Ruffe in Wisconsin
Keeping, finding and recording ruffe.
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Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Oconomowoc Lake: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Wisconsin ruffe: rules, records and range
Classed as nonnative detrimental, Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) is one of the Perches (Percidae) on the WDNR fish list. For general inland waters (see round goby exception for winnebago system waters), the WDNR row reads 0, season Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office.
The record list and stocking summary skip it.
Wisconsin regulation rows naming ruffe
| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters (see round goby exception for Winnebago System waters) | 0 | Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters | 0 | Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
| Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters | 0 | No open season – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
| Tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan | 0 | Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
| Lake Michigan | 0 | Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
| Lake Superior | 0 | Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office |
2026-2027 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations (WDNR). Checked October 2026.
Relatives of ruffe in Wisconsin
- WalleyePerches (Percidae)
- SaugerPerches (Percidae)
- SaugeyePerches (Percidae)
- Yellow perchPerches (Percidae)
Photographs from waters near Ruffe
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: NaturesFan1226, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Questions anglers bring up about ruffe
Which Wisconsin rule covers keeping ruffe?
0 on general inland waters (see round goby exception for winnebago system waters); season Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office. Other waters have their own rows.
When was the Wisconsin ruffe record set?
The WDNR list has no entry for it.
Where do ruffe live in Wisconsin?
None of the water pages list it.
Does the WDNR stock ruffe?
Not in the 2023 to 2025 summary.
What Latin name does the WDNR give ruffe?
Gymnocephalus cernuus, Perches (Percidae); nonnative detrimental, listed as nonnative.
Is Wisconsin ruffe season open right now?
Closed all year – one may be killed and possessed for transport to a DNR Service Center or Regional Office on general inland waters (see round goby exception for winnebago system waters).
Which license covers ruffe?
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.
Who guides for ruffe?
No listed guide names it; the guides page has every operator.
Set out for ruffe
Each lake listed above opens its own page with landings and the WDNR rule table.