Don’t forget Wisconsin’s catch and release Trout season begins

Wisconsin’s early catch and release season for inland Trout begins Jan. 5th and runs through May 2nd. While anglers are not required to use barbless hooks, they can only use artificial lures at this time.

Wisconsin DNR has an official map of classified trout streams, which contains 292 miles of streams throughout the state. Any trout caught during this season needs to immediately be released. Anglers need their fishing license and inland trout stamp.

Bradd Sims, is a Stream and River Systems Biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. He says it’s critical to not spread invasive aquatic species.

“If you get in the streams and do any wading, you might have an aquatic invasive species, such as the New Zealand mud snail. We don’t want to transport [it] over to other waters. You can go ahead and clean off the bottom or around the outsides of your waders to get the soles clean.”

The only trout fishing permitted is in early catch and release streams designated by the Wisconsin DNR. Wisconsin’s early catch and release Trout season does not include inland lakes, ponds or the Great Lakes.

“So January 4th through May 2nd is it’s just catching release only. It’s artificial lures only. So no live baits allowed as well. We ask anglers to respect landowners rights. Make sure to keep it clean whatever it may be, make sure you pack everything out with you.”

Also it’s never too late to get your fishing license or trout stamps online or at your local tackle shop.

“If there are anglers out there, and its their first time, January 18th and 19th, the state has free fishing weekends. Whether it’s the early trout season or ice fishing or fishing Great Lakes, no license are required to get out and enjoy fishing.”

The Wisconsin DNR also says during the catch and release season, if a fish is hooked deeply, to cut the line and let the fish go.