Wisconsin fishing licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR). This guide explains where to get, renew, or reprint your Wisconsin fishing license through the official GoWild system, what licenses cost, how Great Lakes fishing works, and what Wisconsin fishing rules require.
BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational guide. Wisconsin fishing licenses are purchased through the official WI DNR GoWild system at gowild.wi.gov. We are not affiliated with the WI DNR or any government agency and do not sell licenses directly.
Visit the official WI DNR GoWild fishing license page →
Can You Get a Wisconsin Fishing License Online?
Yes. Wisconsin fishing licenses are purchased online through the official WI DNR GoWild system at gowild.wi.gov. Licenses are issued immediately and can be displayed digitally on your phone. You will need a valid Wisconsin driver’s license number or Social Security number to complete an online purchase through GoWild.
Licenses are also available at WI DNR Service Centers and authorized license sales locations statewide. Note: some license types — including disabled, veteran/disabled, military, and student licenses — are not available online and must be purchased in person at a DNR Service Center or authorized agent.
Quick Wisconsin Fishing License Information
| Category | Wisconsin Fishing License Details |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) |
| Official Purchase System | GoWild (gowild.wi.gov) |
| Online Purchase Available? | Yes — driver’s license or SSN required |
| Digital Licenses Accepted? | Yes — display on your phone |
| Minimum License Age | 16 years old (children 15 and under fish free) |
| Resident Annual License | $20.00 |
| Nonresident Annual License | $55.00 |
| License Year | April 1 – March 31 |
| Inland Trout Stamp | $10.00 — required for inland designated trout waters |
| Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp | $10.00 — required for Great Lakes trout and salmon |
| Great Lakes Fishing Covered? | Yes — base license + Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp for trout/salmon |
How to Get a Wisconsin Fishing License Online (Step by Step)
Wisconsin fishing licenses are purchased through the official WI DNR GoWild system. Here is how the process works:
- Go to gowild.wi.gov — the official WI DNR online licensing portal.
- Create or log in to your account — you will need a valid Wisconsin driver’s license number or Social Security number to verify your identity and residency.
- Select your license type — resident, nonresident, annual, short-term, junior, senior, or first-time buyer. Add an Inland Trout Stamp or Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp if needed.
- Complete payment online — pay by debit or credit card. License and permit products are nonrefundable.
- Download or display your license — Wisconsin accepts digital licenses displayed on a mobile device.
Go to the official WI DNR GoWild system →
Wisconsin Fishing License Cost (2026–27)
Wisconsin fishing license costs vary based on residency, age, and license type. The 2026–27 license year runs April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. All licenses are nonrefundable once purchased. Some license types are not available online and require a visit to a WI DNR Service Center or authorized agent.
Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $20.00 | April 1 – March 31 |
| First-Time Buyer Annual License | $5.00 | For those who have not fished Wisconsin in the past 10+ years; automatically applied at checkout |
| Junior Annual License (age 16–17) | $7.00 | April 1 – March 31 |
| Senior Annual License (age 65+) | $7.00 | April 1 – March 31 |
| Spousal License | $31.00 | April 1 – March 31 |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $8.00 | Can be upgraded to annual license for $12.75 additional |
| Disabled Fishing License | $7.00 | Not available online — DNR Service Center or authorized agent only |
| Veteran/Disabled Fishing License | $3.00 | Not available online — DNR Service Center or authorized agent only |
| Armed Forces (resident, on furlough or leave) | $0.00 | Free; not available online — DNR Service Center or authorized agent only |
Nonresident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $55.00 | April 1 – March 31 |
| First-Time Buyer Annual License | $28.75 | For those who have not fished Wisconsin in the past 10+ years |
| Family Annual (primary) | $70.00 | Includes children age 16–17; does not include grandchildren age 16–17 |
| Family Annual (secondary) | $0.00 | Second adult in the family; $0 when purchased with the primary family license |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $15.00 | Can be upgraded to annual license for $40.75 additional |
| 4-Day Fishing License | $29.00 | 4 consecutive days |
| 15-Day Fishing License | $33.00 | 15 consecutive days |
| 15-Day Family License | $45.00 | Includes children age 16–17; does not include grandchildren age 16–17 |
| Military Fishing | $20.00 | Not available online |
| Student Fishing | $20.00 | Full-time nonresident students at WI colleges/universities; not available online |
Trout and Salmon Stamps
Wisconsin has two separate trout/salmon stamps — one for inland waters and one for the Great Lakes. Make sure you purchase the correct stamp for where you plan to fish.
| Stamp Type | Fee | Where Required |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Trout Stamp | $10.00 | Required for fishing designated inland trout streams and lakes |
| Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp | $10.00 | Required for trout and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and their tributaries |
| 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing (includes Great Lakes Stamp) | $14.00 | Resident and nonresident; covers 2 days of Great Lakes trout/salmon fishing |
| 2-Day Inland Lake Trout Fishing (includes Inland Trout Stamp) | $14.00 | Resident; covers 2 days of inland trout fishing |
Patron License (Fishing + Hunting Combo)
Wisconsin’s Patron License is a combined fishing and hunting license available to residents. It covers the same fishing privileges as a standard annual fishing license and is one of the most cost-effective options for residents who both fish and hunt. Available through GoWild.
