Alewife in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for alewife.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 0 lbs. 3.2 oz.record
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Mendota: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0
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alewife in Wisconsin, the overview
Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) sits in the Herrings (Clupeidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as rough fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows None; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 0 lbs. 3.2 oz. fish from Lake Michigan (2023) heads the hook and line list.
Wisconsin seasons and limits for alewife
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan and major Green Bay tributaries | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | Open all year |
| All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake | None; except 600 suckers; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027 |
| Winnebago System waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
alewife records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 0 lbs. 3.2 oz. | Lake Michigan | Milwaukee | 2023 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with alewife
- Gizzard shadHerrings (Clupeidae)
Wisconsin water near Alewife, photographed
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Axhi12, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick facts people look up on alewife
What daily limit applies to alewife here?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record alewife?
0 lbs. 3.2 oz. from Lake Michigan in 2023 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold alewife?
The water pages carry no mention of it.
Are alewife stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify alewife?
Alosa pseudoharengus, Herrings (Clupeidae); rough fish, listed as nonnative.
Which months can I keep alewife?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for alewife?
Anglers 16 and older need a Wisconsin fishing license: $20 a year for residents and $55 for nonresidents, with a $5 first-time buyer rate for residents.
Do outfitters list alewife?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for alewife
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.