DNR Approves New Permanent Rule Changing the Possession and Bag Limit for Round Gobies and Other Detrimental Fish Species

Sunday, November 15th, 2026 -- 8:00 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced that the Natural Resources Board has approved a new permanent rule, effective as of Nov. 1, 2026, changing the possession and bag limit for round gobies and other detrimental fish species on waters of the state.

Under this new permanent rule, gobies and ruffe from any waterbody of the state can be kept without limit, however, they must be immediately eviscerated or decapitated or have their gills removed.

This rule also allows anglers to possess an unlimited number of white perch; any white perch harvested on inland waters also need to be eviscerated, decapitated or have their gills removed. Anglers are still encouraged to report any goby captured in the Winnebago System using the DNR’s online goby reporting tool.

Since a round goby population has not been established in the Winnebago System, angler harvest and reporting of all gobies taken is essential for tracking the species’ invasion. Any detrimental fish species caught in inland waters should be reported to the local fisheries biologist.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.