FISHING SEASONS IN WISCONSIN

Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday in May. Season dates often vary by species and waterbody. Check The Guide To Hook And Line Fishing Season Dates, 2024-2025, for specifics of where you plan to fish.

2024-2025 FISHING SEASON DATES

(Effective Date: April 1, 2024; Dates Inclusive)

Early Inland Trout (catch and release)
January 6 (5 a.m.) – May 3

General Inland Trout
May 4 (5 a.m.) – Oct. 15

General Inland Fishing
May 4 – March 2, 2025

Largemouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest
May 4 – March 2, 2025

Smallmouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest
June 15 – March 2, 2025

Large And Smallmouth Bass Southern Zone Harvest
May 4 – March 2, 2025

Large And Smallmouth Bass Catch And Release
At all other times of the year.

Musky Northern Zone Harvest
May 25 – Dec. 31

Musky Southern Zone Harvest
May 4 – Dec. 31

Northern Pike
May 4 – March 2, 2025

Walleye
May 4 – March 2, 2025

Lake Sturgeon
Feb. 10 – Feb. 25 (spearing)
Sept. 7 – Sept. 30 (hook-and-line)

Free Fishing Weekends
Jan. 20-21, 2024
June 1-2, 2024