.No, you generally cannot fish on someone else's private pier in Wisconsin without their permission. While Wisconsin's Public Trust Doctrine guarantees the right to fish in navigable waters, piers, docks, and boat lifts are considered private property. Accessing the shore or a pier usually requires walking on private land, which is illegal trespass.
Key Wisconsin Fishing Access Rules:
Navigable Waters: You may fish from a boat or while wading in the water, even if that water is in front of someone's private property.
Private Property: You cannot use the exposed shoreline (dry land) or private structures like piers and docks without the owner's consent.
"Feet-Wet" Law: When walking along a stream or shoreline, you must keep your feet in the water and cannot trespass on private land.
Exceptions: You may only step onto private property to avoid an obstruction that makes wading impossible, then must immediately return to the water.
For safety and to avoid conflict, it is best to ask permission or use public access points.