On Aug. 26, 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), announced publication of the 2026-2028 Choose Wisely booklet. The booklet provides updated guidance on how often it is safe to eat fish caught from waterbodies across Wisconsin.
The agencies note that fish are a valuable source of lean protein and omega-3 fats. However, pollutants can accumulate in fish tissues to levels that may be harmful to wildlife and people who eat fish.
To inform these advisories, the DNR routinely samples fish from popular angling areas and from waters where contamination is suspected. Testing focuses on contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a PFAS compound. Scientists use measured contamination levels in fish and the best available health evidence to determine consumption advice intended to protect health over a lifetime.
DNR environmental toxicologist Sean Strom said the department tests fish from numerous waterbodies each year and uses new results, together with past testing, to update advisories as needed. He emphasized that anglers who frequently eat fish should check for new advisory updates.
Since the prior Choose Wisely edition in 2024, the Great Lakes Consortium for Fish Consumption Advisories updated its recommended guidance for PFOS concentrations in fish fillets. In response, DNR and DHS reviewed the new recommendations and adjusted several existing advisories. Certain locations, including parts of the Yahara River Chain of Lakes and the Wisconsin and La Crosse rivers, now carry more restrictive guidance, including Do Not Eat recommendations for some species.
The DNR and DHS encourage anyone who eats fish from Wisconsin waters to review the new Choose Wisely recommendations to ensure they are following current safe-eating guidelines. Waterbody-specific advisories may also be posted on signage at some access points to assist with harvest decisions. In addition to the booklet, waterbody-specific guidance can be accessed through an online query tool.
