Fishing Resources for the La Crosse Region
Welcome to the waters of the La Crosse Region!
Whether you’re here to fish for bass on the Mighty Mississippi or for trout in one of the Driftless Region’s spring-fed creeks, we wish you bent rods and tight lines.
Explore the page below for La Crosse Region fishing resources: information on fishing licenses, boat launch permits, fishing events, local tackle shops, water level information, and more. Fish on!
Fishing License & Tournament Applications
WI DNR Tournament Application
Use this link to apply for a tournament permit in Wisconsin to reserve your dates.
Purchase WI Fishing License
Reciprocity agreements between Wisconsin and the states of Iowa and Minnesota allow a person to fish the boundary waters on the Mississippi River providing they have a valid fishing license from one of the adjacent states
2026 Fishing Events
Mississippi River Maps
Maps for the Mississippi River pools in the La Crosse Region, La Crosse County trout streams, and no-wake zones
Boat Landings
Pools 7, 8, & 9
*Boat landing fees are subject to other fees if outside of the La Crosse boat landings as listed below
Water Level Info
Use the link below to view updated river levels for the main stem of the Mississippi River from the National Weather Service
La Crosse Boat Landing Locations
Veterans Freedom Park Boat Launch
East Copeland Boat Launch (2 landings)
7th Street Boat Launch (South Side)
Municipal Harbor Boat Launch (South Side)
La Crosse Boat Landings & Launch Permit Fees
Visitors have the ability to pay for boat launch parking facilities in a variety of ways and locations. No more stickers on trailers needed! Boat launch permitting is per vehicle license plate. ALL VEHICLES using the boat launch parking facilities must be registered with either a daily permit or season permit.
Boat launch parking facilities allow for overnight parking with proper permits. Vehicles must have a season permit or a daily permit for each day/night the vehicle will be parked at the landing facilities.
Pay stations located at all boat launch parking facilities allow customers to pay for daily or season permits on-site. On-site purchases can be made with credit card or exact cash. You can also pay via the ParkMobile app on your smartphone.
Permits can still be purchased in person or over the phone at the La Crosse City Hall Parks & Recreation Office or the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center. If choosing this option, be sure to know the license plate for each vehicle being registered. Visit the City of La Crosse Department of Parks, Recreation, & Forestry for more information.
| Per Vehicle Permit | Permit Fees | Resident Permit Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Season Permit | $30 | $20 |
| Daily Permit* | $10 | $7 |
| Veteran Season Permit** | $10 | Free |
*Daily passes expire at Midnight on the date of purchase.
**Veteran Season Permits are only available in person at La Crosse City Hall Parks & Recreation Office or the Black River Beach Neighborhood Center. If choosing this option, be sure to know the license plate for each vehicle being registered.
Tackle Shops & Boat Repair Locations
American Marine
608-783-2628
Ace of La Crosse
608-788-9950
Island Outdoors
608-782-5552
Captain Hook’s Bait & Tackle Shop
608-689-2800