Wisconsin’s diverse aquatic ecosystem is a haven for anglers of all skill levels, offering a plethora of fishing options that cater to various interests and preferences. • **Diverse Fishing Options**
• Over 15,000 lakes
• 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers
• 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline
• 260 miles of the Mississippi River
These expansive waterways provide anglers with a multitude of fishing spots, from serene lakes to bustling rivers and streams. Wisconsin’s natural beauty and varied landscape make it an attractive destination for both local and out-of-state anglers.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
Every year, over 1 million fishing licenses are sold in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) reports that approximately 741,554 resident annual fishing licenses were sold through March 2024. When combined with licenses sold to out-of-state residents, the total reached 1.1 million licenses. To promote sustainable fishing practices, the WDNR has implemented various regulations, including bag and length limits for lakes and trout streams. The department also provides information on healthy guidelines for eating fish, lake habitat information, and habitat improvement projects.
A New Resource for Anglers
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched a new online Wisconsin Fishing Finder, which it claims is a ‘comprehensive online fishing resource for anglers.’ This innovative tool is designed to make finding fishing spots easier and more convenient for anglers. The Wisconsin Fishing Finder is accessible via any internet browser and provides a wealth of information, including:
* Fishing regulations (including bag and length limits)
* Boat launch locations and access points
* Shore fishing locations
* Public lands and easements
* Healthy guidelines for eating fish
* Lake habitat information
* Habitat improvement projects
* Invasive species
* Fish stocking information
* DNR service center locations and where to buy a fishing license
In addition to these features, the Wisconsin Fishing Finder also includes information on the DNR’s TROUT tool, which provides details on trout streams, regulations, and easements. The DNR encourages anglers currently using TROUT to transfer their bookmarks and saved locations to the Wisconsin Fishing Finder, as the TROUT tool will be discontinued at the end of May.
Quote from Justine Hasz
“We’ve created this tool to help anglers find new places to fish or get insights into their current favorite fishing spots,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Fisheries Management Bureau director. “You can access the Wisconsin Fishing Finder by clicking the button below.”
Justine Hasz hopes that the Wisconsin Fishing Finder will become a staple for all anglers throughout Wisconsin, providing a convenient and easily accessible resource for those seeking to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities.
| Key Features of the Wisconsin Fishing Finder: | |||||||||
| Fishing regulations | Boat launch locations and access points | Shore fishing locations | Public lands and easements | Healthy guidelines for eating fish | Lake habitat information | Habitat improvement projects | Invasive species | Fish stocking information | DNR service center locations and where to buy a fishing license |
The Wisconsin Fishing Finder is a valuable resource for anglers, providing access to a wide range of information and features that cater to different interests and needs. By leveraging the power of technology, the WDNR aims to enhance the fishing experience for all anglers in Wisconsin, ensuring that the state’s natural resources are protected and preserved for future generations.
