Gizzard shad in Wisconsin
Wisconsin rules and waters for gizzard shad.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 4 lbs. 7 oz.record
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Wisconsin gizzard shad basics
Wisconsin files Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) with the Herrings (Clupeidae), and the regulations treat it as rough fish. Where the guide lists general inland waters, the keeper rule is None; no minimum length and the season is Open all year.
In 1982, Lake Michigan gave up the hook and line record, 4 lbs. 7 oz.
gizzard shad rules in the WDNR guide
| 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.
The biggest Wisconsin gizzard shad on file
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 4 lbs. 7 oz. | Lake Michigan | Ozaukee | 1982 |
| alternate method | 4 lbs. 11.6 oz. | Mississippi River | Trempealeau | 2015 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Lakes and rivers with gizzard shad
Rivers listing gizzard shad
- Mississippi RiverCrawford
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
Family members of gizzard shad
- AlewifeHerrings (Clupeidae)
Shoreline scenes a drive from Gizzard shad
Photo: Corey Coyle, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Wisconsin gizzard shad: common questions
Can Wisconsin anglers keep gizzard shad?
None; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
What is the Wisconsin record gizzard shad?
4 lbs. 7 oz. from Lake Michigan in 1982 (hook and line).
Where are gizzard shad found in Wisconsin?
1 water here, starting with Mississippi River.
How many gizzard shad did the WDNR stock?
None recorded from 2023 to 2025.
Is gizzard shad a game fish in Wisconsin?
Dorosoma cepedianum, Herrings (Clupeidae); rough fish.
Does Wisconsin close the gizzard shad season?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Is a trout stamp required for gizzard shad?
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 Wisconsin guides fish for gizzard shad?
The guides page lists operators by water instead.
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The lake pages above carry abundance, landings and limits.