Wisconsin

America's Dairyland — Muskie, Walleye & Bass Capital

Fishing in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a fishing paradise with thousands of lakes offering world-class muskie, walleye, bass, and panfish. The state is the muskie capital of the world and offers outstanding ice fishing.

Tournament Scene

Active tournament scene for bass, walleye, and muskie. Green Bay and Lake Michigan host major events.

Local Tips

Green Bay for walleye and smallmouth. Lac Courte Oreilles for muskie. Lake Winnebago for walleye. Chippewa Flowage for muskie. Door County for smallmouth.

Major Trails

B.A.S.S.MLFNWT

Local Circuits

Wisconsin Bass FederationWisconsin Muskie TrailWisconsin Walleye Trail

Public Access

Excellent access on thousands of lakes.

Species in Wisconsin

What you can target and when

Muskellunge

Muskellunge

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Lac Courte Oreilles · Chippewa Flowage · Lake Vermilion

Large bucktailBulldawgTopwater prop baitGlide bait
Walleye

Walleye

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Green Bay · Lake Winnebago · Chequamegon Bay

Jig and minnowCrankbaitBlade baitSpinner rig
Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Green Bay · Door County · St. Croix River

Tube jigDrop shotNed rigTopwater

Top Waters in Wisconsin

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Chippewa Flowage

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Legendary muskie water — the home of the world-record muskie.

Top Species

MuskieWalleyeLargemouth Bass

Best: Fall

Green Bay

bayPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

World-class walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.

Top Species

WalleyeSmallmouth BassNorthern Pike

Best: Spring/Summer

Upcoming Tournaments in Wisconsin

41 tournaments found

Rainbow Trout
Fly Fishing

Open Lac du Flambeau Trout Surge

Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
Mar 29, 2026 – Apr 1, 2026
Rainbow Trout
$25Details
Largemouth Bass
Youth

Spring Milwaukee Bass Series

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 6, 2026 – Apr 7, 2026
Largemouth Bass
$400Details
Walleye
Freshwater

Golden Racine Walleye Rumble

Racine, Wisconsin
Apr 10, 2026 – Apr 13, 2026
Walleye
$1000Details
Rainbow Trout
Fly Fishing

Vanguard Madison Trout Extravaganza

Madison, Wisconsin
Apr 14, 2026 – Apr 16, 2026
Rainbow Trout
$1000Details
Bluegill
Freshwater
Today!

Trailblazer Milwaukee Bluegill Extravaganza

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 16, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026
Bluegill
$75Details
Common Carp
Open
4 weeks

Heritage Madison Carp Series

Madison, Wisconsin
May 10, 2026 – May 11, 2026
Common Carp
$75Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $20.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $50. 15-Day: $28. 4-Day: $24. 1-Day: $8.

Short-Term License

1-Day, 4-Day, and 15-Day licenses available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 16. Reduced for seniors 65+.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required for organized events.

Regulations Overview

5 bass daily limit. 14-inch minimum on most waters. Complex muskie regulations.

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