Skip Navigation LinksDNR Agent Corner > FISHING

FISHING

GENERAL INFORMATION

Both Wisconsin residents and nonresidents who are 16 years old and older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Fishing license valid dates begins on the day of purchase and ends on the following March 31. Customers may purchase their license any time throughout the season, but it will always expire on the following March 31.

Can a customer purchase a fishing license early (before April 1)?
Yes. Fishing licenses go on sale March 1 before the start of the new season. The new license is valid immediately after purchase, even if before April 1.

When does an annual fishing license expire?
Annual fishing is valid immediately at purchase and expire on March 31 of the following year.

Do both parties need to be present when purchasing the Spousal Fishing License?
No. The Spousal Fishing License is the one and only license approval that can be purchased for another adult. The purchaser will need the spouses date of birth, plus SSN or driver license, or DNR customer number in order to complete the purchase.

What is the valid time period for a 1-Day Fishing License?
A 1-Day Fishing License is good from midnight to midnight on the calendar day selected. It does not end 24 hours from the moment it is purchased.

Are there any discounts for fishing licenses?
There are several options for reduced rate fishing licenses based on age, military service or disability credentials. See the Reduced Rate Licenses page for more info.

Is there a discount for a first time buyer of a license?
Yes. If a customer has not purchased a license in more than 10 years, The system considers that customer a "New Buyer" and will automatically offer that license at a reduced rate. You will notice the term "New Buyer" in front of the license title, and the discounted rate will display on your screen.

Does last year's disability fishing license qualify as proof for purchasing the same license the next year?
No. A previous disabled license cannot be used as a qualification for any future licenses. Go Wild will display a list of required qualifications on the screen for certain reduced rate licenses. The customer must provide one of those qualifications to continue.