Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier
Sport Fish Restoration - Fishing Pier supports Wisconsin local governments, tribes and lake associations in building or renovating public fishing piers to improve access to shore fishing.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of eligible costs; Sport Fish Restoration awards normally cover 50%; projects typically have two years
Summary: Supports construction and renovation of fishing piers that provide public shore-fishing access in Wisconsin.
Key Information: Recipients must maintain the facilities and public access throughout their useful life.
Description
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers this federal Sport Fish Restoration subaward program to create or improve public access to shore fishing. Its central purpose is the construction and renovation of fishing piers primarily designed for public shore-fishing access. Facilities that provide access to those piers or support their use may also be eligible.
Projects must provide demonstrable public benefits and be substantial in character and design. DNR ranks eligible applications using established priorities for pier location, facility components, the applicant’s plans and partnerships, and fishing conditions at the site. Funding comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
