Largemouth Bass Fishing in Wisconsin
Found throughout Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers, with the best fishing in the southern and central parts of the state. Lake Koshkonong, Madison’s lakes, and Driftless Area ponds hold quality largemouth.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Found throughout Wisconsin's lakes and rivers, with the best fishing in the southern and central parts of the state. Lake Koshkonong, Madison's lakes, and Driftless Area ponds hold quality largemouth.
Size Limit
14 inches minimum (northern zone), no minimum (southern zone)
Daily Bag
5
Season
First Saturday in May through March 1 (catch-and-release during spring spawning)
State Record
11 lb 3 oz
Lake Ripley (1940)
Best Months to Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What to Use
Live Bait & Natural
NightcrawlersLeechesCrayfish
Lures & Artificials
Plastic wormsSpinnerbaitsTopwater frogsJigsCrankbaits
Regulation Notes
Northern and southern zones have different size limits. Catch-and-release only from March through the general opener.
More Wisconsin Fish Species
Plan Your Largemouth Bass Trip
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next largemouth bass fishing trip in Wisconsin.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.