List of fishing records in the state of Wisconsin. All records are fish caught by use of hook and line and are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. They are up to date as of May 20, 2021.
Species name | Weight | Length in inches | Date | Location | County |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alewife | 0 lbs. 2.4 oz. | 8.125 | 05/19/2017 | Lake Michigan | Milwaukee |
Bass, Largemouth | 11 lbs. 3 oz. | not available | 10/12/1940 | Lake Ripley | Jefferson |
Bass, Smallmouth | 9 lbs. 1 oz. | not available | 06/21/1950 | Indian Lake | Oneida |
Bass, Rock | 2 lbs. 15 oz. | not available | 06/02/1990 | Shadow Lake | Waupaca |
Bass, Hybrid Striped | 13 lbs. 14.2 oz. | 28.0 | 03/16/2002 | Lake Columbia | Columbia |
Bass, Striped | 1 lbs. 9.3 oz. | 17.0 | 05/24/1996 | Fox River | Kenosha |
Bass, White | 5 lbs. 3.8 oz. | 22.25 | 05/05/2019 | Mississippi River | Vernon |
Bass, Yellow | 2 lbs. 12 oz. | 16.1 | 02/13/2013 | Lake Waubesa | Dane |
Blackstripe Topminnow | 0 lbs. 0.32 oz. | 2.4 | 08/01/2019 | Mukwonago River | Waukesha |
Bluegill | 2 lbs. 9.8 oz. | 12.0 | 08/02/1995 | Green Bay | Brown |
Bowfin | 13 lbs. 1 oz. | 31.6 | 07/19/1980 | Willow Flowage | Oneida |
Buffalo, Bigmouth | 76 lbs. 8 oz. | 49.5 | 06/21/2013 | Petenwell Lake | Adams |
Buffalo, Smallmouth | 20 lbs 0 oz. | 30.0 | 12/03/1999 | Milwaukee River | Washington |
Bullhead, Black | 5 lbs. 8 oz. | 21.5 | 09/02/1989 | Big Falls Flowage | Rusk |
Bullhead, Brown | 4 lbs. 2 oz. | 17.5 | 07/07/2006 | Little Green Lake | Green Lake |
Bullhead, Yellow | 4 lbs. 2.4 oz. | 19.5 | 06/06/2020 | White Mound Park Lake | Sauk |
Burbot | 18 lbs. 2oz. | 37.8 | 02/02/2002 | Lake Superior | Bayfield |
Carp, Bighead | 38 lbs. 12 oz. | 45.5 | 11/28/11 | Wisconsin River | Sauk |
Carp, Common | 57 lbs. 2 oz. | not available | 08/28/1966 | Lake Wisconsin | Columbia |
Carpsucker, Quillback | 9 lbs. 15.8 oz. | 25.0 | 05/01/2016 | Wolf River | Waupaca |
Catfish, Channel | 44 lbs. 0 oz. | not available | 1962 | Wisconsin River | Columbia |
Catfish, Flathead | 74 lbs. 5.1 oz. | 53.0 | 03/30/2001 | Mississippi River | Vernon |
Chub, Creek | 0 lbs.12.0 oz. | 11.75 | 01/07/2018 | Amnicon Lake | Douglas |
Chub, Hornyhead | 0 lbs. 3.0 oz. | 7.9 | 08/16/2015 | Sugar River | Dane |
Cisco | 4 lbs. 10.5 oz. | not available | 06/12/1969 | Big Green Lake | Green Lake |
Crappie, Black | 4 lbs. 8 oz. | 19.75 | 08/12/1967 | Gile Flowage | Iron |
Crappie, White | 3 lb. 13.1 oz. | 16.5 | 05/04/2003 | Cranberry Marsh | Monroe |
Darter, Johnny | 0 lb. 0.16 oz. | 2.5 | 08/29/2020 | Menomonee River | Waukesha |
Drum, (Sheepshead) | 35 lbs. 4 oz. | 37.5 | 08/29/1992 | Mississippi River | Crawford |
Eel, American | 3 lbs. 6 oz. | 38.25 | 07/09/1997 | Lake Superior | Ashland |
Gar, Longnose | 21 lbs. 4 oz. | 52.5 | 06/14/1990 | Wisconsin River | Richland |
Gar, Shortnose | 4 lbs. 5.4 oz | 31.75 | 08/22/2015 | Fox River | Outagamie |
Goby, Round | 0 lb. 5.3 oz | 8.5 | 05/11/2008 | Lake Michigan | Manitowoc |
Logperch | 0 lbs. 0.72 oz. | 4.4 | 08/01/2019 | Mukwonago River | Waukesha |
Minnow, Bluntnose | 0 lbs. 0.4 oz. | 2.7 | 08/01/2019 | Mukwonago River | Waukesha |
Muskellunge | 69 lbs. 11 oz. | 63.5 | 10/20/1949 | Chippewa Flowage | Sawyer |
Muskellunge, Tiger | 51 lbs. 3 oz. | 54.0 | 07/16/1919 | Lac Vieux Desert | Vilas |
Northern Pike | 38 lbs. 0 oz. | not available | 08/06/1952 | Lake Puckaway | Green Lake |
Perch, White | 1 lbs. 6 oz. | 13.0 | 03/14/2020 | Chequamegon Bay | Bayfield |
Perch, Yellow | 3 lbs. 4 oz. | not available | 1954 | Lake Winnebago | Winnebago |
Pumpkinseed | 1 lb. 3.4 oz. | 11.125 | 05/31/2020 | Silver Lake | Washington |
