Prepare For The General Inland Fishing Season Opening Saturday, May 2
Anglers are encouraged to check out the new regulations and season structures in effect this year before the season opener on May 2.
Anglers rejoice!
The 2026 – 2027 general inland fishing season will open statewide Saturday, May 2.
With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of great places to wet a line over opening weekend and all season long.
No matter where you decide to fish, all Wisconsin residents and nonresidents age 16 or older are required to purchase a fishing license. Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or you can purchase a spousal license for $31 so you and your spouse can fish together.
All fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased online via Go Wild, at a registered sales location or at DNR Service Centers.
Additionally, we encourage you to take some time to check out the new regulations and season structures in effect this year while you’re gathering your tackle and planning your next trip.
Here’s a quick overview at some of the most significant changes this year:
- The statewide inland trout season opened on April 4 this year, and will run through Oct. 15, 2026.
- The muskellunge season opens May 2 on all inland waters of the state. There is no longer a separate season for the Northern Zone. (The muskellunge season structures for the Great Lakes, Green Bay and Michigan/Minnesota boundary waters are unchanged.)
- A catch-and-release season for lake sturgeon will occur on select waters from June 6, 2026 through March 7, 2027.
Find the full list of regulation changes, including some new species-specific bag and length limits, on our Fishing Regulations webpage.
Turkey Hunting Opportunities Abound On Public Land
Wisconsin hunters can search for and discover new public hunting areas using the DNR’s mobile-friendly online Public Access Lands mapping tools.
These interactive tools provide detailed information on federal, county are state-owned properties, as well as private lands that are part of Managed Forest Law (MFL), Forest Crop Law (FCL), Voluntary Public Access (VPA) and Turkey Hunter Access Program (THAP) programs.
By virtually exploring lands all over the state, hunters can find easements, public land boundaries, parcel data, topographic features, access points, etc., without ever leaving their home.
Public Access Lands maps are also available as a printed atlas for those looking for paper versions of a specific county. Hunters should always observe state hunting regulations and guidelines.
While these tools can get you to a property, it is the responsibility of the user to research property access before entering the property and obey all postings at the property.
For more information about how to download and use the program, visit the DNR’s Public Access Lands webpage. |
DNR Seeking Campground Hosts
Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest (NHAL), Buckhorn State Park and Roche-A-Cri State Park are looking for campground host volunteers for the 2026 camping season. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who loves camping and the outdoors.
General host responsibilities may include:
- Greet and assist campers with information about the property and facilities
- Assist in daily campground operations and set an example by being a model camper
- Clean campsites, check facilities, clean vault toilets and showers, and assist with light maintenance daily
- Dispense property information and assist with campground programs
- Enjoy the company of other campers and make sure they have a safe and enjoyable stay
NHAL’s Plum Lake Campground has two host periods open, May 18 to June 30, and June 30 to Aug. 4. NHAL is also looking for a host at South Trout Lake Campground for June 30 to Aug. 4. For questions or to express interest, contact Park Ranger Jeremy Margulies at Jeremy.Margulies@wisconsin.gov or
715-892-0697.
For those more central in the state, Buckhorn State Park is looking for a campground host this June, July and August and Roche-a-Cri State Park has a campground host opportunity between May 3 to Aug. 15. For questions or to express interest, contact Park Manager Heather Wolf at Heather.Wolf@wisconsin.gov or 608-565-2789.
To view listings for other locations or read more specific details, visit the DNR’s Volunteer Impact webpage. |
Help Save Stranded Mussels Today!
Floodwaters are dropping across Wisconsin, especially in the northeast, and that means trouble for one of our most important (and overlooked) river residents – native mussels! As rivers recede, thousands of mussels are being left stranded on sandbars and along shorelines. Without help, they can’t make it back to the water and are vulnerable to heat, drying out and predators.
The good news? You can help!
If you see stranded mussels:
- Gently pick them up
- Toss them back into nearby permanent water (deeper areas of the river).
That’s it – you’ve just helped save a life and protect our rivers.
In places like Clintonville, volunteers have already returned thousands of mussels to the Pigeon River over the past few days. Every little bit makes a difference. If you’re out exploring, fishing, or just enjoying the river, keep an eye out and lend a hand. And if you spot large numbers of stranded mussels, please report it to the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program.
Let’s work together to keep Wisconsin’s rivers healthy – one mussel at a time! |
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