dam or highway bridge):
F Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20"
may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the rst
dam or highway bridge, except the western boundary of the Wisconsin River on
Lake Petenwell is County Highway G) :
F Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only
one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32". Only walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
• Yellow River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the rst
dam or highway bridge):
F Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may
be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
44
KENOSHA
Certain waters in Kenosha County are designated as urban (or special) waters and
have dierent regulations (see pages 23-24). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Countywide: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18".
Fox River:
F
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Paddock Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than
five of any one species.
• Silver Lake: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32". Only
one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Vern Wolf Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only one largemouth or smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
KEWAUNEE
A portion of Kewaunee County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations
on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Green Bay and Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on
page 83.
LA CROSSE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Black River (including tributaries up to the rst road crossing or dam):
F
• La Crosse River (downstream from the Lake Neshonoc Dam including sloughs
and bayous upstream to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F
• Mississippi River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
LAFAYETTE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Pecatonica River (entire East Branch and the West Branch from the US Highway
151 bridge downstream, and from the junction of the East and West branches
downstream):
F
• Yellowstone River (downstream from the Yellowstone Lake Dam): F
Yellowstone Lake (including the Yellowstone River from the lake upstream to
County Highway F): Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye, sauger, and their
hybrids between 15" and 18" and largemouth and smallmouth bass between 12"
and 15" may be kept with a daily combined bag limit of two fish in total.
LANGLADE
Langlade County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded ter-
ritory information). A portion of Langlade County is in the Northern Bass Zone
(see base regulations on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three
hooks, baits or lures per person).
45
• Big Twin Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Crooked Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Crystal Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than five
of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Dynamite Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Greater Bass Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
• Horseshoe Lake (T33N R10E S17): Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length
may be kept.
• Jessie Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Krause Springs: The season on largemouth and smallmouth bass is from May 4
to Oct. 15, bass of any length may be kept and the daily bag limit is five in total.
• Little Partridge Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be
kept.
• Long Lake (T33N R10E S35): Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than
10 of any one species.
• McGee Lake: There is an artificial lure only season on largemouth and smallmouth
bass from May 4 to Oct. 15, bass of any length may be kept and the daily bag limit
is five in total. Bass season is closed during the closed trout season.
• Meyer Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one spe-
cies.
• Moose Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than five
of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Mueller Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Partridge Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Pence Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Pickerel Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Post Lake (Lower and Upper): Only two northern pike may be kept and they must
be at least 26".
• Rabe Lake: The season on largemouth and smallmouth bass is from May 4 to Oct.
15, bass of any length may be kept and the daily bag limit is five in total.
• Remington Lake: Is an urban fishing water. See regulation details on pages 26-27.
• Rogers Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Rolling Stone Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Rose Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Saddlebag Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Saul Springs: The season on largemouth and smallmouth bass is from May 4 to
Oct. 15, bass of any length may be kept and the daily bag limit is five in total.
• Sawyer Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth and smallmouth bass less
than 12" and greater than 16" may be kept.
• Townline Lake (T33N R10E S6): Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length
may be kept.
• White Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than five
of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
LINCOLN
Lincoln County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). A portion of Lincoln County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base
regulations on page 12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait
or lure per person; three lines maximum per boat).
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
46
• Ament Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Bass Lake (Bass and Long Lake Chain): Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass
may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Crystal Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one spe-
cies.
• Echo Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one species.
• Henson Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Hilderbrand Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than
five of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be
kept.
• Hilts Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one spe-
cies.
• Larson Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Long Lake (Bass and Long Lake Chain): Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass
may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Mirror Lake: Is an urban fishing water. See regulation details on pages 26-27.
• Moraine Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Muskellunge Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
• Pesobic Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than
five of any one species.
• Rice Reservoir Chain (including Bridge Lake, Deer Lake, Lake Nokomis and Rice
River Flowage combined): Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10
of any one species. Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 24".
• Tahoe Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Wisconsin River - waters in order from north to south in county - (each of the
following river segment, flowage, impoundment or chain is treated as a separate
water and within each segment the Wisconsin River includes sloughs, bayous and
flowages upstream to the first dam, highway bridge or railroad bridge):
a Lake Alice from Kings Dam upstream to Hat Rapids Dam: The open season
for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, sauger and
their hybrids is from May 4 through March 2, 2025. Northern Bass Zone rules
apply (see page 12).
aLake Mohawksin from Pride Dam upstream to Kings Dam:
F Please note: The
boundary of the Wisconsin and Somo rivers is the Tomahawk Railway Railroad
Bridge on the west side of Lake Mohawksin. The boundary of the Wisconsin and
Tomahawk rivers is the Canadian National Railroad Bridge nearest Baymill Road.
a Grandmother Flowage from Grandmother Dam upstream to Pride Dam:
F
Please note: The boundary of the Wisconsin and Spirit rivers is the conuence
of the Spirit River 1.25 miles downstream from the Spirit River Flowage Dam.
a Grandfather Flowage from Grandfather Dam upstream to Grandmother Dam:
F
a Lake Alexander from Alexander Dam upstream to Grandfather Dam:
F Wall-
eye and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may
be over 28".
aMerrill Flowage from Merrill Dam upstream to Alexander Dam:
F Walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
a Wisconsin River from Wausau Dam in Marathon County upstream to the Merrill
Dam:
F Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye and sauger from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
47
MANITOWOC
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Bullhead Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than
five of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be
kept.
• English Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one spe-
cies.
• Harpt Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Long Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one species.
• Pigeon Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Manitowoc River: Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least
26".
• Silver Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Walleye must be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only
one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Wilke Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Walleye must be at least 18". Only two northern pike may be kept,
except that pike from 25" to 35" must be released.
MARATHON
Marathon County is partially in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional
ceded territory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks,
baits or lures per person).
Big Bass Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
• Big Eau Pleine Reservoir: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
a Big Eau Pleine Reservoir (upstream to the East Highway 153 bridge): Only
one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
aBig Eau Pleine Reservoir (upstream from Dam Road): Walleye and sauger from
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
Big Rib River (upstream of I-39 northbound lane): Walleye and sauger from 15"
but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Eau Claire River (downstream from the Schoeld Dam):
F Walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Johnson Creek (upstream of I-39 southbound lane): Walleye and sauger from 15"
but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Little Eau Claire River (upstream of I-39 southbound lane): Walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Little Eau Pleine River (upstream from State Highway 34): Walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
• Mission Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
• Mud Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one species.
Peplin Creek (upstream of I-39 southbound lane): Walleye and sauger from 15"
but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
• Pike Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but no more than five
of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
48
• Wausau, Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, no more than 10 of any one spe-
cies. Please note: The western boundary separating the Big Rib River from Lake
Wausau is the northbound lane of I-39.
Wisconsin River (downstream of the hydro dam in Merrill including all sloughs,
bayous, and owages up to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F Walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Please note: The eastern boundary of the Wisconsin River and Peplin and Johnson
creeks and the Little Eau Claire River at Lake DuBay is the southbound lane of
I-39.
Wisconsin River (from the Lake DuBay Dam upstream to the hydro dam in Merrill
including Lake DuBay, Mosinee Flowage, Half Moon Lake, Lake Wausau, Wausau
Dam Lake, and all sloughs, bayous, owages and tributaries upstream to the rst
dam or highway bridge): Muskellunge must be at least 50".
MARINETTE
A portion of Marinette County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional
ceded territory information). and in the Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations
on page 12) Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
Caldron Falls: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Twenty-five panfish may be
kept, but no more than 10 of any one species.
• Eagle Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Green Bay: Is part of Lake Michigan—See the regulations on page 88.
High Falls: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Hilbert Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Newton Lake, Big: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Newton Lake, Little: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Tributaries to Green Bay: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Menominee River (and its owages): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary
waters. See those regulations on page 74.
• Oneonta Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Peshtigo Flowage (Peshtigo Dam to the Potato Rapids Dam): Northern Bass Zone
regulations apply (see page 12).
• Thunder Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
MARQUETTE
Countywide catfish regulations follow those of the Winnebago system waters (see
page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per
person).
• Buffalo Lake:
F
• Fox River: F
• Grand River (from the Grand River wildlife area dam downstream to the
Fox River):
F
• Mason Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18". Only one northern pike may be kept and it must
be at least 32”.
• Sharon Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Tuttle Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
49
• White Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Wood Lake: Only two northern pike may be kept, except pike from 25-35" must
be released. Largemouth bass of any length may be kept.
• White River System (from Neshkoro Millpond upstream including Neshkoro Mill-
pond, Lower White River Flowage, West Branch Millpond, and Wautoma Pond):
Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
MENOMINEE
Menominee County is a Native American reservation. Find out about tribal policies
at tribal headquarters. State laws apply to non-Native Americans fishing on the
Menominee Reservation. All waters are closed to hook and line sturgeon fishing.
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
MILWAUKEE
Certain waters in Milwaukee County are designated as urban (or special) waters
and have dierent regulations (see page 26). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
MONROE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Black River (including tributaries up to the rst road crossing or dam):
F
• East Fork Lemonweir River (upstream to the Highway 173 bridge): F Only walleye
and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over
28".
• Fort McCoy US Army Installation: A Fort McCoy fishing permit approval is required
with a Wisconsin fishing license and trout stamp when fishing for trout. For more
information regarding Fort McCoy fishing and Fort McCoy fishing policy and regula-
tions please contact the Directorate of Public Works; IMMC-PWE-N/Permit Sales;
2171 South 8th Avenue; Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5136, (phone 608-388-3337), or visit
the website at https://mccoy.isportsman.net/fishing.aspx
Lake Tomah: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 40".
• Lemonweir River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the
rst water control structure, dam, or highway bridge): Only walleye and sauger
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
• South Fork Lemonweir River (upstream to the Tomah Dam):
F Only walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
.
OCONTO
A portion of Oconto County is in the ceded territory and the Northern Bass Zone
(see page 12 for additional information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Anderson Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Archibald Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 18".
• Bass Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Bear Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Three walleye may be kept per day
from Bear/Munger lakes combined.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
50
• Boot Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Caldron Falls: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Twenty-five panfish may be kept,
but no more than 10 of any one species.
• Chain Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Crooked Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Green Bay: Is part of Lake Michigan. See the regulations on page 88.
• John Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Kelly Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Tributaries to Green Bay: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Maiden Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Munger Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Three walleye may be kept per day
from Bear/Munger lakes combined.