Redhorse, Golden | 3 lbs. 1.4 oz. | 21.0 | 07/04/2017 | Prairie River | Lincoln |
Redhorse, Shorthead | 3 lbs. 4 oz. | 18.5 | 04/18/2020 | Mississippi River | Trempealeau |
Redhorse, Silver | 11 lbs. 7 oz. | 29.25 | 05/29/1985 | Plum Creek | Vilas |
Rudd, European | 1 lb. 3 oz. | 12.6 | 03/10/1991 | North Lake | Waukesha |
Salmon, Atlantic | 23 lbs. 15 oz. | 37.0 | 07/18/1980 | Lake Michigan | Milwaukee |
Salmon, Coho | 26 lbs. 1.9 oz. | 38.0 | 08/21/1999 | Lake Michigan | Milwaukee |
Salmon, Chinook | 44 lbs. 15 oz. | 47.5 | 07/19/1994 | Lake Michigan | Door |
Salmon, Kokanee | 2 lbs. 8.2 oz. | 19.5 | 09/01/2007 | Upper Bass Lake | Menominee |
Salmon, Pink | 6 lbs. 1.9 oz. | 24.0 | 08/10/1999 | Lake Michigan | Kewaunee |
Salmon, Pinook (chinook x pink) | 9 lbs.1.6 oz. | 27.88 | 07/30/2016 | Lake Michigan | Door |
Sauger | 6 lbs. 6.7 oz. | 23.25 | 03/19/2009 | Mississippi River | Pierce |
Saugeye | 8 lbs. 14.7 oz. | 28.5 | 10/14/2009 | Wisconsin River | Columbia |
Sculpin, Mottled | 0 lbs. 0.64 oz. | 4.3 | 03/15/2016 | Gunlock Lake | Vilas |
Sculpin, Slimy | 0 lbs. 0.8 oz. | 4.75 | 05/21/2016 | Kinnickinnic River | St. Croix |
Shad, Gizzard | 4 lbs. 7 oz. | 21.5 | 02/10/1982 | Lake Michigan | Ozaukee |
Shiner, Common | 0 lbs. 4.0 oz. | 8.0 | 04/23/2017 | Mukwonago River | Waukesha |
Shiner, Golden | 0 lbs. 8.8 oz. | 10.75 | 06/07/2015 | Lake Emily | Dodge |
Shiner, Spottail | 0 lbs. 0.48 oz. | 3.5 | 09/25/2020 | Castle Rock Lake | Adams |
Smelt, Rainbow | 0 lbs. 5.0 oz. | 10.5 | 03/05/2017 | Chequamegon Bay | Ashland |
Stonecat | 0 lbs.5.4 oz. | 9.3 | 07/04/2017 | Prairie River | Lincoln |
Sturgeon, Lake | 170 lbs. 10 oz. | 79.0 | 09/22/1979 | Yellow Lake | Burnett |
Sturgeon, Shovelnose | 7 lbs. 13.1 oz. | 37.5 | 05/28/2017 | Mississippi River | Vernon |
Sucker, Northern Hog | 1 lb. 13 oz. | 16.0 | 03/17/2004 | Fox River | Green Lake |
Sucker, Spotted | 4 lbs. 10.2 oz. | 20.5 | 02/22/2018 | Lake Onalaska | La Crosse |
Sucker, White | 6 lbs. 2 oz. | 23.1 | 08/27/1997 | Miller Flowage | Taylor |
Sunfish, Green | 1 lb. 9 oz. | not available | 08/23/1967 | Wind Lake | Racine |
Trout, Brook (inland) | 9 lbs. 15 oz. | not available | 09/02/1944 | Prairie River | Lincoln |
Trout, Brook (outlying) | 10 lbs. 1 oz. | 24.5 | 06/08/1999 | Lake Michigan | Ozaukee |
Trout, Brown (inland) | 18 lbs. 6 oz. | 34.3 | 05/07/1984 | Lake Geneva | Walworth |
Trout, Brown (outlying) | 41 lbs. 8 oz. | 40.6 | 07/16/2010 | Lake Michigan | Racine |
Trout, Lake (inland) | 35 lbs. 4 oz. | not available | 06/01/1957 | Big Green Lake | Green Lake |
Trout, Lake (outlying) | 47 lbs. 0 oz. | not available | 09/09/1946 | Lake Superior | Bayfield |
Trout, Rainbow (outlying) | 27 lbs. 2 oz. | 42.5 | 07/26/1997 | Lake Michigan | Kewaunee |
Trout, Rainbow (inland) | 12 lbs. 3 oz. | 29.5 | 06/15/2006 | Elbow Lake | Marinette |
Trout, Splake (Lk x Bk) | 17 lbs. 14.5 oz. | 32.0 | 07/06/2002 | Green Bay | Marinette |
Trout, Tiger (Bk x Br, outlying) | 20 lbs. 13 oz. | 33.75 | 08/12/1978 | Lake Michigan | Sheboygan |
Trout, Tiger (Bk x Br, inland) | 2 lb. 1 oz. | 16.0 | 04/09/2018 | Private pond | Racine |
Walleye | 18 lbs. 0 oz. | not available | 09/16/1933 | High Lake | Vilas |
Warmouth | 1 lb. 1 oz. | 10.50 | 05/26/2001 | Eagle Lake | Racine |
Whitefish, Lake | 12 lbs. 6.4 oz. | 31.0 | 07/09/2013 | Lake Michigan | Sheboygan |
The Wisconsin River is a tributary of the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. At approximately 430 miles long, it is the state's longest river. The river's name was first recorded in 1673 by Jacques Marquette as "Meskousing" from his Indian guides - most likely Miami for "river running through a red place."
