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How to Get Your Wisconsin Fishing License
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0Summary
All anglers 16+ need a valid Wisconsin license to fish the St. Croix or surrounding rivers. Buy resident or non-resident tags online via GoWild. Kids under 16 fish free on our family floats!
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How to Get Your Wisconsin Fishing License
Northwoods River Life
Wild River Musky Hookups
Chasing Giants on the Flambeau
Top-Tier Wisconsin Guiding
The Best of the Sioux River
Sioux River Trophy Hunter
Pounding the Red Cedar Rapids
Meet your Guide Nick Thill
- Upriver Anglers: Northwest Wisconsin River Floats
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2026
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Essential Fishing License Info for Your Upriver Anglers Guided Trip
Navigating the regulations for the St. Croix, Red Cedar, Flambeau, Chippewa, and Sioux Rivers is the first step toward a successful day on the water. To ensure your trip with Upriver Anglers is both legal and enjoyable, it is essential to understand the licensing requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Who Needs a License?
In Wisconsin, all anglers aged 16 and older are required to carry a valid fishing license while on the water. This applies to both residents and visitors. If you are joining us from out of state, you must have a non-resident license, even if you are only fishing for a single day.
Residency and Pricing (2026 Estimates)
Wisconsin offers a variety of options to fit your travel schedule. Please note that prices are subject to change by the DNR.
Pro Tip: If you haven't purchased a Wisconsin license in the last 10 years, look for the "First-Time Buyer" discount on the DNR portal.
Special Exemptions and Add-ons
- Youth: Children under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish in Wisconsin. This makes our family-friendly river floats even more accessible for young anglers.
- Seniors: Wisconsin residents age 65 and older can purchase a reduced-rate Senior Citizen fishing license for approximately $7.00.
- Inland Trout Stamp: If your trip with Nick targets trout (specifically on the Sioux River or designated trout waters), an Inland Trout Stamp is required in addition to your base license.
- Freshwater vs. Saltwater: Since we are fishing interior rivers, you only need an Inland license. You do not need a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout stamp unless we are fishing the direct mouths or waters of Lake Superior/Michigan.
Where to Buy Your License
The easiest way to secure your license is online through the Wisconsin DNR GoWild portal. You can also visit local sporting goods stores or bait shops in the St. Croix Falls or Eau Claire areas.
- Online: Visit the GoWild website and create a customer profile.
- Digital Copy: You are not required to carry a paper copy; a digital image or PDF of your license on your phone is sufficient.
- Timing: We recommend purchasing your license at least 24 hours before your scheduled float trip to avoid any last-minute technical delays.
Wisconsin License and River Life Gallery
Beyond the technicalities of DNR regulations, the true essence of the St. Croix, Flambeau, and Chippewa Rivers comes alive in the visual stories of our seasons. In this gallery, you’ll see the mist rising off the glass-calm water at dawn, the vibrant, deep greens of the timber-lined banks, and the golden hues of a Wisconsin sunset reflecting off the hull of our custom 14-foot raft. From the prehistoric look of a trophy musky to the brilliant, dappled patterns of a native brook trout, these images capture the raw, natural beauty that makes a day with Upriver Anglers in Western Wisconsin so much more than just a fishing trip.
As you browse these highlights, you will glimpse the quiet, secluded eddies of the Red Cedar River and the rugged, rocky corridors of the Sioux River. You’ll see the focused determination of anglers mid-cast, the shared laughter of families on their first river float, and the diverse wildlife—from bald eagles soaring overhead to whitetail deer drinking at the water’s edge—that call these watersheds home. These photos reflect the peaceful, high-quality outdoor lifestyle waiting for you just beyond the boat launch. Scroll through our recent highlights to see the experiences that await you on your next Wisconsin river adventure.
