Complete Guide to Wisconsin Fishing Licenses

The first thing any angler needs before they plan on going fishing in Wisconsin is the correct fishing license or permit. Luckily, in the following guide to Wisconsin fishing licenses, we’ll cover everything you need to know so that you won’t have any problems the next time you’re out on the water.

In the following guide to Wisconsin fishing licenses, we’ll cover:

Are you interested in trying out some jig fishing for yourself? Then you must read The Ultimate Guide to Jig Fishing: Tips, Techniques, and Best Practices for Beginners! It’ll cover everything you need to know about jig fishing.

Regardless of your personal angling experience, sometimes we all need a little bit of help when it comes to discovering the best fishing spots, especially if you are fishing in a new location or on a fishing trip to a new location that you haven’t fished before. Thanks to the premium Fishing Forecasting App, you’ll know the best times to go fishing in Wisconsin, including when the fish are biting and when the best weather conditions make catching fish a whole lot easier!

Types of WI Fishing Licenses

Wisconsin offers several different types of fishing licenses for both resident and non-resident anglers that make it affordable and easy to take advantage of the state’s abundant fish population and get outside enjoying everything this beautiful state has to offer.

Below, we’ll cover the different types of Wisconsin fishing licenses that are available. For a full breakdown of costs, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Wisconsin Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual Fishing License.
• 1^st Time License (or returning angler after 10-year break).
• 1-Day License.
• Junior Fishing License.
• Senior Fishing License.
• Spousal Fishing License.
• Inland Trout Stamp.
• Great Lakes Trout/Salmon Stamp.
• 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing License.
• 2-Day Inland Lake Fishing License.
• Sturgeon Stamp.
• Disabled Fishing License.
• Veteran/Disabled Fishing License.
• Armed Forces Active Duty/Furlough.

Wisconsin Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual License.
• Family License.
• 1^st Time Buyer.
• 1-Day License.
• 4-Day License.
• 15-Day License.
• 15-Day Family License.
• Inland Trout Stamp.
• Great Lakes Trout/Salmon Stamp.
• Great Lakes Fishing.
• Sturgeon Stamp/Permit.

Cost of Wisconsin Fishing Licenses

Wisconsin offers several different types of fishing licenses for both resident and non resident anglers and an affordable price scale that makes it an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy the fantastic fishing throughout the state.

Below, we’ll cover the prices of Wisconsin fishing licenses available in 2024, but it’s essential to stay up to date with any changes by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Before you head out on the water, even if you already have a valid fishing license, it’s always a good idea to check in and ensure that size, bag, and season limits haven’t been changed.

Wisconsin Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual Fishing License – $20.
• 1^st Time License (or returning angler after a 10-year break) – $5.
• 1-Day License – $8.
• Junior Fishing License – $7.
• Senior Fishing License – $7.
• Spousal Fishing License – $31.
• Inland Trout Stamp – $10.
• Great Lakes Trout/Salmon Stamp – $10.
• 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing License – $14.
• 2-Day Inland Lake Fishing License -$14.
• Sturgeon Stamp – $3-20.
• Disabled Fishing License – $7.
• Veteran/Disabled Fishing License – $3.
• Armed Forces Active Duty/Furlough – $0.

Wisconsin Non-Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual License – $50.
• Family License – $65.
• 1^st Time Buyer – $25.75.
• 1-Day License – $10.
• 4-Day License – $24.
• 15-Day License – $28.
• 15-Day Family License – $40.
• Inland Trout Stamp – $20.
• Great Lakes Trout/Salmon Stamp – $10.
• Great Lakes Fishing – $14.
• Sturgeon Stamp/Permit – $3-65.

When you purchase a fishing license in Wisconsin, a percentage of all license fees goes directly into preserving and enhancing the fishery for future generations of anglers.

Age Requirements for Wisconsin Fishing License

Wisconsin offers several different exemptions for fishing licenses. However, all anglers, resident or non-resident, over the age of 16 are required to have a valid fishing permit before they head out onto the water.

There are also specific rules related to Trout, Salmon, and Sturgeon. These are:

• Trout and Salmon – In order to fish for Trout or Stamp in the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and streams that flow into Green Bay and Lake Michigan, you are required to purchase an additional Trout/Salmon stamp.
• Sturgeon – If you want to catch a Lake Sturgeon, you must purchase a Sturgeon Stamp.

Where to Obtain a WI Fishing License

If you want to purchase a fishing license in Wisconsin, you have three options: Online, Licensed Agent, or in person at the Department of Natural Resources Service Center.

Online

Purchasing a fishing permit online in Wisconsin is fast and convenient, and you can do it by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You will need to create an account and have a valid form of identification and payment.

Licensed Agent

Located throughout Wisconsin, there are various authorized license agents where you can purchase your fishing permit in person. You can see the interactive map of WI DNR authorized agents here.

Department of Natural Resources Service Center

There are various Department of Natural Resources Service Centers located in Wisconsin that offer in-person license sales between regular business hours.

Complete Guide to Wisconsin Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

Thanks for reading our guide to Wisconsin fishing licenses, and if you purchase a license or permit, thank you for being a responsible angler. Almost all of the license fees go directly back into preserving the Wisconsin fishery, including fish research, studies, conservation, stocking, access, and habitat improvement for future generations of anglers to enjoy.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to track weather conditions and predict the best time to go head out on the water in both fresh and saltwater locations. The Fishbox App utilizes an in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling so that you can maximize your time and opportunities on the water.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Wisconsin, feel free to comment below. Our team of fishing enthusiasts loves answering any fishing-related questions and enjoys reading feedback from readers.