The general fishing season in Wisconsin for 2025 starts on Saturday, May 3, at 5 a.m. This is traditionally the opening day for fishing across the state. Different species may have specific season start dates, but the general inland fishing season opens on this date and runs through March 1, 2026. For example:

• General Inland Trout season also starts May 3, 2025.
• Largemouth Bass Northern Zone harvest starts May 3, 2025.
• Smallmouth Bass Northern Zone harvest starts later on June 21, 2025.
• Musky season opening may vary by zone, with northern beginning May 24 and southern May 3, 2025.

This May 3 opening date is consistent across many types of fishing in the state for the 2025-2026 season.