The Huron–Manistee National Forests are two separate national forests, the Huron National Forest and the Manistee National Forest, combined in 1945 for administration purposes and which comprise 978,906 acres (3,960 km2) of public lands, including 5,786 acres (23 km2) of wetlands, extending across the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. The Huron–Manistee National Forests provide recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife, and resources for local industry. The headquarters for the forests is in Cadillac, Michigan.
Lake Winnebago is a shallow freshwater lake in the north central United States, located in east central Wisconsin. At 137,700 acres, it is the largest lake entirely within the state, covering an area of about 30 miles by 10 miles with 88 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 15.5 feet, and a maximum depth of 21 feet. It has many shallow reefs along the west shore and a drop-off type shoreline on the east. There are several islands along the west shore.
The Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest is a 1,530,647-acre (6,194.31 km2) U.S. National Forest in northern Wisconsin in the United States. Due to logging in the early part of the 20th century, very little old growth forest remains. Some of the trees there were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The national forest land trees and vegetation are part of the North Woods Ecoregion that prevails throughout the upper Great Lakes region.
Governor Nelson State Park is a 422-acre (171 ha) Wisconsin state park located outside of Waunakee, Wisconsin in the town of Westport on the north shore of Lake Mendota. It is named for former Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson. On most days the Wisconsin State Capitol building can be seen in nearby Madison. Common activities include boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming. There is also a boat launch and a swimming area for pets. Away from the lake one can find restored prairie and savanna, effigy mounds, hiking trails and ski trails. Governor Nelson State Park is one of the few Wisconsin state parks that does not allow overnight camping.
Governor Dodge State Park is a 5,270-acre (2,133 ha) Wisconsin state park outside Dodgeville in Iowa County, Wisconsin. Named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory, the park contains geologic features indicative of the Driftless Area. It is located 4.1 miles north of the Central business district of the City of Dodgeville.
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a federally protected system of riverways located in eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It protects 252 miles (406 km) of river, including the St. Croix River, and the Namekagon River, as well as adjacent land along the rivers. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the original eight National Wild and Scenic Rivers, largely as a result of legislation by senators Walter Mondale of Minnesota and Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River, it lies within parts of eight counties in Wisconsin: Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn; and three in Minnesota: Chisago, Pine, and Washington.
Manitou Camp is a logging and fishing camp started in the 1890s on Manitou Island, part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Today, as historically, Manitou Camp is used as a campground and as a facility for fishing. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983 and is owned by the National Park Service.
