Wisconsin Fishing License Cost: Resident & Nonresident Fees (2026)
In Wisconsin, both residents and nonresidents age 16 and older must possess a valid fishing license to fish inland or boundary waters. Anglers under age 16 may fish without a license on most Wisconsin waters. Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year and can be purchased online through the Go Wild portal or at DNR license agents. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Wisconsin Fishing License Fees (2026)
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $20 | $55 | Standard annual license for anglers age 16 + years. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
| Fishing 1‑Day | $8 | $15 | Good for one calendar day; can count toward annual upgrade. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| 4‑Day Fishing License | — | $29 | Good for four consecutive days. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| 15‑Day Fishing License | — | $33 | Good for up to 15 days. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Resident Junior (16‑17) | $7 | — | Annual license for resident youth ages 16–17. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Resident Senior (65+) | $7 | — | Discount license for seniors. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Spousal License | $31 | $70 (family) | Covers spouse and minor children (nonresident family primary). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| First‑Time Buyer Annual | $5 | $28.75 | Reduced rate if no license purchased in past 10 years. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Inland Trout Stamp | $10 | $10 | Required for inland trout fishing in most waters. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp | $10 | $10 | Required for Great Lakes salmon or trout. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
Fees are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and may change; always verify before purchase on official DNR pages. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Who Must Buy a Wisconsin Fishing License?
Most anglers age 16 and older—resident and nonresident—must have a current fishing license when fishing any waters in Wisconsin. Anglers under age 16 may fish without a license, and certain reduced‑fee or free licenses are available for veterans or disabled anglers. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Where to Buy Your License
The official online system to purchase Wisconsin fishing licenses is Go Wild. Licenses may also be purchased at authorized retailers, bait shops, sporting goods stores, or at Wisconsin DNR Service Centers. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}