Sturgeon Licenses
Wisconsin offers separate licenses for sturgeon spearing and hook-and-line sturgeon fishing on Lake Winnebago, the upriver lakes, and the Wisconsin/Michigan boundary. Resident sturgeon licenses start at $20.00; nonresident sturgeon licenses start at $50.00. Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing requires a separate application (deadline August 1). Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing has a purchase deadline of October 31. Verify current sturgeon license options and deadlines through the official WI DNR GoWild system.
License fees are set by the WI DNR and can change. Always verify current pricing at gowild.wi.gov before purchasing.
See our fishing license cost by state guide for nationwide comparisons.
Wisconsin First-Time Buyer Fishing License
Wisconsin offers a discounted First-Time Buyer license for anglers who are purchasing a Wisconsin fishing license for the first time, or who have not held one in the past 10 or more years. The discount is automatically applied during checkout at GoWild — no special application is required.
- Resident First-Time Buyer Annual License — $5.00
- Nonresident First-Time Buyer Annual License — $28.75
Wisconsin resident anglers who recruit someone new to purchase a first-time buyer license can also earn points toward a reduced-price license of their choice.
Wisconsin Trout and Salmon Stamps
Wisconsin requires separate stamps for trout and salmon fishing. A standard fishing license alone does not cover trout or salmon fishing in designated waters. Wisconsin has two different stamps — make sure you get the right one:
- Inland Trout Stamp ($10.00) — required for fishing designated inland trout streams and inland trout lakes
- Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp ($10.00) — required for trout and salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and their tributaries
If you plan to fish both inland trout waters and the Great Lakes for trout/salmon, you need both stamps. Wisconsin also offers 2-day combination licenses that bundle the appropriate stamp with a short-term fishing license ($14.00 each) — a cost-effective option for visitors targeting trout or salmon for a quick trip.
Popular inland trout fishing destinations include the Driftless Area streams of southwestern Wisconsin, the Brule River, and cold-water trout streams throughout the northern part of the state. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior tributaries are popular for salmon and steelhead in season.
See our trout stamp cost guide for trout permit requirements by state.
Wisconsin Great Lakes Fishing
A standard Wisconsin fishing license covers recreational fishing on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior within Wisconsin’s jurisdiction. No separate Great Lakes-specific fishing license is required for most recreational anglers. However, anglers targeting trout, salmon, and steelhead in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, or their tributaries need the Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp ($10.00) in addition to a base fishing license.
A 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing license ($14.00) is also available for residents and nonresidents — it includes the Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp and covers two days of Great Lakes trout and salmon fishing.
Always review current WI DNR Great Lakes regulations for species-specific size limits and seasonal restrictions before fishing.
Wisconsin Patron License
Wisconsin offers a Patron License — a combined fishing and hunting license for Wisconsin residents. It covers the same fishing privileges as a standard annual fishing license. This is one of the most cost-effective options for residents who both fish and hunt. Available through GoWild. Verify current Patron License pricing at gowild.wi.gov.
Who Needs a Wisconsin Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older need a valid Wisconsin fishing license while fishing public waters.
- Wisconsin residents age 16+ — need a resident fishing license ($20.00 annual)
- Nonresidents age 16+ — need a nonresident Wisconsin fishing license ($55.00 annual)
- Children 15 and under — fish free every day; no fishing license required
- Persons born before 1927 — exempt from the fishing license requirement
- Wisconsin residents age 16–17 — qualify for the Junior annual license ($7.00)
- Wisconsin residents age 65+ — qualify for the Senior annual license ($7.00)
- Active duty military residents on furlough or leave — fish free; must purchase at a DNR Service Center or authorized agent
- Qualifying disabled residents — Disabled ($7.00) and Veteran/Disabled ($3.00) licenses available; not available online
Related guides:
- Do You Need a Fishing License?
- Do Kids Need a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Age Requirements
- Senior Fishing License Guide
Wisconsin Nonresident Fishing License
Out-of-state anglers fishing in Wisconsin must purchase a nonresident fishing license through GoWild. Wisconsin is a premier fishing destination for walleye, muskie, northern pike, bass, panfish, and trout across thousands of lakes and rivers.
Popular destinations include the Northwoods lakes, the Wisconsin River, Mississippi River border waters, Lake Michigan shore fishing, and the muskie lakes of northern Wisconsin.
