How Long Does a Fishing License Last in WI? Your Guide to License Durations

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Wisconsin. With more than 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, it’s no wonder that anglers flock to the state every year. But before you cast your line, it’s important to make sure that you have the proper license. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how long a fishing license lasts in WI.

What is a Fishing License?

First things first, let’s define what a fishing license is. A fishing license is a permit that allows an individual to legally fish in a particular area for a specified period of time. It’s a way for states to regulate fishing and ensure that fish populations are protected and preserved for future generations.

How Long Does a Fishing License Last in WI?

The duration of a fishing license in Wisconsin depends on several factors, such as the type of fishing license you purchase and your residency status. Here are the different types of fishing licenses available in WI:

Annual Fishing License

An annual fishing license is valid from March 1st of the year it was issued through March 31st of the following year.

Short-term Fishing License

Short-term fishing licenses are available for those who are only visiting Wisconsin for a short period of time, such as tourists or out-of-state residents. These licenses are valid for a period of one, two, or four days, depending on the one you purchase.

24 Hour Fishing License

If you’re only planning to fish for a day, you can purchase a 24-hour fishing license. This license is valid for 24 hours from the time it was issued.

Youth Fishing License

If you’re under the age of 16, you can purchase a youth fishing license. This license is valid for the entire calendar year in which it was issued.

First-time Buyer Fishing License

First-time buyers can purchase a discounted fishing license that is valid for the entire calendar year in which it was issued.

How to Purchase a Fishing License in WI?

Now that you know how long a fishing license lasts in WI, let’s take a look at how to purchase one. You can purchase a fishing license in several ways:

• Online: You can purchase a fishing license online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.
• In-person: You can purchase a fishing license in-person at any authorized vendor, such as a sporting goods store or bait shop.
• By phone: You can purchase a fishing license by phone by calling 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).

When purchasing a fishing license, you’ll need to provide basic personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You’ll also need to provide information about the type of license you’re purchasing and the duration of the license.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to make sure that you have the proper fishing license before you go fishing in Wisconsin. The duration of a fishing license varies depending on the type of license you purchase and your residency status. Annual fishing licenses are valid for a year, short-term licenses are valid for one, two, or four days, and 24-hour licenses are valid for 24 hours. Youth fishing licenses and first-time buyer fishing licenses are also available. Whatever type of license you need, you can purchase it online, in-person, or by phone. So, Get out there and enjoy all the great fishing that Wisconsin has to offer!

FAQs

Sure, here are 3 popular FAQs with answers regarding fishing license durations in Wisconsin:

How long does a fishing license last in WI?
Answer: Fishing licenses in WI are valid from March 1st of the current year through March 31st of the following year. So, depending on when you purchase your license, it can be valid for up to 13 months.

Can I purchase a fishing license that lasts for less than a year?
Answer: Yes, you can purchase a fishing license that lasts for less than a year. In Wisconsin, there are options to buy a 1-day, 2-day, 4-day, or 15-day license if you don’t need a full year’s worth of fishing.

Can I renew my fishing license before it expires?
Answer: Yes, you can Renew your fishing license in Wisconsin up to 30 days before it expires. This can be done online or at any authorized licensing agent. By renewing early, you can ensure that you always have a valid license and avoid any lapses in coverage.