Open the Outdoors
Fishing

There are a number of areas around Wisconsin which offer excellent shore-fishing opportunities for people with disabilities. There are piers and platforms on Wisconsin's beautiful lakes and rivers.

The links below provide locations and various details by region of each accessible fishing area. Find DNR Boat and Shore Fishing Access Sites with our mapping application.

• Fishing Season Dates
• Southwest Wisconsin [PDF 33KB] (Independent Living Resources Inc. newsletter).
• Southeast Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee Fall Fishing Brochure (with accessible labels)
  • Accessible Fishing Piers in the Southeast Region
  • Barrier-Free Fishing in Lake Michigan and Tributaries
• Northeast Wisconsin
• Dane County
• Accessible Fishing on Coon Creek Coon Valley, Wisconsin
• Licenses and Permits for People with Disabilities

The following site is also a great resource for adaptive fishing equipment and accessible fishing locations in other states.

• Wheelchair Fisherman

Disabled Fishing Organizations

There are three prominent disability groups in Wisconsin that provide enhanced fishing experiences to people with disabilities. From adaptive equipment to numerous events throughout the year, these organizations offer a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities to get out on the water fishing. See their websites below to find out more.

• Fishing Has No Boundaries [Exit DNR]
• Challenge The Outdoors [exit DNR]
• The North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.) — free pontoon and ice shanty use [exit DNR]