• Paya Lake: Five smallmouth and largemouth bass may be kept. Smallmouth bass
must be at least 14”. Largemouth bass between 14-18” may not be kept and only
one over 18” may be kept. Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Reservoir Pond (including Horn, Explosion and Little Horn lakes combined):
Walleye must be at least 18". Three walleye may be kept per day from these
lakes combined.
• Rost Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Surprise Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Townsend Flowage: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Waubee Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Wescott Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Wheeler Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Walleye must be at least 18". Five
largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• White Potato Lake: Five largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept (largemouth
of any length, smallmouth must be at least 14").
ONEIDA
Oneida County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). With the exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see page
12). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per person;
three lines maximum per boat).
• Amber Lake (formerly Squaw Lake): Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more
than five of any one species. Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish
can be over 14".
Muskellunge must be at least 28"
Bearskin Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Walleye of any length may be kept,
but only one fish can be over 14". Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may
be kept and it must be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
Bird Lake: Walleye must be at least 18"
• Booth Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Burrows Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Carrol Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
Clear Lake (S16, T39N, R7E): Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only one walleye
may be kept, and it must be at least 18" but walleye from 22"-28" may not be kept.
51
• Cranberry Lake (Eagle Chain - see Vilas Co): Only walleye and sauger less than
14” may be kept, except one fish over 18” may be kept.
Crescent Lake (near Rhinelander): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only
one fish can be over 14". Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept
and it must be at least 18".
• Diamond Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Gilmore Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Hasbrook Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Indian Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one spe-
cies.
Katherine Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Largemouth and smallmouth
bass of any length may be kept. Only one walleye may be kept, and it must be at
least 18" but walleye from 22"-28" may not be kept.
• Julia Lake (Three Lakes Area; S6, T38N, R12E): Walleye of any length may be kept,
but only one fish can be over 14". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Julia Lake (near Rhinelander, S12, T36N R08E): Largemouth and smallmouth bass
of any length may be kept.
• Madeline Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
Maple Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Mercer Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Minocqua Chain (and connecting waters, including Jerome, Kawaguesaga, Little
Tomahawk, Mid, Minocqua, Mud and Tomahawk lakes): Largemouth and small-
mouth bass of any length may be kept. No walleye may be kept - catch and
release only. Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Moen Chain (including Moen, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth lakes and connect-
ing waters, combined): Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one
species. Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be
over 24".
North Nokomis Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Only largemouth and small-
mouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
Oneida Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18". Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than
five of any one species. Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can
be over 14".
Pelican Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Rainbow Flowage: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Rice Reservoir Chain (including Bridge Lake, Deer Lake, Lake Nokomis and Rice
River Flowage combined): Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10
of any one species. Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 24".
Shishebogama Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Twenty-five panfish of any
length may be kept, except five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over
7". Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept, except one
fish over 18” may be kept.
• Squash Lake (T36N, R7E, S24): Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth and
smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
52
• Squirrel Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
Stella Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Walleye must be at least 18".
• Sugar Camp Chain (Dam lake, Sand lake, Echo lake, Chain lake, Stone lake and
connecting waters combined): Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 24".
• Three Lakes Chain (including Big, Big Fork, Big Stone, Mud, (Crystal), Deer, Dog,
Fourmile, Island, Laurel, Little Fork, Long, Medicine, Moccasin, Planting Ground,
Rangeline, Round, Spirit, Townline, Virgin and Whitesh lakes and connecting
waters combined): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be
over 14".
Thunder Lake (T38N, R10E): Walleye must be at least 18".
Two Sisters Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Willow Flowage: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Wisconsin River (each of the following river segment, flowage, impoundment,
or chain is treated as a separate water and within each segment the Wisconsin
River includes sloughs, bayous, and flowages upstream to the first dam, highway
bridge, or railroad bridge) :
a Otter Rapids Dam (in Vilas county) downstream to Rainbow Flowage; Walleye
from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Rainbow Flowage (south of Wilderness Trail in Vilas County downstream to
Rainbow Dam): Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 24".
a Rainbow Dam downstream to Rhinelander Flowage; Walleye from 15" but less
than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Boom-Rhinelander Chain (includes Rhinelander Flowage from Bridge Road
downstream to St Regis Dam, Boom Lake, Bass Lake, Thunder lake and Lake
Creek upstream to Forest Lane, combined): Walleye from 15" but less than 20"
may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". During May and June, 15 panfish
may be kept, but no more than five of any one species. During the remainder
of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
a Rhinelander Dam downstream to Hat Rapids Flowage; Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Hat Rapids Flowage (from upstream bank of Pelican River mouth) downstream
to Hat Rapids Dam; Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 24".
a Hat Rapids Dam downstream to Kings Dam in Lincoln County (including Lake
Alice): Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may
be over 24".
OUTAGAMIE
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Embarrass River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Fox River (from Appleton Lock 1 downstream to De Pere Dam):
F Five northern
pike of any length may be kept. The open season on muskellunge is May 25 to
Dec. 31 and they must be at least 50". Walleye, sauger, and their hybrids of any
length may be kept.
53
• Fox River (from Appleton Lock 1 upstream to Neenah-Menasha dams (Winnebago
County), including Little Lake Butte des Morts, its tributaries, backwaters and
sloughs, Mud Creek and Neenah Slough)
F There is a continuous open season
on largemouth and smallmouth bass. The open season on northern pike is May
4 to March 2, 2025. Only two northern pike may be kept, and pike between 25-35"
must be released. Walleye, sauger and their hybrids of any length may be kept.
The open season on muskellunge is May 25 to Dec. 31 and they must be at least
50".
• Shioc River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Wolf River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
OZAUKEE
Certain waters in Ozaukee County are designated as urban (or special) waters and
have dierent regulations (see pages 26-27). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
PEPIN
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Chippewa River upstream of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy railroad bridge
(includes tributaries upstream to the rst road or railroad bridge):
F Five northern
pike of any length may be kept.
• Eau Galle River:
F
• Lake Pepin: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• Mississippi River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
PIERCE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lake George: Twenty-five panfish may be kept.
• Mississippi River (including Lake Pepin): From its confluence with the St. Croix
River downstream, is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• Nugget Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass under 14" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 18".
• St. Croix River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
POLK
Polk County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept in all
waters that are border waters between Burnett and Polk counties.
• Balsam Lake: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be
at least 18".
• Bear Trap Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
54
• Big Butternut Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18".
• Big Round Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
Bone Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Cedar Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Deer Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 18".
• Half Moon Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Walleye must be at least 18".
• Horseshoe Lake (T34N R15W): Two northern pike may be kept and they must be
at least 26".
Largon Lake: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Long Lake (T34N R17W S6, S7): Two northern pike may be kept and they must be
at least 26".
• Loveless Lake: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Pipe and North Pipe lakes: Five largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be
kept, but only one may be a smallmouth bass and it must be at least 18”. Walleye
must be at least 18".
• St. Croix River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• Wapogasset Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18".
• Ward Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye
must be at least 18".
PORTAGE
With the exceptions below, northern pike regulations follow the northern pike
management zones (see page 13). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three
hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Bass Lake:
F
• Collins Lake: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Emily Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species.
• Jacqueline Lake: One largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and they must
be at least 18". One northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
• Jordan Pond: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Lime Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one spe-
cies.
Little Eau Claire River: Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 28".
Little Eau Pleine Flowage and River (upstream of State Highway 34): Walleye and
sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Mill Creek:
F
• Pleasant Lake: F
Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the
rst dam or highway bridge): F Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20"
may be kept, except one fish may be over 28". Five northern pike of any length
may be kept on Lake DuBay. Downstream from the Lake DuBay Dam, only one
55
northern pike at least 32" may be kept . Muskellunge must be at least 50". From
the Stevens Point Flowage Dam to the AlTech Park spillway, only one largemouth
or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18". Please note: The
eastern boundary of the Wisconsin River and the Little Eau Claire River at Lake
DuBay is the southbound lane of I-39.
PRICE
Price County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per
person). With the exceptions below, Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see page 12).
• Bass Lake (T40N, R2W, S15—West of Park Falls): Walleye of any length may be kept.
• Butternut Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one
species. Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
• Cochran Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Cranberry Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Elk River and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries upstream to the rst
dam or lake (each of the following river segments is treated as a separate water):
a Elk river upstream from the Lac Sault Dore Dam (including Lac Sault Dore
(Soo Lake) and Grassy Lake) to Jobes dam: Walleye 15" but less than 20" may
be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but
only 10 of any one species.
a Elk river upstream from Jobes dam to Musser Flowage Dam (including Phillips
Chain of lakes: Duroy, Elk, Long, Wilson lakes, and connecting waters): Walleye
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Twenty-five
panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
a Elk River upstream from Musser Flowage Dam (including Musser Flowage):
Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over
24".
• Flambeau River and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries upstream to the
rst dam or lake (each of the following river segments or flowage is treated as a
separate water):
a Upper Park Falls Flowage Dam upstream to the sh refuge below the Turtle-
Flambeau Dam in Iron County: Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 24".
a Lower Park Falls Flowage Dam upstream to the sh refuge below the Upper
Park Falls Flowage Dam: Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 24".
a Pixley Flowage Dam upstream to Lower Park Falls Flowage Dam: Walleye from
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Crowley Flowage Dam upstream to Pixley Flowage Dam: Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
a Big Falls Flowage Dam in Rusk County (Flambeau river) upstream to Crowley
Flowage Dam (North Fork Flambeau river): Walleye from 15" but less than 20"
may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen panfish may be kept, but
only five of any one species.
• Flambeau River, South Fork and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries up-
stream to the rst dam or lake (including Elk River upstream from its conuence
with the South Fork Flambeau River to Lac Sault Dore Dam): Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
• Jump River (and its tributaries upstream to the rst dam or lake): Walleye of at
least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released, and only
one may be over 24".
• Newman Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
56
• Pike Lake Chain (includes Pike, Round, Turner, Amik lakes and connecting wa-
ters combined): Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any
one species. Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish
may be over 24". Motor trolling is allowed with three hooks, baits or lures per
person in Pike, Round, Turner and Amik lakes.
• Riley Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Sailor Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Solberg Lake (including tributaries up to the rst dam or lake): Twenty-five panfish
may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one species. Walleye from 15" but less
than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Muskellunge must be at
least 28".
• Twin Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
RACINE
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Certain waters in Racine County are designated as urban (or special) waters and
have dierent regulations (see pages 23-24).
Countywide: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18".
• Bohners Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one
species.
• Browns Lake: Five northern pike of any size may be kept. Largemouth bass must
be at least 16".
