Fishing Tournament Permit Application Process

We have a new process for applying for fishing tournament permits. You can now electronically:

Mississippi Bass Tournament boats

1. View a calendar with all scheduled Wisconsin tournaments and
2. Submit your application for a tournament permit [exit DNR]

If you have tried to submit an application and continue to experience problems, please contact Jonathan Hansen, Tournament Database Coordinator, by e-mail or call him at (608) 266-6883.

Do I Need A Permit?

You will need a tournament permit in cases where any of the following apply:

• The tournament involves 20 or more boats, or 100 or more participants;
• The tournament targets any trout species on waters classified as trout streams;
• The tournament is a catch-hold-release tournament with an off-site weigh-in; or
• The total prize value is $10,000 or greater.

If you do not need a permit...

While you may not need a tournament fishing permit according to the above criteria, you may need to fill out a restocking permit [PDF 42KB]. A restocking permit is needed for any catch-hold-release events which results in an individual angler exceeding any daily bag limits. Print out the application, fill in the necessary information and mail it to the local fisheries biologist for the county the tournament waterbody is located.

How Do I Apply For A Permit?

Two options are available for applying for a fishing tournament permit:

1. Submit an application on-line (this may speed the review of applications)
   • follow the instructions provided in the on-line form; or
2. Print a blank tournament application and complete by hand
   • Fill out all fields including either your DNR customer ID or a social security number before mailing (see the license requirements for an explanation of why either a social security number or a DNR customer ID is needed). Hard copies of tournament applications should be mailed along with the application fee to:

FISHING TOURNAMENT APPLICATIONS - FH/4
WISCONSIN DNR
PO BOX 7921
MADISON     WI     53707-7921

What Happens Next?

• A fisheries biologist will review your application once it is received;
• If approved, the biologist will mail you a signed permit with conditions for the tournament and a blank results form;
• The results form must be filled out and returned to the address above within 30 days after the tournament is held.