Wisconsin has an category system for it’s inland tour streams this is the best way to manage each individual stream or even stream section. Wisconsin's regular trout season is open from the first Saturday in May until September 30th. There is a catch and release spring season running from the first Saturday in March until the last Sunday in April. With the season being closed for a few days between the early and regular season opener. A few waters have fall seasons. Lake Michigan tributaries are open all year and Lake Superior streams have an open season from the first Saturday in May until September 30th.

Copies of the Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide can be picked up at no cost at most sporting good stores, fly shops, and DNR offices. Or use this link...
DNR’s Online Fishing Wisconsin: Regulations for 2006-2007
 

Wisconsin's Trout Stream Category System

• Category 1 This category has been eliminated to help simplify the regulations.
• Category 2 A limit of five fish which must be at least 7 inches minimum. Used on a lot of Northern and Central Wisconsin streams.
• Category 3 A three bag limit with a size limit of 9 inches minimum. Acts as the catch all category. Most Southwestern streams are category 3.
• Category 4 A limit of three fish where Brown and Rainbow Trout must be 12 inches minimum and Brook Trout 8 inches minimum.
• Category 5 The special regulations category where size and bag limits vary. Usually used for restrictive harvest or catch and release.

*Please Practice Catch and Release*