Eagle Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 22". Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 40".
Fox River (downstream from the dam at Waterford):
F
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Rockland Lake: Largemouth bass less than 12" and greater than 16" may be kept.
• White River (downstream from the Burlington Dam):
F
RICHLAND
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lee Lake: Walleye, sauger, or their hybrids must be at least 18"
• Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, owages, and tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F The open season includes tributaries
upstream to the first highway bridge. Walleye must be at least 18" and sauger or
hybrids must be at least 15".
ROCK
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Lake Koshkonong (and connected tributaries upstream to the rst dam unless
otherwise listed): F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids may be kept and they must
be at least 18”.
Lake Leota: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Walleye must be at least 18".
57
• Rock River (from the Indianford Dam upstream to the lower Watertown Dam)
and connected tributaries (upstream to the rst dam unless otherwise listed):
F Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18”.
• Rock River (all other areas):
F
RUSK
Rusk County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). A portion of Rusk County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base
regulations on page 12).
• Chippewa River (from Lake Holcombe Dam upstream to the Arpin Dam including
tributaries upstream to the rst dam or lake and the Flambeau River downstream
from the Thornapple Dam including tributaries upstream to the rst dam or
lake): Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be
released, and only one may be over 24".
• Flambeau River and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries upstream to the
rst dam or lake (each of the following river segments is treated as a separate
water):
a Big Falls Flowage Dam (Flambeau river) upstream to Crowley Flowage Dam
(North Fork Flambeau river) in Price County: Walleye from 15" but less than
20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen panfish may be kept,
but only five of any one species.
a Dairyland Reservoir Dam upstream to Big Falls Flowage Dam: Walleye from 15"
but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen panfish
may be kept, but only five of any one species.
a Ladysmith Flowage Dam upstream to Dairyland Reservoir Dam: Walleye from
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen
panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
a Thornapple Flowage Dam upstream to Ladysmith Flowage Dam: Walleye from
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen
panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Flambeau River, South Fork and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries up-
stream to the rst dam or lake (including Elk River upstream from its conuence
with the South Fork Flambeau River to Lac Sault Dore Dam): Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
Holcombe Flowage: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Island Chain of Lakes (Chain, Clear, Island and McCann lakes combined): Large-
mouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be at least
18".
• Jump River (and its tributaries upstream to the rst dam or lake): Walleye of at
least 13" may be kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released, and only
one may be over 24".
Murphy Flowage: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18". Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at
least 26". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Pulaski Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth and smallmouth bass of
any length may be kept.
• Sand Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any
length may be kept.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
58
SAUK
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Baraboo River:
F
Devil's Lake: Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept,
except one fish may be over 18". Only one northern pike may be kept and it must
be at least 32". Possession and use of spears, bows/crossbows and similar devices
is prohibited.
• Dutch Hollow Lake: Five northern pike may be kept, except pike between 25-35”
must be released.
Lake Redstone: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Mirror Lake: Five northern pike may be kept, except pike between 25-35” must be
released.
• Virginia Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
Wisconsin River (including Lake WI and all sloughs (Gallus Slough), bayous, ow-
ages, and tributaries upstream to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F Upstream
from the Highway 12 bridge, muskellunge must be at least 50". The season for
catfish is open all year, except from the Prairie du Sac Dam downstream to the
Highway 12 bridge, where the open season is May 4 through Nov. 30. From the
Wisconsin Dells Dam upstream, only one northern pike may be kept and it must
be at least 32". Upstream from the Prairie du Sac Dam, walleye and sauger from
15" but less than 20" and only one fish over 28" may be kept. Below the Prairie
du Sac Dam, walleye must be at least 18" and sauger or hybrids must be at least
15".
• White Mound Lake: Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14" may be
kept, except one fish may be over 18".
SAWYER
Sawyer County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). For all lakes and flowages that are also partially within Washburn
County, largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. A portion
of Sawyer County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base regulations on page 12).
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per person and
three lines maximum per boat), except as listed below:
Birch Lake: The daily bag limit on panfish is 25, of which only 10 may be bluegill.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be
at least 18".
Black Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 28".
• Black Dan Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Blueberry Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of
any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Chetac Lake, Big: Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per
person). The daily bag limit on panfish is 25, of which only 10 may be bluegill.
Largemouth or smallmouth bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be at
least 18".
59
Chippewa Flowage (includes Lake Chippewa, West Fork of Chippewa River upstream
to the Moose Lake Dam, James Slough and Scott, Tyner, Crane, James, Crystal and
Moonshine lakes): Ten northern pike of any length may be kept. Muskellunge must
be at least 50". The open season on walleye is May 4 to Nov. 30 for the Chippewa
Flowage. Only three walleye may be kept per day from the Chippewa Flowage and
the Chippewa River downstream to the Arpin Dam combined. Largemouth bass of
any length may be kept, but smallmouth bass must be at least 14". Only 10 panfish
may be kept.
Chippewa River (downstream from Winter Dam including all tributaries upstream
to the rst dam or lake): Muskellunge must be at least 50”.
• West Fork Chippewa River (from Moose Lake Dam upstream to FR 176): Walleye
of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
• Chippewa River downstream of Arpin Dam to the Lake Holcombe Dam and
tributaries to the rst dam or lake (including the Flambeau River upstream to
Thornapple Flowage Dam): Walleye of at least 13" may be kept, except walleye
from 16" to 24" must be released, and only one may be over 24".
Christner Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Connors Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Durphee Lake (in combination with Schoolhouse Lake): Fifteen panfish may be
kept, but only five of any one species. Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth
and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Evergreen Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Flambeau River and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries (from Big Falls
Flowage Dam in Rusk County upstream to Crowley Flowage Dam on the North
Fork Flambeau River in Price County): Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may be
kept, except one fish may be over 24". Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five
of any one species.
• Flambeau River, South Fork and its impoundments, sloughs and tributaries up-
stream to the rst dam or lake (including Elk River upstream from its conuence
with the South Fork Flambeau River to Lac Sault Dore Dam): Walleye from 15" but
less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24".
Grindstone Lake: Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per
person). Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass
may be kept and it must be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only
walleye less than 14” may be kept, except one fish may be over 18”.
• Holly, Lower: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
Island Lake (T39N, R5W, S2): Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one
species.
Lac Courte Oreilles Chain (Lac Courte Oreilles Lake, Little Lac Courte Oreilles Lake
and Billy Boy Flowage) : Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per
person). Ten northern pike of any length may be kept chainwide. Muskellunge must
be at least 50". Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Lake of the Pines: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one spe-
cies.
• Mason Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species except muskellunge, lake sturgeon, trout, paddlefish
and threatened or endangered fish.
¶ identifies quality fishing opportunity
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
60
Moose Lake: Only five panfish may be kept and only one may be over 12". Walleye
of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
Nelson Lake: Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Only 10 panfish may be kept. Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may
be kept. Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32". Walleye
must be at least 18".
• Osprey Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species. Wall-
eye must be at least 18". Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be
kept.
• Quiet Lakes Chain (including Lost Land and Teal lakes and Teal River Flowage):
Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species. Largemouth bass
of any length may be kept.
Radisson Flowage: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Round Lake Chain (Round and Little Round lakes): Motor trolling is permitted
(three hooks, baits or lures per person). Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but
only 10 of any one species. Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one
smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Sand Lake (includes Sissabagama Creek 1/2 mile upstream to Sand Lake Road):
Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Schoolhouse Lake (in combination with Durphee Lake): Fifteen panfish may be
kept, but only five of any one species. Walleye must be at least 18". Largemouth
and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
Sissabagama Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Largemouth and smallmouth
bass of any length may be kept. Walleye must be at least 18".
Smith Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Largemouth and smallmouth bass of
any length may be kept.
• Spider Lake Chain (Big Spider, Little Spider, Clear, Fawn and North lakes): Ten
northern pike of any length may be kept chainwide. Largemouth and smallmouth
bass of any length may be kept.
• Spring Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Tiger Cat Chain of Lakes (Burns, Lower Twin, McClaine, and Placid lakes, Tigercat
Flowage and Upper Twin lake all downstream to the Tiger Cat Flowage Dam com-
bined): Ten northern pike of any length may be kept chainwide. Only largemouth
and smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
Whitesh Lake: Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Only one smallmouth bass may be
kept and it must be at least 18". Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must
be at least 18".
• Windigo Lake: Motor trolling is permitted (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species. Walleye of any length
may be kept but only one fish can be over 14".
Winter Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
SHAWANO
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
61
Countywide: All waters except Lake Winnebago System waters (see page 94):
Walleye or sauger must be at least 18".
• Caroline Pond: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Cloverleaf Chain of Lakes: Twenty-five panfish of any length may be kept, except
five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over 7".
• Embarrass River (downstream from the Pella Dam): See the Winnebago System
Waters regulations on page 94.
• Pella Pond: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• White Clay Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Wolf River (downstream from the Shawano Paper Mill Dam): See the Winnebago
System Waters regulations on page 94.
SHEBOYGAN
Certain waters in Sheboygan County are designated as urban (or special) waters
and have dierent regulations (see pages 26-27). Motor trolling is permitted
countywide (one hook, bait or lure per person; three lines maximum per boat).
Countywide: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18".
Big Elkhart Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Crystal Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept. Five
northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Lake Michigan: See the Lake Michigan regulations on page 74.
• Tributaries to Lake Michigan: See the tributary regulations on page 83.
• Sheboygan Marsh (waters above the dam including Sheboygan Lake and its
tributaries upstream to the rst road crossing): F Five northern pike of any length
may be kept.
ST. CROIX
St. Croix County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded terri-
tory information). The countywide daily bag limit on panfish in all inland waters
is 10 in total. Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
• Apple Lake (fomerly Squaw): Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may
be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
• Bass Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 18".
• Dry Dam Lake: One largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be
at least 18". Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
• Glen Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except one
fish may be over 18".
• Lake George: Twenty-five panfish may be kept.
• St. Croix River (including Lake St. Croix): Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota
boundary waters. See those regulations on page 77.
TAYLOR
Taylor County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person). A portion of Taylor County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see base
regulations on page 12).
62
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
• Chequamegon Waters (also called Miller Dam Flowage): During the months of
May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species. During
the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Jump River (and tributaries to the rst dam or lake): Walleye of at least 13" may be
kept, except walleye from 16" to 24" must be released, and only one may be over
24".
