American eel in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for American eel.
- 0limit
- 3 lbs. 6 oz.record
Pick for largemouthPiscifun Chaos Pro CNC baitcasting reel25% OFFSale $97.99 Photo of Upper Nashotah Lake: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
American eel in Wisconsin, the overview
American eel (Anguilla rostrata) sits in the Freshwater Eels (Anguillidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, all waters, allows 0 with a season of No open season (species not listed in the regulation tables have no open season; the guide names American eel and grass pickerel as examples).
A 3 lbs. 6 oz. fish from Lake Superior (1997) heads the hook and line list.
Wisconsin seasons and limits for American eel
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| All waters | 0 | No open season (species not listed in the regulation tables have no open season; the guide names American eel and grass |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
American eel records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 3 lbs. 6 oz. | Lake Superior | Ashland | 1997 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with American eel
- WalleyePerches (Percidae)
- SaugerPerches (Percidae)
- SaugeyePerches (Percidae)
- Yellow perchPerches (Percidae)
- Northern pikePikes (Esocidae)
- MuskellungePikes (Esocidae)
- Tiger muskellungePikes (Esocidae)
- Grass pickerelPikes (Esocidae)
- Largemouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Smallmouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Rock bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- BluegillSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
For the largemouth herePiscifun AlinoX 300 low profile baitcaster34% OFFSale $104.99 Wisconsin water near American eel, photographed
Photo: Joshua Mayer from Madison, WI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Harry Malsch, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick facts people look up on American eel
What daily limit applies to American eel here?
0 on all waters; season No open season (species not listed in the regulation tables have no open season; the guide names American eel and grass pickerel as examples). Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record American eel?
3 lbs. 6 oz. from Lake Superior in 1997 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold American eel?
The water pages carry no mention of it.
Are American eel stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify American eel?
Anguilla rostrata, Freshwater Eels (Anguillidae); game fish, WDNR status special concern.
Which months can I keep American eel?
No open season (species not listed in the regulation tables have no open season; the guide names American eel and grass pickerel as examples) on all waters.
Do visitors need a license for American eel?
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 American eel?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for American eel
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.