MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2025-2026 smallmouth bass fishing season will open in the Northern Bass Management Zone on June 21, 2025, and run through March 1, 2026.
While anglers in the southern zone have been able to harvest bass since May 3, this harvest season gives anglers a chance to catch and keep smallmouth bass in waters north of State Highway 77 to the east of State Highway 27, and north of State Highway 64.
The Northern Bass Management Zone also includes:
- Inland waters north of State Highway 29 in Brown and Kewaunee counties
- Wisconsin – Michigan Boundary Waters
- Tributaries to Lake Michigan north of State Highway 29 in Door and Kewaunee counties
- Lake Superior, including the Kakagon River and Slough
Catch-and-release fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass will remain open statewide throughout the year except where otherwise noted.
All anglers are required to have a 2025-2026 Wisconsin fishing license. Licenses are available for purchase online through Go Wild or from an authorized license vendor. More information on licenses can be found on the DNR’s Fishing License webpage.
Check the 2025-2026 Guide to Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for bag and size limits.
Need help picking a place to fish for smallmouth bass or want to explore new water? The new Wisconsin Fishing Finder is here to help aid anglers in finding their next fishing adventure. It’s a one-stop shop for fishing regulations, launch locations and access points, stocking information and more.