• Kathryn Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Rib Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Spruce Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Twin lakes, North and South: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length
may be kept.
TREMPEALEAU
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Black River (including tributaries up to the rst road crossing or dam):
F
• Buffalo River (upstream of Highway 93 bridge, including tributaries): Five northern
pike of any length may be kept.
• Mississippi River: Is part of the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 77.
• Osseo Club Pond: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Trempealeau River (upstream of the dam in Blair, including tributaries): Five
northern pike of any length may be kept.
VERNON
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
• Jersey Valley Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
has to be at least 18".
• Mississippi River: Contains both Wisconsin-Minnesota (page 77) and Wisconsin-
Iowa (page 81) boundary waters. The Minnesota-Iowa state line is approximately
1.3 miles north of Victory. Please see the proper regulations for those waters.
VILAS
Vilas County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per
person; three lines maximum per boat), Northern Bass Zone rules apply (see page 12).
• Allequash Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of
any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Amber Lake (formerly Squaw Lake): Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more
than five of any one species. Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one
fish can be over 14".
Muskellunge must be at least 28".
Annabelle Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
• Anvil Lake: Only one walleye of at least 18" may be kept, except walleye from
22"-28" may not be kept.
• Arbor Vitae, Big: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
63
• Arbor Vitae, Little: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be
over 14".
• Basin Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
• Bear River: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 12”, and
only one over 15” may be kept.
• Big Lake (S13, T43N, R8E): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See
those regulations on page 74.
Big Lake (S4, T42N, R6E): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish
can be over 14". Largemouth and smallmouth bass may not be kept (catch and
release only).
• Big Bateau Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
Big Muskellunge Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can
be over 14". Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Big Portage Lake: Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except one fish may be
over 18”. Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at
least 18".
Big Sand Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Twenty-five panfish of any length
may be kept, except five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over 7".
• Birch Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
Bittersweet Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass may not be kept.
• Boulder Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Buckatabon lakes, Upper and Lower combined: Largemouth and smallmouth
bass of any length may be kept.
• Crab Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
• Crampton Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
• Crystal Lake (S1, T42N, R10E): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.
See those regulations on page 74.
• Cyrus Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those regula-
tions on page 74.
Dead Pike Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Deerskin Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Eagle Chain (and connecting waters including Catsh, Cranberry, Duck, Eagle, Lynx,
Otter, Scattering Rice, Voyageur, Watersmeet and Yellow Birch lakes combined):
Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except, one fish may be over 18”.
Ellerson lakes, East and Middle: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may
be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Escanaba Lake: There is a continuous open season on all species except walleye.
Walleye fishing season is open from the second Saturday in June to the first Sunday
in March (June 8, 2024 to March 2, 2025). Walleye from 15" but less than 20" may
be kept and only one fish may be over 24" until department notification that the
annual quota has been reached, and thereafter only catch-and-release fishing
for walleye is allowed. Lead tackle less than 1" in diameter or 1 oz. in weight is
prohibited.
• Fishtrap Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
Forest Lake: Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except, one fish may be over
18”. Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least
18".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
64
• Found Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Gresham Lake, Upper: Muskellunge must be at least 28".
Gunlock Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Twenty-five panfish of any length
may be kept, except five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over 7". Only
largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept, except one fish over
18” may be kept.
• High Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Ike Walton Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Kentuck Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Lac Vieux Desert: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74. Walleye must be at least 18".
• Laura Lake: Only one walleye of at least 18" may be kept, except walleye from
22-28" may not be kept.
Little Bass Lake (S15, T40N R8E): Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may
be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Little Presque Isle Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See
those regulations on page 74.
Little St. Germain: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one spe-
cies. Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Little Trout Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
Long Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at least 18".
• Lost Canoe Lake: Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except one fish may be
over 18”.
• Mamie Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those regu-
lations on page 74.
• Manitowish Chain of Lakes (Alder, Clear (T42N R5E S12), Fawn (T42N R5E S11),
Island, Manitowish, Little Star, Rest, Spider, Stone and Wild Rice lakes and con-
necting waters combined): Three walleye per day chainwide from 15” but less
than 20” may be kept and only one fish may be over 24”.
• Manitowish River (including Benson, Sturgeon and Vance lakes) downstream
from the Rest Lake Dam: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye must be at
least 12”, and only one can be over 15”.
• Mill Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those regula-
tions on page 74.
• Mystery Lake: There is a continuous open season on all species.
• Nebish Lake: There is a continuous open season on all species. Only bass 14" or
less can be kept. Lead tackle less than 1" in diameter or 1 oz. in weight is prohib-
ited.
• North Crab Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
• Norwood Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
Oberlin Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass may not be kept (catch and
release only).
• Oxbow Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over
14".
65
Pallette Lake: There is a continuous open season on all species. Only one small-
mouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 22". The lake trout season is closed.
Lead tackle less than 1" in diameter or 1 oz. in weight is prohibited. Walleye of
any length may be kept.
• Palmer Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
Papoose Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Partridge Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Pickerel Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Pike Lake Chain (Amik, Pike, Round and Turner lakes combined): Twenty-five
panfish may be kept, but no more than 10 of any one species. Walleye from 15"
but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 24". Motor trolling
is allowed with three hooks, baits or lures per person in Amik, Pike, Round and
Turner lakes.
• Plum Lake (S9, T43N, R8E): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.
See those regulations on page 74.
Plum Lake (S36, T41N R7E): Muskellunge must be at least 50".Only walleye less than
14” may be kept, except one may be over 18”. Only one largemouth or smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Presque Isle Chain (Including Presque Isle, Averill, Van Vliet lakes combined):
Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14". Only one
largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18". Muskel-
lunge must be at least 50".
Prong Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass may not be kept (catch and release
only).
Razorback Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18".
• Roach Lake (S7, T43N, R8E): Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.
See those regulations on page 74.
• Rock Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
• Rush Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
Salsich Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• Sherman Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept but only one fish can be over
14".
• Shishebogama Lake: Walleye must be at least 18". Twenty-five panfish of any
length may be kept, except five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over
7". Largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept, except one fish
over 18” may be kept.
Smith Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass may not be kept (catch and release
only).
• Smoky Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74. Largemouth or smallmouth bass between 14-18" must be
released, and only one bass over 18" may be kept.
Sparkling Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18". Walleye must be at least 18".
• Spruce Lake: There is a continuous open season on all species. Only artificial flies
and lures may be used. Largemouth bass season is open all year; only two may
be kept and they must be at least 12".
• Star Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
66
• Stateline Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
• Tenderfoot Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
• Trilby Lake: There is no open season.
Trout Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only one largemouth or smallmouth
bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Turtle lakes, North and South: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one
fish can be over 14".
• Twin lakes, North and South, combined: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Walleye
over 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish can be over 24".
Wabasso Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18".
• West Bay Lake: Is part of the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters. See those
regulations on page 74.
West Plum Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it
must be at least 18". Only walleye less than 14” may be kept, except one may be
over 18”.
White Sand Lake—Highway K (T42N, R7E, S27): Walleye must be at least 18". Only
one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
Muskellunge must be at least 50”.
Whitney Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
WALWORTH
Certain waters in Walworth County are designated as urban (or special) waters and
have dierent regulations (see pages 26-27). Motor trolling is permitted countywide
(three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Countywide: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18".
• Beulah Lake: Only largemouth and smallmouth bass less than 12" and over 16"
may be kept.
Delavan Lake: Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be at least 18".
• Eagle Spring and Lulu lakes (and the portion of the Mukwonago River connecting
the two lakes): Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only largemouth or smallmouth bass
less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18". Only one northern
pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
Geneva Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Five northern pike of any length
may be kept.
• Lauderdale Lakes (Green, Middle and Mill): Only largemouth or smallmouth bass
less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18".
• Tripp Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Turtle Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
67
WASHBURN
Washburn County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded ter-
ritory information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or
lures per person). A portion of Washburn County is in the Northern Bass Zone (see
base regulations on page 12).
Countywide: With the exceptions below, there is no minimum length limit on
largemouth and smallmouth bass in all waters of Washburn County.
• Balsam Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
• Bass (Patterson) Lake (S17, T40N, R10W): Walleye of any length may be kept, but
only one fish can be over 14".
• Bear Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Big McKenzie Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Birch Lake: The daily bag limit of panfish is 25, of which only 10 can be bluegill.
Walleye must be at least 18".
• Long Lake (including Mud and Little Mud lakes combined): Walleye must be at
least 18".
• Middle McKenzie Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Minong Flowage (including Cranberry Lake; upstream to the conuence of Tota-
gatic River and Bergen Creek): Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one
fish can be over 14".
• Namekagon River: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
Namekagon River from the Trego Dam to the conuence with the St. Croix River
Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Nancy Lake: Walleye must be at least 18".
• Red Cedar Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
• Shell Lake: Walleye of any length may be kept, but only one fish can be over 14".
• Slim Lake: Only two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Totagatic River: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
• Trego Flowage: Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 14".
WASHINGTON
Certain waters in Washington County are designated as urban (or special) wa-
ters and have dierent regulations (see pages 26-27). Motor trolling is permitted
countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Countywide: Walleye, sauger or their hybrids must be at least 18".
• Cedar Lake, Big: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one spe-
cies.
Two northern pike may be kept, but pike between 25-35" must be released.
• Cedar Lake, Little: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one spe-
cies. Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Erler Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must be
at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Gilbert Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
Two northern pike may be kept, but pike between 25-35" must be released.
• Lake Twelve: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Silver Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
F Hook and line fishing is open all year for all fish species, except muskellunge, lake
sturgeon, trout, paddlefish and threatened or endangered fish.
¶identifies quality fishing opportunity
68
WAUKESHA
Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures per person).
Certain waters in Waukesha County are designated as urban (or special) waters
and have dierent regulations (see pages 26-27).
Countywide: Walleye and sauger and their hybrids must be at least 18" (see Lac
LaBelle exception).
Big Muskego (including Bass Bay): One largemouth or smallmouth bass may be
kept and it must be at least 18". Only 15 panfish may be kept and they must be
at least 8". Only two northern pike may be kept, except pike from 25-35" may not
be kept.
• Eagle Spring and Lulu lakes (and the portion of the Mukwonago River connecting
the two lakes): Only 10 panfish may be kept. Only largemouth or smallmouth bass
less than 14" may be kept, except one fish may be over 18". Only one northern
pike may be kept and it must be at least 32".
