DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *March 31, 2025
*Contact: *DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov
New Fishing License Year Begins April 1
"Buy A License Today And Take Advantage Of Early Angling Opportunities"
A man removes the hook of a blue crankbait from the mouth of a nice smallmouth bass.
Although Wisconsin’s 2025-2026 general inland fishing season doesn’t open until May 3, there are still some outstanding angling opportunities available throughout the state like catch and release bass fishing. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that 2024-2025 fishing licenses expire on March 31. On April 1, 2025 all residents and nonresidents over 16 must possess a valid 2025-2026 general fishing license [ [link removed] ] to fish in Wisconsin's inland waters. Along with the new licenses, the new fishing regulations [ [link removed] ] are now available for the 2025-2026 fishing season.
Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or 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 [ [link removed] ], at a registered sales location [ [link removed] ] or at DNR Service Centers [ [link removed] ].
*Buy Your License Now; Early Opportunities Abound*
Although Wisconsin’s 2025-2026 general inland fishing season doesn’t open until May 3, there are still some outstanding angling opportunities available throughout the state, so don't wait to buy your license.
Hook and line fishing is open year-round on some waters [ [link removed] ] for many species. Anglers should note that for many of these year-round fishing opportunities, there are some specific rules on species, sizes and bag limits, so check the the Special County Regulations [ [link removed] ] before wetting a line.
Additionally, catch and release fishing [ [link removed] ] for largemouth and smallmouth bass [ [link removed] ] is open year-round in most inland waters.
The early catch and release trout season [ [link removed] ] is also open through May 2, 2025. Check the 2025-2026 trout regulations [ [link removed] ] for fishing opportunities near you.
All catch and release anglers are reminded of the importance of proper fish handling to ensure a safe release. More information, some helpful tips for safely releasing fish and a how-to video can be found on the DNR's Responsible Release webpage [ [link removed] ].
*Protect Our Waters Against Invasive Species*
As the season kicks off, anglers are reminded to disinfect their gear and follow these guidelines to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species [ [link removed] ]:
* Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment.
* Remove any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).
* Drain all water from boats, motors and all equipment.
* Never move live fish away from a waterbody.
* Dispose of all unwanted bait in the trash.
* Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer.
* Please note that anglers may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water. Leftover minnows may be used on other waters only if no lake or river water or other fish were added to their container.
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This email was sent to xxxxxx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
