Wisconsin Bass Boat Regulations – Mississippi River

Wisconsin Regulations for Flat-Bottom Bass Boats on the Mississippi River

To legally operate a flat-bottom bass boat on the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, you must comply with Wisconsin boating regulations and boundary water rules (shared with Minnesota or Iowa). Below are the requirements as of May 25, 2025.

1. Boat Registration and Documentation

  • Certificate of Number: Register motorized boats (including those with trolling motors) or sailboats with the Wisconsin DNR. Carry the Certificate of Number on board.
  • Validation Decals: Display current registration decals on both sides of the boat, within six inches of the registration number.
  • Certificate of Title: Required for motorized boats or sailboats 16 feet or longer. Must be Wisconsin-issued or a Federal Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation.
  • Temporary Receipt: A temporary operating receipt is valid for 60 days after registration.

2. Boating Safety Certification

  • Operator Requirements: If born on or after January 1, 1989, complete a Wisconsin-approved boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Certificate.
  • Age Restrictions:
    • Under 16: Need certification to operate alone.
    • Ages 12–15: Can operate motorized boats if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or person 18+ with a valid certificate.
    • Born before January 1, 1989: No certification required, but recommended.

3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

  • Requirement: One U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD per person, readily accessible.
  • Throwable Device: Boats 16 feet or longer need a Type IV throwable PFD (e.g., cushion or ring buoy).
  • Children: Under 13 must wear a PFD on a moving boat under 26 feet, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

4. Safety Equipment

  • Fire Extinguisher: Motorized boats need at least one Type B-1 fire extinguisher, especially with enclosed fuel compartments or permanent fuel tanks.
  • Ignition Safety Switch: If equipped, the lanyard-type engine cutoff switch must be functional and attached to the operator, their clothing, or PFD.
  • Sound-Producing Device: Carry a whistle or horn for emergencies.
  • Navigation Lights: Required for operation between sunset and sunrise (red/green bow lights, white stern light).
  • Muffler/Noise Control: Engines must have a muffler or noise suppression system. Tampering to increase noise is prohibited.

5. Fishing Regulations (Mississippi River Specific)

  • Fishing License: Wisconsin residents need a Wisconsin fishing license. Non-residents need a Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Iowa non-resident license, depending on the boundary water section.
  • Hook and Line: Fishing within 200 feet of fishways, locks, or dams must be by hook and line only.
  • Trolling: Motor trolling allowed with up to three hooks, baits, or lures per person, no maximum lines per boat.
  • Restricted Areas:
    • No fishing within 300 feet below Red Wing Dam and Alma Dam (March 1–April 29).
    • No fishing below Onalaska Dam (March 15–April 25).

6. Operational Rules

  • No Overloading: Do not exceed safe carrying capacity (passengers, cargo, weather).
  • Negligent Operation: Avoid careless or reckless operation, including hazardous wake near other boats.
  • Circular Course: Do not operate repeatedly within 200 feet of another boat or swimmer, or within 100 feet of a swimmer or skin diver’s flag unless part of the activity.
  • Anchoring: No anchoring in traffic lanes or mooring to pilings (except in the Mississippi River, Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior).
  • Boating Under the Influence: Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

7. Environmental Regulations

  • Marine Litter: Carry a marked, closed container for waste. Dumping plastics or garbage is prohibited (fines up to $500 for first offense).
  • Invasive Species: Do not possess or transport live zebra or quagga mussels without a permit.

8. Boundary Water Considerations

The Mississippi River is a boundary water with Minnesota or Iowa. Follow the regulations of the state where you’re operating. Check for additional PFD or equipment rules in Minnesota or Iowa.

Additional Notes

  • Flat-Bottom Bass Boats: Well-suited for shallow Mississippi River waters, but ensure the motor does not exceed safe power capacity.
  • Registration: Obtain forms from Wisconsin DNR offices, county offices, or online at dnr.wisconsin.gov.
  • Boating Safety Course: Available online or in-person via providers like BOATERexam.com or Boat-Ed.com.
  • Local Variations: Check with local authorities or marinas for specific Mississippi River section rules.

Contact Information

For more details, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov or contact the Wisconsin DNR at (608) 266-2621.

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