• Fowler Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Lac LaBelle: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only one walleye may be kept
and it must be at least 28". There is a closed season on flathead catfish. Only 15
panfish may be kept. Only one northern pike may be kept and it must be at least
32".
• Oconomowoc Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Oconomowoc Lake, Upper: Two northern pike may be kept, but pike between
25-35" must be released. Muskellunge must be at least 50".
• Oconomowoc River (from Lac LaBelle upstream to the outlet of North Lake, in-
cluding connecting portions with Fowler Lake, Lac LaBelle, Oconomowoc Lake,
Okauchee Lake, and Upper Oconomowoc Lake): Muskellunge must be at least
50".
• Okauchee Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Two northern pike may be kept,
but pike between 25-35" must be released.
Pewaukee Lake: Muskellunge must be at least 50". Only one northern pike may
be kept and it must be at least 32".
WAUPACA
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Winnebago system waters
(see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (one hook, bait or lure per
person; three lines maximum per boat).
Countywide: All waters except Lake Winnebago System waters (see page 94):
Walleye or sauger must be at least 18".
• Brekke Lake: Largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 18".
• Campbell Lake:
F Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Cincoe Lake: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Crystal Lake:
F Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Embarrass River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Graham Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Hartman Creek State Park lakes (Allen, Hartman and Mid): Fifteen panfish may
be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Hatch Lake: One largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it has to be at
least 18".
69
• Iola Millpond: Only 10 panfish may be kept.
• Kinney Lake: F Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Little Wolf River (downstream from the dam at Manawa): See the Winnebago
System Waters regulations on page 94
• Marion Pond: Two northern pike may be kept and they must be at least 26".
• Partridge Crop Lake: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Partridge Lake: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• School Section Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one
species.
• Shadow Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Stratton Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Waupaca River (downstream from the dam at Weyauwega): See the Winnebago
System Waters regulations on page 94.
• White Lake: Five northern pike may be kept, but fish between 25-35" must be
released. Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
• Wolf River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
WAUSHARA
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Alpine Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Bean’s Lake: F
• Big Hills Lake: Twenty-five panfish may be kept, but only 10 of any one species.
Largemouth bass of any length may be kept. Five northern pike of any length may
be kept.
• Fox River: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
Hartford Lake: Only one largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept and it must
be at least 18". The combined daily bag limit on panfish is 10 in total.
• Huron Lake: Five largemouth and smallmouth bass in total may be kept. Large-
mouth bass of any length may be kept, but smallmouth bass must be 14". Only
10 panfish may be kept.
• Irogami Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept. Two
northern pike may be kept, but pike from 25-35" may not be kept.
• Johns Lake: Largemouth bass of any length may be kept.
• Kusel Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any one
species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept.
• Lake Poygan: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Little Hills Lake: Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
The combined daily bag limit on panfish is 10 in total.
• Long Lake: Only 10 panfish may be kept. Two northern pike may be kept, except
pike from 25-35" may not be kept.
• Morris Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Pearl Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept. Five largemouth bass
of any length may be kept.
• Pine Lake: Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Pine River (downstream from the dam at Poysippi): See the Winnebago System
Waters regulations on page 94.
• Porters Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species.
• Pumpkinseed Creek: See the Winnebago System Waters regulations on page 94.
70
Round Lake (S35, T20N, R11E): Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14"
may be kept, except one fish may be over 18" with a daily bag limit of three in
total.
• Silver Lake: Two northern pike may be kept, but pike from 25-35" must be released.
• White River System (from Neshkoro Millpond upstream including Neshkoro
Millpond, Lower White River Flowage, West Branch Millpond, and Wautoma
Pond): Five northern pike of any length may be kept.
• Willow Creek (downstream from the dam at Auroraville): See the Winnebago
System Waters regulations on page 94.
• Wilson Lake: Two northern pike may be kept, except pike from 25-35" must be
released.
• Witters Lake: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but only five of any one species. Large-
mouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept.
WINNEBAGO
The countywide daily bag limit on catfish is 25, except on Winnebago system
waters (see page 94). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits
or lures per person).
• Little Lake Butte des Morts (including Mud Creek, Neenah Slough and tributaries,
backwaters and sloughs, and the Fox River from Neenah-Menasha dams downstream
to Appleton Lock 1 - Outagamie County)
F There is a continuous open season on
largemouth and smallmouth bass. The open season on northern pike is May 4
to March 2, 2025. Only two northern pike may be kept, and pike between 25-35"
must be released. Walleye, sauger and their hybrids of any length may be kept.
The open season on muskellunge is May 25 through Dec. 31 and they must be at
least 50".
• Winnebago system waters from the Neenah-Menasha Dams upstream, including
the upper Fox and Wolf Rivers, Lakes Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Winneconne,
Poygan and other connected waters: See the Winnebago System Waters regula-
tions on page 94.
WOOD
Wood County is in the ceded territory (see page 13 for additional ceded territory
information). Motor trolling is permitted countywide (three hooks, baits or lures
per person).
Buena Vista Creek (upstream to the Nepco Dam):
F Walleye and sauger from
15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may be over 28".
Nepco Lake: During May and June, 15 panfish may be kept, but only five of any
one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept. Walleye,
sauger and their hybrids must be at least 18".
Wazeecha Lake: Walleye, sauger and their hybrids must be at least 18".
Wisconsin River (including all sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the
rst dam or highway bridge):
F One northern pike may be kept and it must be
at least 32". Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except
one fish may be over 28". Muskellunge must be at least 50".
Yellow River (downstream from the Highway 54 dam at Dexterville including all
sloughs, bayous, and owages upstream to the rst dam or highway bridge):
F
Walleye and sauger from 15" but less than 20" may be kept, except one fish may
be over 28".
71
OPEN SEASONS, LENGTH LIMITS AND BAG LIMITS
GENERAL INLAND WATERS
*Remember: Also check the Special Regulations–Listed by County section, the Great Lakes, the Winnebago System Waters, the
Boundary Waters tables and the Tributary Streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan table.
FISH SPECIES – NOTE: Species not listed have no open season (e.g.,
A American eel, grass pickerel)
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT
MINIMUM
LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH BASS (LMB) HARVEST May 4 – March 2 5 14 inches
SMALLMOUTH BASS (SMB) HARVEST Northern Zone (see map on page 12)
June 15 – March
2
5 in total with
LMB
14 inches
Other inland waters May 4 – March 2
5 in total with
LMB
14 inches
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS Statewide - all inland waters
All other times
of the year.
0 (catch and release only)
ROCK, YELLOW (STRIPED) and WHITE BASS Open all year none None
PANFISH: BLUEGILL, PUMPKINSEED, SUNFISH, CRAPPIE and YELLOW PERCH Open all year 25 in total None
BULLHEADS and ROUGH FISH (see denition on page 25) Open all year none None
CATFISH (CHANNEL, FLATHEAD) Open all year 10 in total None
CISCO and WHITEFISH Open all year 10 in total None
72
MUSKELLUNGE (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Northern Zone: Inland waters north of U.S. Hwy 10 (excluding Wis-Mich.
boundary waters)
May 25 – Dec. 31
(on open water
only)
1 40 inches
Southern Zone: Inland waters south of U.S. Hwy 10 May 4 – Dec. 31 1 40 inches
NORTHERN PIKE
Northern Zone: Inland waters north of US Hwy 10 (excluding Wis-Mich.
boundary waters)
May 4 – March 2 5 None
Southern Zone: Inland waters south of US Hwy 10 May 4 – March 2 2 26 inches
PADDLEFISH (SPOONBILL CATFISH) No open season — no fishing for paddlefish.
RUFFE, WHITE PERCH, GOBIES and other nonnative detrimental sh species
No open season — one may be killed and possessed
for transport to a DNR oce — 0 bag limit
LAKE STURGEON
Chippewa River: West Fork downstream from Moose Lake Dam (Sawyer
County) and East Fork (Ashland County) downstream to the confluence
of the Mississippi River (Pepin County) including sloughs, bayous, and
flowages upstream to first highway or railroad bridge. Flambeau River:
North Fork from Turtle-Flambeau Dam (Iron County) and South Fork (Price
County) downstream to the confluence with the Chippewa River (Rusk
County) including sloughs, bayous, and flowages upstream to the first
dam or highway bridge. Butternut Lake (Price County) Jump River from the
North and South Forks to the confluence with the Chippewa River (Rusk
County); Yellow, Little Yellow, and Danbury Flowage chain of lakes (Burnett
County); Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells Dam (Columbia County)
downstream.
Sept. 7 – Sept.
30 (All Lake
sturgeon taken
with hook and
line must be
tagged and
registered. See
page 8 for more
information).
1 per season 60 inches
Other inland waters Closed all year — no fishing for lake sturgeon
GENERAL INLAND WATERS (CONT.)
73
SHOVELNOSE STURGEON
Lower Wisconsin River from the Prairie du Sac Dam downstream Open all year 3 None
All other inland waters Closed all year — no fishing for shovelnose sturgeon
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Most waters in the Ceded Territory (see page 13 for map and further
information)
May 4 – March 2 3 in total
15 inches but
less than 20
inches may be
kept; with one
over 24 inches
Most other inland waters. May 4 – March 2 3 in total 15 inches
TROUT and SALMON—see Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2024-2025 or the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and
Tributary Streams tables on pages 83-91.
W
I
S
C
O
N
S
I
N
C
O
N
S
E
R
V
A
T
I
O
N
C O N G R E S S
Citizen Input in Conservation
Get Involved — Attend the Spring Hearings
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/wcc
GENERAL INLAND WATERS (CONT.)
74
WISCONSIN-MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS
Includes the Brule, Menominee and Montreal rivers and their sloughs and owages; that portion of Green Bay at the mouth of the
Menominee River between the “government pier” or break wall on the south and the “lighthouse pier” or breakwall on the north and
a line connecting the eastern-most points of those breakwaters on the east; and Basin, Big, Big Bad Water, Big Bateau, Crampton,
Crystal, Cyrus, Lac Vieux Desert, Little Presque Isle, Mamie, Mill, Norwood, Plum, Roach, Smoky, State Line, Tenderfoot and West Bay
lakes.
FISHING RESTRICTIONS ON WISCONSIN-MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS
• Please note: Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license while shing the Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters
• Each angler may sh with not more than a total of three baits, lures or hooks.
• You may not take more than the daily bag limit of fish in a single day. The possession limit or maximum number of fish you may have
in your possession at any time is the same as the daily bag limit.