Lake Wissota State Park is a 1,062-acre (430 ha) Wisconsin state park near the town of Chippewa Falls. The park is situated on the northeast shore of Lake Wissota, a reservoir on the Chippewa River. Camping, boating, and fishing are the most popular activities. Park lands are covered in a mix of pine/hardwood forests and prairie. Visitors can access the Old Abe State Trail and bike or hike 17.5 miles (28.2 km) to Brunet Island State Park.
Brunet Island State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, USA, featuring a 169-acre (68 ha) island in the Chippewa River. The remainder of the park's 1,225 acres (496 ha) are on the east bank of the river. It is noted for its numerous white-tailed deer and large eastern hemlock trees. The park is located just north of Cornell in Chippewa County in the Northern Highland region of Wisconsin. The Old Abe State Trail begins in the park and follows the riverbank south to the town of Chippewa Falls, with access to Lake Wissota State Park.
Big Foot Beach State Park is a state park of Wisconsin, United States, on Geneva Lake. The park is used primarily for hiking, swimming, camping, and fishing.
Mirror Lake State Park is a 2,179-acre (882 ha) Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region. The process of establishing the park began in 1962 and the park officially opened on August 19, 1966. It contains Mirror Lake, a narrow reservoir with steep sandstone sides up to 50 feet (15 m) tall. The lake has a surface area of 137 acres (55 ha) and an average depth of 10 to 14 feet. Recessed out of the wind, the water of Mirror Lake is usually calm and often as glassy-smooth as a mirror, hence the name. Situated in a major tourist area, the state park has an extensive campground and other visitor amenities. Also located within the park is the Seth Peterson Cottage, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building available for public rental.
Rough fish is a term used by some United States state agencies and anglers to describe fish that are less desirable to sport anglers within a defined region. The term usually refers to larger game fish species that are not commonly eaten, are too rare to be commonly encountered, or are not favorably sought by anglers for sporting purposes. Many of these species are actually very important in the commercial fishing industry, where they make up the bulk of commercial food fish catches in inland freshwater bodies.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is a Wisconsin state forest of more than 225,000 acres (910 km2) across Vilas, Oneida, and Iron counties in north-central Wisconsin. The state forest includes numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. The most prominent rivers are the Wisconsin, Flambeau, and Manitowish. The state forest supports a large variety of outdoor recreation activities including camping, hiking, snowmobiling, bicycling, boating, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. In addition to recreational activities the state forest also hosts a number of research programs. The forest is a state-managed timber resource providing opportunities for commercial logging, individual firewood collection, and individual Christmas tree harvesting.
Copper Falls State Park is a 3,068-acre (1,242 ha) state park in Wisconsin. The park contains a section of the Bad River and its tributary the Tylers Forks, which flow through a gorge and drop over several waterfalls. Old Copper Culture Indians and later European settlers mined copper in the area. The state park was created in 1929 and amenities were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration. In 2005 the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a site with 10 contributing properties.
Potawatomi State Park is a 1,225-acre (496 ha) Wisconsin state park northwest of the city of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in the Town of Nasewaupee. It is located in Door County along Sturgeon Bay, a bay within the bay of Green Bay. Potawatomi State Park was established in 1928.
The Flambeau River is a tributary of the Chippewa River in northern Wisconsin, United States. The Chippewa is in turn a tributary of the upper Mississippi River. The Flambeau drains an area of 1,860 square miles (4,800 km2) and descends from an elevation of approximately 1,570 feet (480 m) to 1,060 feet (320 m) above sea level. The Flambeau is an important recreational destination in the region. It is notable among canoeists in the Midwest for outstanding canoe camping, including excellent scenery, fishing and whitewater. The river and its forks have a variety of possible trip lengths from short day outings, to overnight camping, to voyages of a week or more.
The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is an American hall of fame in Hayward, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting freshwater fishing. Approximately 100,000 visitors tour the museum each year. The 143-foot-long (44 m) muskie sculpture is the world's largest muskie sculpture.
The Blackjack Springs Wilderness is a 5,800-acre (23 km2) wilderness area northeast of Eagle River, Wisconsin. It is located within the Nicolet unit of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is administered by the US Forest Service. The area protects four large, crystal-clear springs at the headwaters of Blackjack Creek, part of the Eagle River and Wisconsin River drainage. The area was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1978 as part of the Wisconsin Wilderness Act following an effort spearheaded by Sen. William Proxmire and Rep. Robert John Cornell.
The Hadland Fishing Camp is a historic fishing camp in the Apostle Islands of Ashland County, Wisconsin. Built in 1938, the camp is located on the eastern shore of Rocky Island and is part of the Rocky Island Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 18, 1977.