Boat Landings In Wisconsin: Open Or Closed?

Wisconsin is a haven for water enthusiasts, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Boating and fishing are two of the state's most popular pastimes, and to accommodate this, Wisconsin has over 2,000 public boat access sites and more than 100 developed shore fishing sites. But are all these boat landings open for use?

Public boat access sites in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of the Great Lakes shoreline. Boating and fishing are two of the most popular pastimes in the state. To support these activities, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a statewide inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers.

The inventory includes over 2,000 identified public boat access sites and over 100 developed shore fishing sites. Accessible fishing piers, flat fishing spots on the shoreline, and shoreline fishing trails with multiple fishing stations are all included in the developed shore fishing sites.

The DNR is responsible for maintaining and updating information about boat launches and shore fishing sites. The DNR's web mapping applications have been upgraded with more secure and modern technology, making it easier for users to find and access the sites. Upkeep and maintenance for these boat launches and fishing piers are provided through user launch fees, and the mapping application indicates which sites require these fees.

The funding for the mapping project was provided by a Sport Fish Restoration Grant through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, with the goal of conserving, developing, and enhancing the nation's fish and wildlife resources. The Sport Fish Restoration program is funded through various taxes and duties on the sale of fishing equipment, pleasure boats, and motorboat fuel.

Developed shore fishing sites

Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a statewide inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers. This inventory includes over 100 developed shore fishing sites, which are maintained through user launch fees. These sites offer accessible fishing piers, flat fishing spots on the shoreline, and shoreline fishing trails with multiple fishing stations.

The DNR's web-mapping application allows users to locate boat access sites and fishing piers across the state. The application also indicates which sites require user fees. It is important to note that information about boat launches and shore fishing sites may be incorrect or incomplete and is subject to change. DNR staff continually update and gather information, and currently, the shore fishing sites included in the inventory are limited to those funded and developed by the DNR. For other boat launches or shore fishing sites, individuals can contact the relevant county, city, village, or township for more information.

The DNR's inventory of developed shore fishing sites provides anglers with diverse fishing opportunities. Accessible fishing piers cater to fishers of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the sport. Flat fishing spots along the shoreline offer convenient access to the water, making it easier for fishers to cast their lines. Additionally, shoreline fishing trails with multiple fishing stations allow anglers to explore different areas and increase their chances of catching fish.

The development and maintenance of these shore fishing sites are funded through a Sport Fish Restoration Grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This grant program aims to conserve, develop, and enhance fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of the public. The funding for this program is derived from excise taxes on the sale of fishing equipment, import duties on fishing gear and pleasure boats, and taxes on motorboat fuel sales. This ensures that fishing enthusiasts have access to well-maintained and accessible shore fishing sites across Wisconsin.

Boat launch user fees

In Wisconsin, all citizens have the right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate, and swim in navigable waters. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a statewide inventory of over 2,000 public boat access sites and over 100 developed shore fishing sites. To maintain these sites, the DNR collects user launch fees.

Daily and Annual Permits

The City of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, for example, has mandatory boat launch user fees to improve its water-based facilities and Beaver Dam Lake. They offer daily and annual permits for both residents and non-residents. The daily permit costs $5, while the annual permits are $25 for residents and $35 for non-residents. These permits can be purchased through "self-registration" at boat launch sites or, for annual permits, at City Hall.

Fee Usage

Any launch fees collected by the DNR are used exclusively for the operation and maintenance of boat launching facilities. The DNR does not regulate launch fees collected by privately-owned facilities.

Registration Fees

In addition to launch fees, boat owners in Wisconsin must also pay registration fees based on the length of their boat. These fees include motorized boats of various lengths, non-motorized sailboats, and voluntary registration. Other costs to consider are replacement fees for registration certificates and expiration decals, as well as titling and lien fees.

Private boat landings

In Wisconsin, all navigable waters are considered public and can be used for water-based recreation. This includes boating, fishing, hunting, skating, and swimming. The state's Constitution and Public Trust Doctrine declare that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free." This means that anyone can access and use these waters for recreational purposes. Wisconsin has a lot of navigable waters, with over 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of the Great Lakes shoreline.

To facilitate boating and fishing, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a statewide inventory of public boat access sites and fishing piers. This inventory includes over 2,000 public boat access sites and over 100 developed shore fishing sites. However, this inventory primarily focuses on public access sites and may not include all private boat landings.

While Wisconsin promotes public access to navigable waters, there may be private boat landings that are not included in the DNR's inventory. These private landings are usually smaller in scale and cater to a specific group of people, such as a private community or club members. The owners of these landings often have exclusive rights to that specific section of the waterway, allowing them to control access and usage. It is important to respect the privacy and permissions associated with these private boat landings.

If you are specifically interested in private boat landings, it is recommended to check with local resources, such as community websites or county information. Additionally, contacting private landowners or seeking permission to cross their property to reach the water is essential if there is no public access available. Respecting private property boundaries and following any posted guidelines or restrictions is crucial when utilizing private boat landings in Wisconsin.

County-operated boat landings

In Wisconsin, all citizens have the right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate, and swim on navigable waters, as outlined by the state Constitution and the Public Trust Doctrine. This includes the right to enjoy the natural beauty of these waters and the quality and quantity of the water. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for upholding these rights.

The DNR has created a statewide inventory of over 2,000 public boat access sites and more than 100 developed shore fishing sites, which include accessible fishing piers, flat fishing spots, and shoreline fishing trails with multiple stations. This inventory is designed to facilitate boating and fishing, two highly popular pastimes in the state.

While the DNR provides this inventory, upkeep, and maintenance for boat launches and fishing piers, the individual counties, cities, villages, or townships are responsible for operating and managing these sites. This means that while the DNR provides the resources and infrastructure, the specific rules, regulations, and opening times for county-operated boat landings may vary depending on the local authorities.

As such, it is essential to check with the respective county or local authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of county-operated boat landings. Their websites or social media pages are good places to start, as they often provide the latest information on openings, closures, and any restrictions in place. Additionally, local boating or fishing communities and forums may also provide insights into the status of specific boat landings in the area. It is always a good idea to have multiple sources of information to ensure you have the most accurate and current details.

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