Wisconsin Fishing License Types (2026) — Spousal, Patron & More

All WI fishing license types: annual, spousal, Conservation Patron, senior, trout stamp, Great Lakes, sturgeon tag.

Wisconsin offers a range of fishing license types through the Go Wild system. The state's unique offerings include the spousal combo, Conservation Patron, and specific stamps for trout, salmon, and sturgeon.

Which WI Fishing License Do You Need? Are you a WI resident? Yes Fishing with spouse? Yes Spousal $30 No Annual $20 No How many days? 1–4 4-Day $24 5–15 15-Day $28 🐟 Fishing for trout or salmon? Add Trout Stamp ($10) or Great Lakes Salmon ($10) 💡 WI Resident 65+? Senior License = $7 | Free day if born before Jan 1, 1927

WI Resident License Types

LicensePriceDurationBest For
Annual Fishing$20.00Apr 1 – Mar 31Individual anglers
Husband-Wife (Spousal)$30.00Apr 1 – Mar 31Married couples — save $10
Conservation Patron$75.00AnnualAll stamps + state park entry included
Senior (65+)$7.00AnnualWI residents 65+
Disabled$7.00AnnualQualifying disability
1-Day$8.00One DayOccasional anglers

WI Non-Resident License Types

LicensePriceDuration
Annual (Individual)$50.00Apr 1 – Mar 31
Annual (Family)$65.00Apr 1 – Mar 31
15-Day$28.0015 Consecutive Days
4-Day$24.004 Consecutive Days
1-Day$10.00One Day

Stamps & Special Permits

StampResidentNon-ResidentFor
Inland Trout Stamp$10.00$10.00All inland trout/salmon waters
Great Lakes Salmon/Trout$10.00$10.00Lake Michigan & Superior fishing
Sturgeon Spearing Tag$25.00$50.00Lake Winnebago sturgeon season
Two-Pole Stamp$3.00$3.00Fish with 2 lines simultaneously

Wisconsin Conservation Patron License

The Conservation Patron ($75) is Wisconsin's premium all-in-one package. It includes:

  • Annual fishing license
  • All fishing stamps (inland trout + Great Lakes)
  • Hunting license + all hunting stamps
  • State park vehicle admission sticker (normally $28)
  • Conservation credits supporting WI wildlife programs

At $75, the Patron saves avid outdoorspeople $50+ compared to buying everything separately. It's the best deal in Wisconsin outdoor recreation.

WI License Year

Wisconsin fishing licenses run from April 1 through March 31. The new license year sales begin each March through the Go Wild system.

Wisconsin Lifetime Fishing License

Wisconsin doesn't offer a traditional "lifetime fishing license" like some states. However, the annual license at $20 is so affordable that even 20 years of purchases ($400 total) is a modest investment. The Conservation Patron provides the highest value for dedicated anglers.

Get your WI fishing license on Go Wild →