Wisconsin regulations
Smallmouth Bass Regulations in Wisconsin 2026
Wisconsin Smallmouth Bass regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 1 fish/day; Slot max 18 inches; Slot min 14 inches. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (28)
Wisconsin statewide
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
Arrowhead Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
only one may be longer than 18” all bass between 14-18” must be released
Camelot Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
only one may be longer than 18” all bass between 14-18” must be released
Consumptive Opportunity
- Daily bag
- 5 fish a day
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
one over 18 inches
Crescent LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Bass of any length may be kept
Memorable Opportunity Or Fishery Rehabilitation
- Daily bag
- 1 fish a day
- Min size
- 18"
Pelican Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Max size
- 14"
one fish may be over 18” Only largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14” may be kept
Pike Lake Chain (Includes Buskey Bay, Millicent, Hart, Twin Bear, Eagle, Flynn And Mccarry Lakes Combined)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
Pleasant LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept
Quality Opportunity
- Daily bag
- 5 fish a day
Sherwood Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 18"
only one may be longer than 18” all bass between 14-18” must be released
Trophy Opportunity Or Biomanipulation
- Daily bag
- 1 fish a day
- Min size
- 22"
Turtle LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept
Upper Gresham LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Largemouth and smallmouth bass of any length may be kept
Also known as
Smallmouth Bass is also called smallies. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Wisconsin.
Frequently asked questions
When is Smallmouth Bass season in Wisconsin?
Smallmouth Bass season in Wisconsin is set by DNR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin?
Minimum size for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin is 18 inches in Memorable Opportunity Or Fishery Rehabilitation, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin?
Daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin is 1 fish/day in Arrowhead Lake, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/Regulations/NewRegulations
- https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations/RegulationsToolbox
- https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations/dailybag.html
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch. Last verified .