• Goldsh, alewife and live craysh may not be possessed or used for bait on Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.
• Ice fishing: Angler name and address must be prominently displayed on ice fishing shelters (portable or otherwise) when not oc-
coupied or otherwise in use.
• It is illegal to fish using any method other than hook and line within 200 feet of any fishway, lock or dam.
• Motor trolling is permitted on Wisconsin-Michigan Boundary Waters with three hooks, baits, or lures per person, except Vilas and
Iron County boundary waters, where trolling is allowed with one hook, bait or lure per person and three lines maximum per boat.
• Wisconsin residents need a Wisconsin fishing license and a Michigan resident needs a Michigan fishing license to fish these waters.
Residents of other states need a nonresident license from Wisconsin or Michigan. Regulations on these waters dier between the
two states. You must obey the regulation of the state in which you are fishing. Wisconsin license holders must have a valid Great
Lakes Trout and Salmon stamp privilege (except with a two-day Sports Fishing License) to fish trout or salmon in the Menominee
River from the Hattie Street Dam downstream to the eastern end of the breakwalls in Green Bay.
75
FISH SPECIES
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT
MINIMUM
LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS HARVEST All boundary waters June 15 – Dec. 31 5 in total 14 inches
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS All boundary waters
All other times
of the year
0 (catch and release only)
MUSKELLUNGE (INCLUDES HYBRIDS) Some waters may have larger
minimum length limits; look for signs and inquire locally.
June 1–Dec. 31
(on open water
only)
1 50 inches
Menominee River—From the Hattie Street Dam in the city of Marinette
downstream to the eastern end of the breakwalls in Green Bay
June 1–Dec. 31
(on open water
only)
1 54 inches
NORTHERN PIKE May 4 –March 1 5 None
YELLOW PERCH, WHITE BASS, YELLOW (STRIPED) BASS, CRAPPIE, BLUEGILL
and PUMPKINSEED (SUNFISH)
Open all year 25 in total None
TROUT and SALMON
Smoky Lake, Montreal River and Menominee River from its mouth
upstream to the first dam
Open all year 5 in total 10 inches
Brule River upstream from Hwy 2
April 27 – Sept.
30
5 in total
brook trout 8
inches brown
trout 12 inches
WISCONSIN-MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
76
Brule River downstream from Hwy 2 and other Wisconsin-Michigan
Boundary Waters
April 27 – Sept.
30
5 in total 7 inches
LAKE STURGEON (Lake sturgeon taken with hook and line must be tagged
and registered. See page 8 for more information.)
Upstream from the Grand Rapids Dam on the Menominee River Sept. 7 – Sept. 30 1 per season 60 inches
Downstream from the Grands Rapid Dam on the Menominee River Sept. 7 – Sept. 30 0 (catch and release only)
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
In lakes May 4 – March 1 5 in total 15 inches
In rivers and their flowages
March 2 – May 3 1 15 inches
May 4 – March 1 5 in total 15 inches
CISCO and WHITEFISH Open all year 10 in total None
RUFFE
No open season—one may be killed and possessed
for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional
Oce
CATFISH Open all year 10 None
ALL OTHER SPECIES Open all year None None
WISCONSIN-MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
77
WISCONSIN-MINNESOTA BOUNDARY WATERS
Applies to the stretch of the Mississippi River shared by Wisconsin and Minnesota lying between the Burlington Northern and
Santa Fe railroad tracks on the Wisconsin side of the river and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific railroad tracks on the
Minnesota side of the river, including Lake Pepin and Lake St. Croix; the St. Croix River from the Burlington Northern railroad bridge
at Prescott north to the point where the river is no longer a boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota; and the St. Louis River,
including St. Louis Bay, Superior Bay, Allouez Bay, Kimballs Bay, Little Pokegama Bay, and Pokegama Bay.
FISHING RESTRICTIONS ON WISCONSIN-MINNESOTA BOUNDARY WATERS
• Please note: Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license while shing the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters
• Goldsh and alewife may not be possessed or used for bait. Live rusty craysh and native species of craysh may be used for bait
on the Mississippi River ONLY—not on other Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters. Other non-native craysh may not be possessed
live. Live craysh may not be used as bait within the federal zone of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
• It is illegal to sh using any method other than hook and line within 200 feet of any shway, lock or dam on the Mississippi River
and within 200 feet of these structures on any other water.
• Motor trolling is permitted on Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters with three hooks, baits or lures per person and no maximum
number of lines per boat.
• Wisconsin residents need a Wisconsin shing license and Minnesota residents need a Minnesota license to sh in these boundary
waters. Residents of other states need a nonresident license from Wisconsin or Minnesota. Regulations on these waters may differ
between states. You must obey the regulations of the state in which you are shing.
• Fishing is prohibited within 300 feet below the Red Wing Dam and Alma Dam from March 1 through April 29 and within 300 feet
below the Onalaska Dam from March 15 through April 25.
• Ice shing: Angler name and address must be prominently displayed on ice shing shelters (portable or otherwise) when the shelter
is not occupied or otherwise in use.
FISH SPECIES
Species not listed are governed by inland regulations (pages 71-73)
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT
MINIMUM
LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS
St. Louis River and the St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam May 25 – March 1 5 in total 14 inches
St. Croix River upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam
May 25 - Sept. 8 5 in total 14 inches
Sept. 9 - March 1 0 (catch and release only)
Mississippi River Open all year 5 in total 14 inches
78
CATFISH (CHANNEL and FLATHEAD)
St. Louis River and St. Croix River upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam Open all year 10 in total None
St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott Open all year
5 channel
catfish
2 flathead
catfish
None, but only
one channel
and one
flathead catfish
over 24" may be
kept
Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) Open all year 10 in total
None, but only
one over 30"
may be kept
MUSKELLUNGE (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Mississippi, St. Croix and St. Louis rivers May 25 – Nov. 30 1 50 inches
NORTHERN PIKE
St. Croix River upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam May 4 – March 1 5 None
St. Croix R. downstream from the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott May 4 – March 1 3
None, but only
one over 30"
may be kept
Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) Open all year 3
None, but only
one over 30"
may be kept
St. Louis River May 11 – March 1 2 None
ROCK BASS Open all year 25 of each None
BLUEGILL AND PUMPKINSEED (SUNFISH)
Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) Open all year 15 in total None
St. Louis and St. Croix river upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam Open all year 25 in total None
WISCONSIN-MINNESOTA BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
79
St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott Open all year 15 in total None
CRAPPIE AND YELLOW PERCH
Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) open all year 15 of each None
St. Louis and St. Croix river upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam open all year 25 of each None
St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott open all year 15 of each None
WHITE BASS and YELLOW BASS
Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) open all year 10 in total None
St. Louis and St. Croix river upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam open all year 25 in total None
St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott open all year 10 in total None
LAKE STURGEON (Lake sturgeon tagging and registering information on
page 7)
Mississippi R. upstream of the Red Wing Dam; St. Croix R. upstream of the
St. Croix Falls Dam to the dam at Gordan Flowage
June 16 - March 1 0 (catch and release only)
St. Louis River and Mississippi River downstream of the Red Wing
Dam
June 16 - April 14 0 (catch and release only)
St. Croix River downstream from the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott
June 16 - Sept. 6 0 (catch and release only)
Sept. 7 - Sept. 30 1 60 inches
Oct. 1 - March 1 0 (catch and release only)
SHOVELNOSE STURGEON
All Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters above the Red Wing Dam on the
Mississippi River, St. Louis River, and St. Croix River
June 16 - March 1 0 (catch and release only)
WISCONSIN-MINNESOTA BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
80
All Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters below the Red Wing Dam on the
Mississippi River
Open all year 3 None
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
St. Croix river upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam May 4 – March 1 6 in total
None for sauger;
15" for walleye
St. Croix River downstream from the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott May 4 – March 1 4 in total
None for sauger;
15" for walleye;
only one walleye
or sauger over
20" may be kept
St. Louis River May 11 – March 1 2 in total
None for sauger;
15" for walleye
Mississippi River (Pools 3-8) Open all year 4 in total
None for sauger;
15" for walleye;
only one walleye
or sauger over
20" may be kept
Mississippi River (Pool 9) Open all year 6 in total
None for sauger;
15" for walleye,
walleye 20-27"
must be released
only one over 27"
may be kept
RUFFE, WHITE PERCH, GOBIES and other nonnative detrimental sh species
No open season—one may be killed and possessed for
transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Oce
TROUT and SALMON—see Guide to Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations, 2024-2025
WISCONSIN-MINNESOTA BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
81
WISCONSIN-IOWA BOUNDARY WATERS (MISSISSIPPI RIVER)
Applies to the stretch of the Mississippi River shared by Wisconsin and Iowa lying between the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and
Pacic railroad tracks on the Iowa side of the river and the Burlington Northern and Sante Fe railroad tracks lying on the Wisconsin
side of the river including all sloughs, bays, and backwaters.
FISHING RESTRICTIONS ON WISCONSIN-IOWA BOUNDARY WATERS
• Please note: Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license while shing the Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters.
• Goldfish and alewife may not be possessed or used for bait in the Mississippi River. Live rusty crayfish and native crayfish species
are legal to use. All other non-native craysh may not be possessed live.
• It is illegal to fish using any method other than hook and line within 200 feet of any fishway, lock or dam on the Mississippi River.
• Motor trolling is permitted on Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters with three hooks, baits or lures per person and no maximum number
of lines per boat.
• Ice fishing: Angler name and address must be prominently displayed on ice fishing shelters (portable or otherwise) when not occupied or
otherwise in use.
• Wisconsin residents need a Wisconsin fishing license and Iowa residents need an Iowa fishing license to fish in these boundary wa-
ters. Residents of other states need a nonresident license from Wisconsin or Iowa. Regulations on these waters may differ between
states. You must obey the regulations of the state in which you are shing.
FISH SPECIES
Species not listed governed by inland regulations
(pages 71-73)
OPEN SEASON DAILY LIMIT MINIMUM LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS Open all year 5 in total 14 inches
CATFISH (CHANNEL and FLATHEAD) Open all year none None
82
NORTHERN PIKE Open all year 5 None
YELLOW PERCH, ROCK BASS, CRAPPIE Open all year 25 of each None
BLUEGILL and PUMPKINSEED (SUNFISH) Open all year 25 in total None
WHITE BASS and YELLOW BASS Open all year 25 in total None
LAKE STURGEON Closed all year—there is no shing for lake sturgeon
SHOVELNOSE STURGEON Open all year none None
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS) Pools
9-12
Open all year 6 in total
None for sauger, 15" for walleye; walleye
20-27" must be released, only one over
27"
WISCONSIN-IOWA BOUNDARY WATERS (CONT.)
