White bass in Wisconsin
WDNR limits, records and lakes for white bass.
- None; no minimum lenlimit
- 5 lbs. 3.8 oz.record
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white bass in Wisconsin, the overview
White bass (Morone chrysops) sits in the Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae) family on the WDNR fish list and counts as game fish under Wisconsin rules. The first WDNR row, general inland waters, allows None; no minimum length with a season of Open all year.
A 5 lbs. 3.8 oz. fish from Mississippi River (2019) heads the hook and line list.
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| Where | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General inland waters | None; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters | 25 in total; no minimum length | Open all year |
| Mississippi River (Pools 3-9) | 10 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 | 10 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 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.
white bass records by category
| Category | Weight or length | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hook and line | 5 lbs. 3.8 oz. | Mississippi River | Vernon | 2019 |
| live release | 19.5 in | Cedar Lake | Polk | 2023 |
| alternate method | 1 lb. 9.8 oz. | Lake Mendota | Dane | 2022 |
WDNR record fish list, revised September 2026; angler names left out.
Where white bass turn up in Wisconsin
Largest lakes with white bass
- Lake Mendota9,781 acres
- Cedar Lake, Polk County1,120 acres
Moving water with white bass
- Mississippi RiverCrawford
WDNR Find a Lake fish lists and fisheries designation layers; largest waters first.
Guide services naming white bass
- Big Country ChartersGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Brussels, (720) 273-7527
- J-E Fishing EnterprisesGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 743-7877
- JJs Guide ServiceGreen Bay charter, Door County, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 493-2953
- Pike Pole Fishing Guide ServiceGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Edgerton, (608) 290-3929
- River Guide, AGreen Bay charter, Door County, Appleton, (920) 841-2118
- Tite Line FishingGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 495-7522
- Wacky Walleye Guide ServiceGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 743-5731
- Weekend Warrior Guide ServiceGreen Bay charter, Green Bay, Marinette, (920) 362-1978
More Wisconsin fish grouped with white bass
- Yellow bassSticklebacks (Gasterosteidae)
- White perchSticklebacks (Gasterosteidae)
Wisconsin water near White bass, photographed
Photo: Scott Catron, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: BobbbyLight, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Awkwafaba, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick facts people look up on white bass
What daily limit applies to white bass 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 white bass?
5 lbs. 3.8 oz. from Mississippi River in 2019 (hook and line).
Which Wisconsin lakes hold white bass?
3 waters here, starting with Lake Mendota, Cedar Lake, Polk County and Mississippi River.
Are white bass stocked in Wisconsin?
No stocking is listed for it.
How does the WDNR classify white bass?
Morone chrysops, Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae); game fish.
Which months can I keep white bass?
Open all year on general inland waters.
Do visitors need a license for white bass?
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 white bass?
8 guides list it, among them Big Country Charters.
Plan a Wisconsin trip for white bass
Choose a water above, then check its rule table.