DNR outlines new 2026 fishing regulations

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers statewide that the 2026–2027 general inland fishing season opens Saturday, May 2. Officials say several new regulations and season structures are now in effect, and anglers are encouraged to review the changes before heading out.

“We have quite a few larger fishing regulation changes this year and wanted to make sure that all of our anglers out there are aware of those changes,” said DNR Fisheries Management Bureau Director Justine Hasz, who discussed the updates at a recent hearing.

The inland trout season opened April 4 and runs through Oct. 15, 2026. According to the DNR, some counties now have a five-fish daily bag limit with no minimum size, while others still follow special rules, including an eight-inch minimum.

The muskellunge season has also been updated. Instead of separate opening dates for northern and southern waters, the DNR has created a single statewide opener on May 2. Officials say the split season dates back to the early 1980s and was originally designed to manage harvest levels.

“Back in the late 70s early 80s we were seeing upwards of 66,000 muskies being harvested annually. That number has drastically changed in recent years due to a combination of factors. So things like having higher length limits on our waterbodies, and also the changes in musky angling and the attitudes towards the musky fisheries. Where the ethic of this fishery is really now based on catch and release,” said Hasz.

Today, the DNR reports only a few hundred muskies are harvested annually. The agency says that reflects the impact of regulation changes and increased catch-and-release practices. The muskellunge season structures for the Great Lakes, Green Bay and Michigan/Minnesota boundary waters are unchanged.

Additionally, a new catch-and-release season for lake sturgeon runs from June 6, 2026, through March 7, 2027, on select waters. More than 100 lakes also have updated panfish regulations, including species-specific bag and size limits.

The DNR is also reminding anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning boats, draining water, and never moving live fish between waters. Anglers should also clean and dry all gear, follow safe fish handling practices, and always wear a life jacket while boating.

A full list of changes is available on the Wisconsin DNR website. Officials are urging anglers to review regulations for specific waters before heading out this season.