83
HWY 42
Northport Dock
Plum Island
Lake
Michigan
Green Bay
Boyer’s
Bluff
Green Bay-Lake Michigan Line
State Line
Plum Island range light
Coast Guard Station
Shellswick Dock (Lobdell’s Point)
MAJOR GREEN BAY TRIBUTARIES - Brown County: Duck Creek upstream to the
first dam located on the Oneida Golf and Riding Club property excluding its
tributaries; Suamico River upstream to County Highway HS; East River upstream
to Homan Rd (County Highway XX) excluding its tributaries. Marinette
County: Peshtigo River upstream to the Peshtigo Dam; Little River upstream to
Radar Rd. Oconto County: Little Suamico River upstream to County Highway J
excluding tributaries; Pensaukee River upstream to County Highway J excluding
tributaries; Oconto River upstream to Stiles Dam excluding tributaries (except
Little River); Little River upstream to Hwy 141 excluding tributaries.
TRIBUTARIES TO LAKE MICHIGAN - Kenosha & Racine counties: Pike and
Root rivers and their tributaries. Kewaunee County: Kewaunee river and
its tributaries excluding Little Scarboro, Scarboro, Roger and Casco creeks.
Manitowoc County: Manitowoc River and its tributaries upstream to the first
dam or lake. Milwaukee & Ozaukee counties: Milwaukee River upstream to
the Grafton Dam in the Village of Grafton and its tributaries upstream to the
first dam or lake. Ozaukee County: Sauk Creek and its tributaries upstream
to the first dam or lake. Milwaukee & Waukesha counties: Menomonee
River upstream to the Lepper Dam in the Village of Menomonee Falls and its
tributaries upstream to the first dam or lake. Sheboygan County: Sheboygan
river downstream to the coast guard station and its tributaries excluding Willow
creek. All bordering counties: All other tributaries to Lake Michigan upstream to
the first dam or lake.
Please note: The Menominee River, Wisconsin/Michigan boundary waters, see
page 74, and the Fox River upstream to the DePere Dam, Lake Michigan, see
page 88, are not considered tributary streams.
GREEN BAY includes Lake Michigan waters located to the west of the Green Bay-
Lake Michigan Line (Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Sawyer Harbor, and the Sturgeon Bay
Ship Canal located north and west of the center of the WPS power lines and the
Fox River from its mouth up to the dam at DePere). That line runs from Northport
Dock northeasterly to Plum Island range light to the Plum Is. Coast Guard Station
to Shellswick Dock (Lobdell’s Point.) on Washington Is. along the west shore of
Washington Is. to Boyer’s Blu light then north to the State line.
MAJOR GREEN BAY TRIBUTARIES and TRIBUTARIES TO LAKE MICHIGAN
Door
Washington
Island
84
•
• Major tributaries to Green Bay and tributaries to Lake Michigan
are defined on page 83.
• Alewife may be used as bait in tributaries, rivers, and ditches
upstream to the first dam or lake. Live crayfish may not be pos-
sessed while fishing on the tributaries.
• Motor trolling rules can be found in the Special Regulations -
Listed by County section.
• You must have a fishing license and a valid Great Lakes Trout and
Salmon stamp privilege or a two-day Sports Fishing License to
fish for trout and salmon in the tributaries (up to the first dam
or lake).
• All other statewide general fishing restrictions apply (see pages
9-12).
• Smelt and suckers: See the Wisconsin Spearing and Netting
Regulations, 2024-2025 for regulations on dipnetting smelt and
suckers in the tributaries.
• From Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May, you may
not use hooks that have a gap size larger than one-half inch
from point to shank.
The following special regulations apply to the following wa-
ters:
- The section of the Peshtigo River upstream from the railroad
bridge at the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 section 30, township 30 north,
range 23 east (Peshtigo City Garage) to the first dam
- The section of the Oconto River from the upstream side of Hwy
141 upstream to the first dam and the section of the Little River
upstream from the Oconto River to Hwy 141;
- All Lake Michigan tributaries and all other Green Bay tributary
streams, rivers, and ditches upstream to their first dam or lake,
except this DOES NOT apply to the Menominee River (Marinette
County). See page 74 for WI/MI boundary water regulations.
• From Sept. 15 to Dec. 31, shing by any method is prohibited
from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
• Jan. 1 to the first Saturday in May, hook and line shing is pro-
hibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before
sunrise.
FISH SPECIES
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT
MINIMUM
LENGTH
ROUGH FISH (including suckers), ROCK BASS, WHITE BASS, YELLOW BASS
and BULLHEADS
All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake May 4 – March 2
None; except 600
suckers
None
TRIBUTARY STREAMS TO GREEN BAY AND LAKE MICHIGAN
85
Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries Open all year
None; except 600
suckers
None
LARGEMOUTH BASS (LMB) HARVEST
All tributaries to Green Bay and Lake Michigan May 4 – March 2 5 in total with SMB 14 inches
SMALLMOUTH BASS (SMB) HARVEST
All tributaries to Green Bay May 4 – March 2 5 in total with LMB 14 inches
Tributaries to Lake Michigan north of Hwy 29 (Door and Kewaunee
counties)
June 15 – March 2 5 in total with LMB 14 inches
Tributaries to Lake Michigan south of Hwy 29 May 4 – March 2 5 in total with LMB 14 inches
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS All tributaries to Green Bay and
Lake Michigan
At all other times
of year
0 (catch and release only)
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Major Green Bay tributaries and tributaries to Lake Michigan north of
Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc
March 4 – May 3,
2024
1 15 inches
Major Green Bay tributaries and tributaries to Lake Michigan north of Waldo
Blvd, Manitowoc
May 4, 2024-
March 2, 2025
5 in total 15 inches
All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to first dam/
lake
May 4, 2024-
March 2, 2025
5 in total 15 inches
Tributaries to Lake Michigan south of Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc Open all year 5 in total 15 inches
TRIBUTARY STREAMS TO GREEN BAY AND LAKE MICHIGAN (CONT.)
86
MUSKELLUNGE (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Lake Michigan tributaries north of Hwy 10 (located in the counties of
Marinette, Oconto, Brown, Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc). All Green
Bay tributaries upstream to the first dam or lake
May 25–Dec 31 (on
open water only)
1 54 inches
Lake Michigan tributaries south of Hwy 10 (located in the counties of
Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha)
May 4 – Dec. 31 1 40 inches
BLUEGILL, PUMPKINSEED, SUNFISH, YELLOW PERCH and CRAPPIE
Tributaries to Lake Michigan
Open all year,
except yellow
perch which is
open June 16, 2024
–April 30, 2025
25 in total but only
5 may be yellow
perch
None
Major Green Bay tributaries
Open all year,
except yellow
perch which is
open May 20, 2024
– March 15, 2025
25 in total but only
15 may be yellow
perch
None
All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake
May 4 - March
2, except yellow
perch which is
open May 20 -
March 15
25 in total but only
15 may be yellow
perch
None
NORTHERN PIKE
Tributaries to Green Bay, (except major tributaries), tributaries to Lake
Michigan North of US Hwy 10 (except Kewaunee, East and West Twin,
and Ahnapee rivers) up to the first dam or lake
May 4 – March 2 5 None
Major Green Bay tribs, Kewaunee, East/West Twin, and Ahnapee rivers
up to the first dam/lake
Open all year 5 None
TRIBUTARY STREAMS TO GREEN BAY AND LAKE MICHIGAN (CONT.)
87
Lake Michigan tributaries south of US Hwy. 10 (including the Manitowoc
River)
Open all year 2 26 inches
LAKE STURGEON No open season
RUFFE and GOBIES
No open season—one may be killed and taken to a DNR
ofce.
CISCO AND WHITEFISH
Major Green Bay and Lake Michigan tributaries Open all year 10 in total None
All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to rst dam or
lake
May 4 - March 2 10 in total None
WHITE PERCH
Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries Open all year none None
All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to the rst dam
or lake
May 4 – March 2 none None
CATFISH (CHANNEL and FLATHEAD)
Tributaries to Lake Michigan Open all year 10 None
Duck Creek upstream to the rst dam located on the Oneida Golf and
Riding Club property excluding its tributaries, Suamico River upstream
to County Highway HS, and the East River from the Fox River upstream
to Hoffman Rd (County Highway XX), Brown County
Open all year 25 None
All other tributaries to Green Bay in Brown County May 4 - March 2 25 None
All other tributaries to Green Bay May 4 – March 2 10 None
TROUT and SALMON
Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries Open all year
5
(lake trout, other
trout and salmon in
total)
10 inches
All other tributaries and ditches to Green Bay upstream to rst dam or
lake
May 4 – March 2
TRIBUTARY STREAMS TO GREEN BAY AND LAKE MICHIGAN (CONT.)
88
MID LAKE
REEF
COMPLEX
Sheboygan
Port Washington
Milwaukee
STATE BOUNDARY
43° 20'
43° 30'
43° 10'
43° 10'
43° 0'
43° 3'
43° 7'
43° 7'
87° 20'
87° 30'87° 30'
87° 40'87° 40'
87° 18'
87° 23'
87° 14'
87° 10'
LAKE MICHIGAN
Includes the Bay of Green Bay, the Fox River upstream to the DePere dam, Sturgeon Bay, other bays to Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
See pages 83-87 for regulations for the tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
Fishing Restrictions on Lake Michigan
Waters
• Lake trout may not be possessed while
fishing within the area indicated on the
map:
• All other statewide fishing restrictions
apply (see pages 9-12).
• Goldfish may not be possessed or used
for bait. Alewife and live native crayfish
may be used for bait on Lake Michigan.
Non-native crayfish may only be pos-
sessed and used if dead.
• All ice fishing shelters must be
removed daily and when not in use
after the first Sunday following March
12 on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
• Motor trolling is permitted on Lake
Michigan with three hooks, baits or
lures per person.
• You must have a fishing license and a
Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp
privilege or a valid two-day Sports
Fishing License to fish for trout and
salmon in Lake Michigan.
