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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Wisconsin

Boating connects you with nature and is an enjoyable activity for the entire family. Once you have applied for your WI boat license, you are one step closer to days spent floating on sparkling blue lake or river waters. Learn more about license requirements and Wisconsin boat laws in this section.

WISCONSIN BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Make sure you are up to date with Wisconsin boat laws and regulations before operating a boat on the state waterways. Each state has different rules about topics such as boating education, operator age, boat noise, titling, boating under the influence and safety equipment.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

When you apply for your boat registration (or WI boat license), you will be required to pay a registration fee. Boat registration fees help fund efforts to preserve our natural resources through activities such as lake clean-up, public boat ramp maintenance and other conservation initiatives.

WISCONSIN BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

You can register or renew your boat online, through a licensed agent, by mail, or at any Department of Natural Resources office.
All motorboats must be registered except sailboats (12 ft. or less) not equipped with a motor or sailboards, or manually propelled vessels that are not equipped with a motor or sail.
Your WI boat license gives you the opportunity to take advantage of some of the best fishing spots that are not accessible by land. Respect these privileges by abiding by state rules and regulations at all times.

WI BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Wisconsin has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

WI BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

WI BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site.

ORDINANCES & WATERWAY MARKERS