Cast your line in the quiet beauty of permanently protected land.
Find a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of these protected lands. As with all visitors to our preserves, we ask that anglers join us in our mission to safeguard these natural places by fishing responsibly and disposing of used fishing line and other materials.
Getting your WI Fishing License
In Wisconsin, kids under 15 and anglers born before 1927 can fish without a license. For everybody else, various license options can get you out on the water quickly and easily.
First-time Buyer License – for those who haven’t fished Wisconsin before or want to return to fishing after at least ten years without a license.
The Northern Pike is a favorite game species due to its aggressive nature. Unlike other common species of game fish, northern pike are most active when the water is cool. The northern pike is quite accommodating to anglers, biting best during the daylight hours.
Baits: Fish baits, wobbling spoons
Walleye
The walleye is one of the most highly prized game fishes in Wisconsin. Thousands are caught each year during their spring spawning runs. The large, unusual eyes of the walleye are designed to help them easily find their prey.
Baits: Leeches, nightcrawlers, plugs
Black Crappie
The black crappie is considered an excellent game fish when taken on light tackle. Extreme care must be taken in landing these fish because their mouths are very tender.
The smallmouth bass is the scrappiest fish of all in Wisconsin. It is usually associated with a rocky stream or lake environment where its favorite food, the crayfish, is abundant. Some of the best lake fishing takes place in June during and just after the spawning season, and in early fall.
Baits: Hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae, crayfish
Pumpkinseed
With their fondness for hanging out in shallow water and their tendency to remain active throughout the day, pumpkinseeds are truly a species that anyone can pursue. Anglers don’t need boats or special equipment to fish prime pumpkinseed habitat.
Baits: Waxworms, nightcrawlers, small worms
Musky
The natural home for the musky is in the northern lakes and rivers. It is a solitary fish and lurks in weed beds or other protective cover. Anglers usually have the best luck fishing during the daytime.
