Fishing seasons Wisconsin DNR
Several floats are available in different locations along the river, and they offer rod rentals and bait supplies as well as restrooms and food service. The best times of the year to fish from the barges are March through November. Musky season runs from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through December 31. The two best times of the year to target trophy musky are mid-August to early September, and October to ice-up on the water. Boat fishing is best on Big St. Germain Lake versus fishing from the shore, as it is mostly surrounded by private property. If you bring a baitfish that did not come in any use, you can not release that fish in the lakes, rivers, ponds, or streams of Wisconsin.
With ice conditions, Gensmer said opening weekend can be a bit of a gamble, so they generally have a few open rentals, but they’re already booked up for the rest of summer. And Gensmer said she’s excited to meet new guests and anglers. As of April 30, Hasz said that just over 310,000 licenses had been sold, which is down from the same time in 2020 and 2021.
It is illegal to release unused baitfishes in Wisconsin waters. In Wisconsin, there’s always something to fish somewhere, 365 days a year. There are limited open seasons for certain species and waters. Before you hit the water, check the season dates for your favorite species and favorite waters.
Lake Winnebago, in East-Central Wisconsin, is the state’s largest inland lake. The cities of Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh are located directly on the lake for easy boat access or fishing from the shore. For convenience, you will want to stay in one of these cities for quick access to the water in the early morning hours, which are the best times to fish. Every lake or body of water has different regulations for the fish in it — usually size and bag limits. Hasz said these rules are often posted at boat landings but can also be found on the DNR website, where you can search by county and body of water. The waters flowing into Chequamegon Bay from Lake Superior are known for trophy-sized smallmouth bass.
The DNR reminds anglers to fish close to home and practice social distancing whether fishing from a boat, dock, or shoreline. It is recommended that only anglers living in the same household should fish within six feet of one another. Catfish and bullheads can be taken by bow, crossbow or by hand. The bow/crossbow season coincides with the rough fish spearing season in most cases. For more detailed information, see the latest regulation fact sheet . FOLLOW USWe’re sharing tips, tools, advice, and new inspiring locations for you to check out on Facebook and Twitter.
The Eau Claire Chain of Lakes is a remote chain of waterways in northwest Wisconsin. It consists of 11 connected lakes and streams that span 10,000 acres. The largest lakes in the chain are Upper Eau Claire, Middle Eau Claire, and Lower Eau Claire, which are the most popular for recreational fishing. The additional smaller lakes are more difficult to find, but some anglers choose to spend a day navigating through the entire chain.
Dion Liriano is a 51-year-old American zookeeper who has retired from the business. He was once a highly successful director of the Zoo and Aquarium, but he has since hung up his gloves and moved on to other ventures. Dion's passion for animals began at a young age, when he would help his father care for their family pets. This love grew exponentially when he started working at the zoo; Dion quickly became one of the most experienced keepers in the business. He credits his success to the relationships he built with both staff and animals over the years.