Fishing Season Will Start May 2, Wisconsin Officials Say

MADISON, WI — As Wisconsin slowly reopens some businesses amid the coronavirus public health emergency, state officials said Wisconsin's 2020-2021 Game Fish season will proceed as planned opening on May 2.

“This year anglers will find themselves experiencing a non-traditional fishing opener. Instead of traveling to their favorite spot, they will create a new tradition of fishing closer to home and finding new local spots to catch a fish or two,” said Justine Hasz, Bureau Director of Fisheries Management in a statement Thursday. “Fisheries staff have maintained hatchery operations and have been stocking fish out across the state for anglers to go test their skills.”

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging anglers to fish close to home and practice social distancing whether fishing from a boat, dock, or shoreline. They're recommending that only anglers living in the same household should fish within six feet of one another.

Fishing licenses are available online through the DNR’s Go Wild system or at limited essential businesses throughout Wisconsin. The state's fishing license web page has more information Service centers remain closed.

Under the state's amended Safer At Home rules, all state parks have updated hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be closed on Wednesdays. Anglers who want to fish within a state park on Wednesdays may still do so that day state officials said. A list of launches and shorefishing access points is available on the DNR website to help anglers find fishing locations closer to home. Anglers are encouraged to have a backup plan in the event there is crowding or unsafe conditions where they plan to fish.

All restrooms, water fountains, buildings, and facilities are also closed at all state parks. Northern forests, flowages, and the Lower Wisconsin Riverway system are exempt from these changes and remain open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., 7 days a week.

Department of Natural Resources official boat launches are open at state properties that have been reopened. Officials urge anglers to check with local towns regarding boat launch closures, and consult the 2020-2021 Hook and Line Fishing Regulations.

Related Reading

• Wisconsin Coronavirus Tracker
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