Pumpkinseed in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for pumpkinseed.
- 25 in total; no minilimit
- 1 lb. 3.4 oz.record
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pumpkinseed in Wisconsin, the overview
Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) sits in the Sunfishes (Centrarchidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows 25 in total; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 1 lb. 3.4 oz. fish from Silver Lake (2020) heads the hook and line list. Hatchery releases from 2023 to 2025 total 2,075 fish over 6 rows.
Wisconsin seasons and limits for pumpkinseed
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) | 15 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| St. Louis and St. Croix river upstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott | 15 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters (Mississippi River) | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Tributaries to Lake Michigan | 25 in total but only 5 may be yellow perch; no minimum length | Open all year, except yellow perch is closed May 1, 2026 – June 15, 2026 |
| Major Green Bay tributaries | 25 in total but only 15 may be yellow perch; no minimum length | Open all year, except yellow perch which is open May 20, 2026 – March 15, 2027 |
| All other tributaries to Green Bay upstream to the first dam or lake | 25 in total but only 15 may be yellow perch; no minimum length | May 2, 2026 – March 7, 2027, except yellow perch which is open May 20, 2026 – March 15, 2027 |
| Lake Michigan and Green Bay | 25 in total; includes yellow perch limit; no minimum length | Open all year for bluegill, sunfish and crappie |
| Lake Superior | 25; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Winnebago System waters | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
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| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 1 lb. 3.4 oz. | Silver Lake | Washington | 2020 |
| live release | 10.38 in | Silver Lake | Washington | 2025 |
| alternate method | 1 lb. 2.1 oz. | Silver Lake | Washington | 2021 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
pumpkinseed stocking, 2023 to 2025
WDNR Fish Stocking Summary, stocking years 2023 to 2025.
More Wisconsin fish grouped with pumpkinseed
- Largemouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Smallmouth bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Rock bassSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- BluegillSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Green sunfishSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- WarmouthSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Orangespotted sunfishSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- Black crappieSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
- White crappieSunfishes (Centrarchidae)
Wisconsin water near Pumpkinseed, photographed
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, 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 pumpkinseed
What daily limit applies to pumpkinseed here?
25 in total; no minimum length on general inland waters; season Open all year. Other waters have their own rows.
Does the WDNR list a record pumpkinseed?
1 lb. 3.4 oz. from Silver Lake in 2020 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold pumpkinseed?
The water pages carry no mention of it.
Are pumpkinseed stocked in Wisconsin?
Yes; 2,075 fish in 6 rows from 2023 to 2025, the most in Spring Lake.
How does the WDNR classify pumpkinseed?
Lepomis gibbosus, Sunfishes (Centrarchidae); game fish.
Which months can I keep pumpkinseed?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for pumpkinseed?
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 pumpkinseed?
None of the listed guides name it.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for pumpkinseed
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.