Nonresident options: annual at $55.00, 15-day at $33.00, 4-day at $29.00, 1-day at $15.00, family annual at $70.00 (primary). Full-time nonresident students attending a Wisconsin college or university can purchase a student fishing license at $20.00 — not available online, must visit a DNR Service Center or authorized agent.
Fishing across state lines? See our fishing license reciprocity guide.
Wisconsin Fishing License Expiration
Wisconsin annual fishing licenses expire on March 31 each year. The new license year begins April 1. The 2026–27 license year runs April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Wisconsin uses a fixed annual licensing year, not a rolling 365-day period.
Anglers purchasing late in the license year — January, February, or March — receive less than a full year of coverage. A 1-day or short-term license may be more cost-effective for late-season or one-time trips.
Related guides:
How to Renew Your Wisconsin Fishing License Online
Wisconsin fishing licenses are renewed through the official WI DNR GoWild system at gowild.wi.gov. The new license year begins April 1. Renew before April 1 to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Go to gowild.wi.gov and log in to your WI DNR account
- Select your renewal license type and any required stamps
- Complete payment online
- Download or display your renewed license
For additional guidance, see our fishing license renewal guide and renew fishing license online guide.
How to Reprint Your Wisconsin Fishing License Online
If you need another copy of your Wisconsin fishing license, log in to your GoWild account at gowild.wi.gov, locate your license in your purchase history, and download or print a replacement copy. Saving a PDF copy on your phone is recommended for backup access while fishing in remote northern Wisconsin areas.
See our reprint fishing license guide and replace lost fishing license guide.
Wisconsin Fishing License Login (GoWild)
To access your Wisconsin fishing license account, go to gowild.wi.gov and log in with your account credentials. From your account you can view purchase history, reprint licenses, and manage your information. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license number or Social Security number is required to create an account and purchase licenses online.
Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekends 2026
Wisconsin offers two Free Fishing Weekends each year when residents and nonresidents can fish without a fishing license. All other fishing regulations still apply during Free Fishing Weekends — bag limits, size limits, seasons, and stamp requirements remain in effect.
2026 Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend dates:
- January 17–18, 2026 (Winter Free Fishing Weekend)
- June 6–7, 2026 (Summer Free Fishing Weekend)
See our free fishing days guide for current dates and programs in every state.
Wisconsin Fishing License Rules and Exemptions
- Carry your license while fishing — Wisconsin requires proof of licensing when requested by a conservation warden
- Digital licenses accepted — WI DNR allows licenses displayed on a mobile device
- Children 15 and under fish free — no license required year-round
- Persons born before 1927 — exempt from the fishing license requirement
- Two separate trout/salmon stamps — Inland Trout Stamp for inland trout waters; Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp for Lake Michigan and Lake Superior; each costs $10.00
- Some licenses not available online — disabled, veteran/disabled, military, and student licenses require a DNR Service Center or authorized agent visit
- Driver’s license or SSN required — needed to create a GoWild account and purchase online
- Licenses are nonrefundable — license and permit products cannot be returned
- Free Fishing Weekends — January 17–18 and June 6–7, 2026; all other regulations still apply
- Lake-specific regulations exist — many Wisconsin lakes have special size or bag limit rules; always check current WI DNR rules for your specific water
Before fishing, review current regulations through the official WI DNR fishing regulations page.
Related guides:
- Fishing Regulations by State
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- What Happens If You Fish Without a License?
Where to Get a Wisconsin Fishing License In Person
Wisconsin fishing licenses are available from authorized WI DNR license agents statewide. Some license types — including disabled, veteran/disabled, military, and student licenses — are only available at WI DNR Service Centers or authorized agents and cannot be purchased online.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- WI DNR Service Centers
- Authorized WI DNR license agents statewide
Vendor participation varies by location. Calling ahead is recommended.
See our guide on where to buy a fishing license near you.
About This Wisconsin Fishing License Guide
Wisconsin fishing license fees, regulations, exemptions, and digital licensing rules can change periodically. This guide is reviewed and updated using official Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) information and current Wisconsin fishing regulations. BuyFishingLicense.org is an independent informational website — we are not affiliated with the WI DNR or any government agency and do not sell fishing licenses. All purchases are made directly through the official WI DNR GoWild system at gowild.wi.gov. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
Related Wisconsin Fishing Guides
- Online Fishing License Directory
- Where to Buy a Fishing License Near Me
- How Much Is a Fishing License?
- Fishing License Cost by State
- Trout Stamp Cost Guide
- Fishing License Renewal
- Reprint Fishing License
- Fishing License for Visitors
- Free Fishing Days in Every State
- Does Walmart Sell Fishing Licenses?
- Senior Fishing License Guide
- Lifetime Fishing License Guide