The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that the Natural Resources Board has approved a new permanent rule, effective Nov. 1, 2026, changing the possession and bag limit for round gobies and other detrimental fish species on waters of the state.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that the Natural Resources Board has approved a new permanent rule regarding the possession and bag limits for round gobies, ruffe, and other detrimental fish species. The change, which applies to waters throughout the state, is set to take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
Anglers may keep unlimited gobies, ruffe, and white perch
Under the upcoming permanent rule, anglers may keep an unlimited number of round gobies and ruffe caught from any waterbody in the state. The regulation also permits the possession of an unlimited number of white perch. However, specific processing requirements must be met for these fish to be kept:
- Gobies and ruffe must be immediately decapitated, eviscerated, or have their gills removed.
- White perch harvested on inland waters must also be decapitated, eviscerated, or have their gills removed.
Reporting requirements for invasive species
While limits are being removed, the DNR is encouraging anglers to report certain catches. Because a round goby population has not yet been established in the Winnebago System, the department states that reporting all gobies taken is essential for tracking the invasion of the species. Anglers are encouraged to use the DNR’s online goby reporting tool for any gobies captured in that system.
Any detrimental fish species caught in inland waters should be reported to a local fisheries biologist.