• Smelt and suckers: See the Guide to
Wisconsin Spearing, Netting and Bait
Harvest Regulations, 2024–2025 for
regulations on taking smelt and suck-
ers with nets and spears.
• All other statewide fishing restric-
tions apply (see pages 9-12).
• Please note: Anglers must carry a
paper copy of their license/stamps
while shing on Lake Michigan.
See map on page 83 for Green Bay-
Lake Michigan Line
FISH SPECIES Species not listed are governed by inland shing regulations
(pages 71-73)
OPEN SEASON
(all dates inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT
MIN.
LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS
Within one-fourth mile of all islands in the Town of Washington Island
July 1 – March 2
(There is no catch and
release shing prior
to July 1 opener)
5 in total 12 inches
89
LAKE MICHIGAN (CONT.)
Other Lake Michigan waters
May 4 – March 2 5 in total 14 inches
At all other times of
year
0 (catch and release only)
MUSKELLUNGE (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
North of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc
May 25 – Dec. 31 (on
open water only)
1 54 inches
South of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc May 4 – Dec. 31 1 40 inches
NORTHERN PIKE
North of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc Open all year 5 None
South of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc Open all year 2 26 inches
BLUEGILL, PUMPKINSEED, SUNFISH, YELLOW PERCH, and CRAPPIE
Open all year for
bluegill, sunsh and
crappie
25 in total;
includes
yellow perch
limit
None
YELLOW PERCH in Green Bay and the Fox River
May 20, 2024 – March
15, 2025
15
YELLOW PERCH in Lake Michigan
June 16, 2024 – April
30, 2025
5
LAKE STURGEON Closed all year
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS)
Fox River from its mouth upstream to the dam at DePere
March 4, 2024– May 3,
2024
1 in total 28 inches
May 4, 2024 – March
2, 2025
3 in total None
March 3, 2025 – May
2, 2025
1 in total 28 inches
90
Lake Michigan Waters North of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc
March 4, 2024– May 3,
2024
1 in total 15 inches
May 4, 2024 – March
2, 2025
5 in total 15 inches
March 3, 2025 – May
2, 2025
1 in total 15 inches
Lake Michigan Waters South of Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc Open all year 5 in total 15 inches
RUFFE and GOBIES
Closed all year-one may be killed and possessed
for transport to a WDNR Service Center or Regional
Ofce.
WHITE PERCH Open all year None None
CISCO and WHITEFISH Open all year 10 in total None
LAKE TROUT
Mid Lake Reef Complex (see page 88) No open season
Other Lake Michigan Waters Open all year
5 in total with
other trout
and salmon
10 inches
OTHER TROUT and SALMON Open all year
5 in total with
lake trout
10 inches
LAKE MICHIGAN (CONT.)
91
Bayfield
Saxon
Ashland
Madeline Is.
Michigan Is.
Outer Is.
Bear Is.
Sand Is.
Rocky Is.
York Is.
Cat Is.
Stockton Is.
S.Twin Is.
N.Twin Is.
Devils Is.
Ott e
Manitou Is.
Ironwood Is.
Oak
Is.
Hermit Is.
Basswood Is.
Raspberry Is.
REFUGE
REFUGE
OPEN TO FISHING
June 1 – Sept. 30
MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN
WISCONSIN
MICHIGAN
315º
46° 59' 3
90° 26.5'
46°40'
46° 52.26'
90° 29.74'
46° 40'
90° 37.91'
210 ft. contour
47° 03.78'
90° 51.3'
47° 06.37'
90° 25'
Bark Point
46° 53.21'
91° 11.16'
LAKE SUPERIOR
Includes bays and harbors (except Allouez Bay,Superior Bay, St. Louis Bay Little Pokegama Bay, Pokegama Bay, and Kimballs Bay
are considered boundary waters and are regulated by Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary water regulations). See the trout regulation
pamphlet for regulations that apply to trout (including steelhead) and salmon caught from streams flowing into Lake Superior.
Fish species not listed here are governed by general inland fishing regulations (pages 71-73), except for the St. Louis River, which is
governed by Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary water regulations (pages 77-80).
Fishing Restrictions on Lake Superior Waters
• Please note: Anglers must carry a paper copy of their license/stamps
while shing on Lake Superior.
• No fishing is allowed in the refuge indicated on the map.
• Goldsh and alewife may not be possessed or used for bait in Lake
Superior. Live native craysh may be used for bait on Lake Superior,
but not on streams that flow into the lake. Non-native crayfish may
only be possessed and used if dead.
• All ice fishing shelters must be removed from Lake Superior waters
by the first Sunday after March 12.
• Motor trolling is permitted on Lake Superior with three hooks, baits
or lures per person.
• If you fish in Lake Superior waters that are under the jurisdiction of
other states or Canada, make sure you have the appropriate fishing
license first, and obey the fishing regulations issued by those states
or provinces.
• You must have a shing license and a Great Lakes trout and salmon
stamp privilege or a two-day Great Lakes (Sports) Fishing License to
sh for trout and salmon in Lake Superior. You need an inland trout
stamp privilege to sh for trout and salmon, including steelhead,
in streams that ow into Lake Superior.
• Smelt and other fish: See the Wisconsin Spearing, Netting, and Bait
Harvest Regulations, 2024-2025 for regulations on taking smelt and
other fish with nets and spears.
92
FISH SPECIES
Species not listed governed by inland fishing regulations (pages 71-73)
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT MIN. LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH BASS (LMB) HARVEST (includes Kakagon River and Slough) May 4 – March 2 1 22 inches
SMALLMOUTH BASS (SMB) HARVEST (includes Kakagon River and Slough)
June 15 – March
2
1 in total with
LMB
22 inches
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS (includes Kakagon River and Slough)
At all other
times of year
0 (catch and release only)
NORTHERN PIKE (may also be speared through the ice on Lake Superior)
Lake Superior open all year 2 26 inches
Tributaries and connected sloughs upstream to first dam or lake May 4 – March 2 2 26 inches
PANFISH: BLUEGILL, PUMPKINSEED, SUNFISH, YELLOW PERCH, and CRAPPIE open all year 25 None
ROCK BASS open all year none None
LAKE STURGEON (Lake sturgeon taken with hook and line must be tagged
and registered. See page 8 for more information.)
open all year 1 per year 60 inches
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS) open all year
5 in total, only 1
over 20 inches
15 inches
Tributaries and connected sloughs May 4 – March 2 15 inches
LAKE SUPERIOR (CONT.)
93
RUFFE and GOBIES
closed all year—one may be killed and possessed
for transport to a DNR oce
WHITE PERCH open all year none None
CISCO and WHITEFISH (INCLUDES HYBRIDS) open all year 10 in total None
TROUT (RAINBOW, BROWN, BROOK, and SPLAKE) open all year
5 in total of
which only 1
may be rainbow
trout and 1 may
be brook trout
rainbow trout
—26" brook
trout —20";
brown trout and
splake —15"
LAKE TROUT only
Dec. 1 to Sept.
30
2 in total; when
harvest east
of Bark Point
reaches 11,250
fish, the season
may be closed
(no fishing for
lake trout)
3 in total west of
Bark Point
15" but only one
may be longer
than 25"
SALMON (COHO, CHINOOK, PINK, and ATLANTIC) open all year 5 None
LAKE SUPERIOR (CONT.)
94
WINNEBAGO SYSTEM WATERS
Includes Poygan, Winneconne, Butte des Morts, and Winnebago and all their tributaries from their
mouths upstream to the first dam including the Fox river from Lake Winnebago upstream to the dam
above Princeton and all its tributaries from their mouths upstream to the first dam; the Wolf river
from its mouth upstream to the dam in the city of Shawano and all its tributaries from their mouths
upstream to the first dam including Cincoe lake, Partridge Crop lake and Partridge lake in Calumet, Fond
du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties.
Please note: Little Lake Butte des Morts is not part of the Winnebago System (see Winnebago County on
page 70)
Fishing Restrictions on Winnebago System Waters
• Motor trolling is allowed on all Winnebago System waters with three hooks, baits or lures per person and no maximum number
per boat.
• Minnows may not be harvested for personal use from Winnebago System waters. Suckers may be harvested, but can not be taken
away alive.
Green
Bay
Lake
Winnebago
Embarrass
River
Fox River
Wolf
River
Lake
Poygan
Attention anglers: Round gobies are not known to be in Winnebago System waters. If you think you've
caught a goby from this system, report it to the DNR by calling (920) 424-3050 or by using the online form at
https://dnr.wi.gov/u/?q=132
4-6"
FISH SPECIES (for species not listed, see General Inland Waters table on
pages 71-73)
OPEN SEASON
(all dates
inclusive)
DAILY LIMIT MIN. LENGTH
LARGEMOUTH and SMALLMOUTH BASS Open all year 5 in total 14"
ROCK, YELLOW (STRIPED) and WHITE BASS Open all year None None
PANFISH: BLUEGILL, PUMPKINSEED, SUNFISH, CRAPPIE, and YELLOW PERCH Open all year 25 in total None
95
BULLHEADS (Brown, Black, and Yellow) Open all year None None
ROUGH FISH (Hook and line only - see denition on page 25) - For methods
other than conventional hook and line, please see the Setline, Set and Bank
Pole Regulations or the Spearing, Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations
pamphlets
Open all year None None
CHANNEL CATFISH - For methods other than conventional hook and line,
please see the Setline, Set and Bank Pole Regulations or the Spearing,
Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations pamphlets
Open all year
25 in total, but
only 24 if one
athead catsh
is possessed
None
FLATHEAD CATFISH - For methods other than conventional hook and line,
please see the Setline, Set and Bank Pole Regulations or the Spearing,
Netting, and Bait Harvest Regulations pamphlets
May 4 - Sept. 30 1
30" and athead
catsh from 36"
to 42" may not
be possessed
MUSKELLUNGE May 4 - Dec. 31 1 50"
NORTHERN PIKE May 4 - March 2 2 26"
LAKE STURGEON (see the Winnebago System Sturgeon Spearing regulations
for spearing season and spearing license purchasing information)
Hook and line
shing closed
all year
- -
WALLEYE and SAUGER (INCLUDES HYBRIDS) Open all year
3 in total; only 1
may be a sauger
or hybrid
None
WINNEBAGO SYSTEM WATERS (cont.)
