FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What document does a customer need to carry when fishing?
A customer has many choices for what to carry when fishing. SELECT HERE to see all available options. The paper license is valid on all waters, but the Conservation Card or validated Wisconsin driver license cannot be used on Great Lakes or boundry waters between states.
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.
Are there "free fishing" days in Wisconsin?
Yes. The first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, seasons, etc.) do apply.