Frequently Asked Questions
Question: At what age do you need a fishing license to fish in Wisconsin?
Answer: Wisconsin requires all persons ages 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license to fish in the state.
Question: I am a Wisconsin resident on active duty in the US military. Do I have to have a fishing license in Wisconsin?
Answer: No. Wisconsin residents born before 1927 and active duty military on furlough or leave are NOT required to have a fishing license to fish in Wisconsin.
Question: I am a Wisconsin resident and have not bought a fishing license in over 10 years. How do I get one?
Answer: Wisconsin actually offers discounted fishing licenses for first-time anglers (resident and nonresident) or those that have not purchased a fishing license for 10 or more year in the state of Wisconsin.
Question: I heard that Wisconsin offers discounted fishing license rates if you refer a person and they purchase a license. Is this true?
Answer: Yes. Wisconsin resident anglers who recruit someone new to purchase a first-time buyer license can earn points toward a reduced-price license of their choice.
PRICES DISCLOSURE: We do our best to stay current, but prices can change without notice to us. The prices below may or may not be the exact current prices for the license(s) listed.
How much does a fishing license cost?
Fishing licenses in Wisconsin can range from about $3.00 for a Resident Disabled VET fishing license to about $65.00 for a Nonresident Sturgeon license. Take a look below for all the resident and nonresident fishing licenses and prices.
Wisconsin Resident Fishing License Prices
Wisconsin Resident Annual First-Time Buyer Fishing License | Ages 16 and Older:
$5.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Annual Fishing License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Annual Junior Fishing License | Ages 16 & 17:
$7.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Annual Senior Fishing License | Ages 65+:
$7.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident 1-Day Fishing License: This purchase price can be applied towards the upgrade to annual license. Pay an additional $12.75 for an Annual fishing license.
$8.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Spousal Fishing License:
$31.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident 2-Day Great Lakes Fishing License: License includes includes Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp
$14.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident 2-Day Inland Lake Trout Fishing License: License includes includes Inland Trout Stamp
$14.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Disabled Fishing License: See more information on Disabled Fishing License.
$7.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Disabled Veteran Fishing License: See more information on Disabled Veteran Fishing License.
$3.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Inland Trout Stamp:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Sturgeon License Prices
Wisconsin Resident Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing License: Deadline to purchase this license is October 31
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application: Deadline to submit this application is August 1.
$3.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Sturgeon Hook and Line Inland License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Sturgeon Hook and Line in Wisconsin and Michigan License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Resident Sturgeon Spearing Lake Winnebago License: Deadline to purchase this license is October 31
$20.00 BUY NOW
How much does a nonresident fishing license cost?
Wisconsin Nonresident Fishing License Prices
Wisconsin Nonresident Annual Fishing License:
$50.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Annual Family Fishing License (Primary): Includes children 16 & 17 years old. Does not include grandchildren.
$65.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident First-time Buyer Fishing License:
$25.75 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License: This purchase price can be applied towards the upgrade to annual license. Pay an additional $40.75 for an Annual fishing license.
$10.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident 4-Day Fishing License:
$24.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident 15-Day Fishing License:
$28.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident 15-Day Family Fishing License: Includes children 16 & 17 years old. Does not include grandchildren.
$40.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Military Fishing License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident 2-Day Great Lake Fishing License: License includes includes Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Inland Trout Stamp:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Great Lake Salmon/Trout Stamp:
$10.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Sturgeon License Prices
Wisconsin Nonresident Sturgeon Spearing Lake Winnebago License: Deadline to purchase this license is October 31
$65.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing License: Deadline to purchase this license is October 31
$65.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Sturgeon Hook and Line Inland License:
$50.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Military Sturgeon Hook and Line Inland License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Sturgeon Hook and Line in Wisconsin and Michigan License:
$50.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Military Sturgeon Hook and Line in Wisconsin and Michigan License:
$20.00 BUY NOW
Wisconsin Nonresident Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Application: Deadline to submit this application is August 1.
$3.00 BUY NOW
View the Wisconsin Fishing Regulations.
Where can I buy a fishing license?
Here are some of the best places to fish in Wisconsin.
All information listed above can also be seen on the fishing license page of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.