ByHow to Get Your Wisconsin Fishing License Quickly
Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 lakes, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to fish, swim, and paddleboard. Whether you're a Wisconsin resident or not, it's important to purchase a before grabbing your pole and heading out to the lake.
There are several different types of Wisconsin fishing licenses to choose from, depending on the buyer's age, residency, and length of stay. The process can be tedious, but you can purchase your license online or in person.
If you're too busy planning your trip to worry about purchasing a fishing license, DoNotPay can help. Let the world's first AI Consumer Champion help you purchase your Wisconsin fishing license so you can spend more time on the water.
Who Is Eligible to Get a Wisconsin Fishing License?
In Wisconsin, kids 15 and under can fish without a license. Similarly, anyone who was born before 1927 can fish without the hassle of purchasing a license. Everyone else, whether they're a Wisconsin resident or not, needs to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license before casting their lines.
What Are the Different Types of Fishing Licenses?
There are several different types of Wisconsin fishing licenses, depending on the buyer's age, residency, and length of stay. If you're planning on fishing in Wisconsin, it's important that you purchase the right one for you and your family. If you fish without a license or with the wrong one, you can face fines that can ruin even the sunniest of days out on the water.
Before purchasing a Wisconsin fishing license, answer these questions to make sure you're buying the right one:
- Are you a Wisconsin resident? (Have you lived in Wisconsin for at least 6 months?)
- How long do you plan on fishing?
- What types of fish are you planning to catch?
Once you've answered these questions, you can narrow it down to find the right license for you.
Residential General Fishing Licenses and Fees
Residents of Wisconsin can choose from several different types of fishing licenses. Each Wisconsin fishing license is set at a different price point, and you'll have to purchase it online or in person. Residential fishing licenses include:
| Annual Fishing License | $20 |
| First-Time Buyer Fishing License | $5 |
| Junior Fishing License (16 and 17 years old) | $7 |
| Senior Citizen Fishing License (over 65) | $7 |
| Spousal Fishing License | $31 |
| Inland Trout Stamp | $10 |
| Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp | $10 |
| 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing License | $14 |
| 2-Day Inland Lake Trout Fishing (Includes Inland Trout Stamp) | $14 |
| Disabled Persons Fishing License | $7 |
| Veteran Fishing License | $3 |
| Armed Forces Persons Fishing License (active, furlough, or on leave) | Free |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $8 |
Additionally, there are separate license requirements for residents who enjoy sturgeon fishing. These include:
| Sturgeon Spearing at Lake Winnebago License | $20 |
| Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing License | $20 |
| Sturgeon Hook and Line Inland License | $20 |
| Sturgeon Hook and Line Wisconsin and Michigan License | $20 |
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses and Fees
If you don't live in Wisconsin, but you'd like to take advantage of its many lakes and breathtaking fishing spots, you can purchase a non-resident fishing license. There are several to choose from. They include:
| Annual Fishing License | $50 |
| Family-Annual Fishing License | $65 |
| First-Time Buyer Fishing License | $25.75 |
| 1-Day Fishing License | $10 |
| 4-Day Fishing License | $24 |
| 15-Day Fishing License | $28 |
| 15-Day Family Fishing License | $40 |
| Military Fishing License | $20 |
| Student Fishing License | $20 |
| Inland Trout Stamp | $10 |
| Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp | $10 |
| 2-Day Great Lake Fishing License | $14 |
If you plan on sturgeon fishing, you'll need to purchase one of these specialty non-residential fishing licenses:
| Sturgeon Spearing Lake Winnebago Fishing License | $65 |
| Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Fishing License | $65 |
| Sturgeon Hook and Line Inland Fishing Licenseja | $50 |
| Sturgeon Hook and Line Wisconsin/Michigan Fishing License | $50 |
| Military Inland Sturgeon Hook and Line Fishing License | $20 |
| Military Wisconsin/Michigan Sturgeon Hook and Line Fishing License | $20 |
How to Purchase a Wisconsin DNR Fishing License
There are a few ways to purchase a fishing license in Wisconsin. You can visit a local sales location or stop by a DNR Service Center to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license. In both cases, you'll need to gather supplies like your driver's license and social security card, and you'll need to visit the nearest location during regular business hours.
If you work, live out of state, or just don't have the time, you can also apply for a Wisconsin fishing license online via the state's DNR website. If you decide to go this route, you'll need to do the following:
- Go to gowild.wi.gov to begin your application.
- Create a unique username and password that meets the criteria for creating an account.
- Gather the documents needed to purchase a license, including your driver's license, social security card, and payment method.
- Browse the Go Wild catalog to find the Wisconsin fishing license that you need.
- Complete the application process by inputting all of your information.
- Print your fishing license, so you've got a copy to bring on your fishing trip.
This process can be tedious, and it needs to be done before you can legally fish in Wisconsin. Creating unique usernames and passwords can be a headache, and many people don't have time to sit and complete all the steps needed to obtain a fishing license.
Luckily, DoNotPay can help make the process smooth and easy.
DoNotPay Makes it Easy to Get Your Wisconsin Fishing License
Life is busy, and nobody wants to sit at the computer for hours, trying to navigate a website they've never encountered. DoNotPay is an expert at helping you take care of secretarial duties, so you can get on with your life.
With help from DoNotPay, you can quickly get your Wisconsin fishing license, so you can spend more time planning your fishing trip.
How to get your fishing license using DoNotPay:
If you want to get your fishing license but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 3 easy steps:
- Search "fishing license" on DoNotPay and select the state you would like a fishing license for.
- Indicate whether you are a resident or non-resident, and choose the type of license you want. For example, saltwater vs. freshwater license, three-day only pass, and more.
- Provide your contact information, a copy of your government-issued ID, and pay the fee required by the state.
DoNotPay Can Help Solve All Kinds of Problems
DoNotPay is here to make your life easier. In addition to purchasing your , DoNotPay can:
- Help you figure out where to get a fishing license
- Purchase your saltwater fishing license
- Help with your fishing license application
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DoNotPay can take care of the tedious work so you can spend more time doing the things you love with the people you love. Check out our website to see all the things DoNotPay can do for you.