Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Wisconsin fishing license
You need one to fish in Wisconsin. Buy it from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Where to buy it
Online from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
Prices, age rules and free fishing days are on the agency's page. We list them here only once we've quoted them from it.
Free fishing days
- Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 16-17, 2027 (Wisconsin also holds a June weekend; not stated on page) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- Inland Trout Stamp (Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp for Great Lakes): needed for trout fishing on inland waters (Great Lakes stamp for Great Lakes salmon/trout) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? Wisconsin concessions, quoted from the agency.