MADISON – Anglers rejoice! The 2026 – 2027 general inland fishing season will open statewide Saturday, May 2.

With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of great places to wet a line over opening weekend and all season long.

No matter where you decide to fish, all Wisconsin residents and nonresidents age 16 or older are required to purchase a fishing license. Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or you can purchase a spousal license for $31 so you and your spouse can fish together.

All fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online via Go Wild, at a registered sales location or at DNR Service Centers.

Additionally, we encourage you to take some time to check out the new regulations and season structures in effect this year while you’re gathering your tackle and planning your next trip.

Here’s a quick overview at some of the most significant changes this year:

The statewide inland trout season opened on April 4 this year, and will run through Oct. 15, 2026.
The muskellunge season opens May 2 on all inland waters of the state. There is no longer a separate season for the Northern Zone. (The muskellunge season structures for the Great Lakes, Green Bay and Michigan/Minnesota boundary waters are unchanged.)
A catch-and-release season for lake sturgeon will occur on select waters from June 6, 2026 through March 7, 2027.

Find the full list of regulation changes, including some new species-specific bag and length limits, on our Fishing Regulations webpage.

Photo Credit: iStock/stammphoto

Published on: Apr 24, 2026 at 10:55 pm