Asian carp have been found in the Illinois River, which connects the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Due to their large size and rapid rate of reproduction, these fish could pose a significant risk to the Great Lakes Ecosystem.
To prevent the carp from entering the Great Lakes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, the State of Illinois, the International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are working together to install and maintain a permanent electric barrier between the fish and Lake Michigan. [Full Story]
Monday, April 20, 2009
McKenzie Creek Trout Habitat Restored, Clam River next
Frederic – Last summer Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff completed an extensive stream habitat restoration project on McKenzie Creek in north central Polk County east of Frederic. A similar project takes place on the Clam River this year.
“The goal of these projects are to improve habitat for large brown trout by increasing pool area and overhead cover” said Heath Benike, DNR fisheries biologist, “and this increases more trout per mile of stream for the benefit of the angler.”
The work involves adding bank cover structures and boulder clusters. Spawning areas are also enhanced including several miles of streambank brushing.
Anyone wanting to view the completed work on McKenzie creek should go east of Frederic on Polk County Highway W, then north on McKenzie Trail before crossing McKenzie Creek. Travel northward on McKenzie Trail for approximately a quarter of a mile and several gated access roads lead downhill to McKenzie Creek.
The projects are paid for courtesy of state trout stamp monies used only for habitat and spring pond improvements, Benike said. Such investments pay big dividends in angler recreation for years, he said.
“The goal of these projects are to improve habitat for large brown trout by increasing pool area and overhead cover” said Heath Benike, DNR fisheries biologist, “and this increases more trout per mile of stream for the benefit of the angler.”
The work involves adding bank cover structures and boulder clusters. Spawning areas are also enhanced including several miles of streambank brushing.
Anyone wanting to view the completed work on McKenzie creek should go east of Frederic on Polk County Highway W, then north on McKenzie Trail before crossing McKenzie Creek. Travel northward on McKenzie Trail for approximately a quarter of a mile and several gated access roads lead downhill to McKenzie Creek.
The projects are paid for courtesy of state trout stamp monies used only for habitat and spring pond improvements, Benike said. Such investments pay big dividends in angler recreation for years, he said.
2009 Annual Spring Fish & Wildlife Rule Hearing Results
MADISON – Nearly 8,000 people attended the 2009 Spring Fisheries and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings that were held in every county statewide on Monday, April 13. The hearings allowed 7,939 citizens to comment and provide their input on proposed fish and wildlife rule changes, Conservation Congress and Natural Resources Board advisory questions, and to submit resolutions for rule changes they would like to see in the future.
Statewide hearing results and the questions are available on the Spring Rules Hearings page of the DNR Web site. The results will be presented to the state Natural Resources Board in May.
Hearing results, along with written comments on proposed rules, and DNR recommendations are used to advise the state Natural Resources Board. This year’s results will be reviewed at the board’s May 27 meeting in Baraboo. Votes are non-binding and are presented to the Natural Resources Board to reflect public sentiment on proposed DNR rule changes.
DNR fish and wildlife managers will spend the next several weeks analyzing the vote tallies and developing recommendations they will present to the board in May.
The hearings are held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings. DNR related proposals are presented to attendees by DNR staff. Following DNR business, the meeting is reconvened as a Conservation Congress meeting and congress advisory questions are presented and county congress delegates elected. The congress is an advisory body to the Natural Resources Board. During the congress’ portion of the hearing, citizens may introduce resolutions for consideration and vote by those attending the hearings.
Statewide hearing results and the questions are available on the Spring Rules Hearings page of the DNR Web site. The results will be presented to the state Natural Resources Board in May.
Hearing results, along with written comments on proposed rules, and DNR recommendations are used to advise the state Natural Resources Board. This year’s results will be reviewed at the board’s May 27 meeting in Baraboo. Votes are non-binding and are presented to the Natural Resources Board to reflect public sentiment on proposed DNR rule changes.
DNR fish and wildlife managers will spend the next several weeks analyzing the vote tallies and developing recommendations they will present to the board in May.
The hearings are held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings. DNR related proposals are presented to attendees by DNR staff. Following DNR business, the meeting is reconvened as a Conservation Congress meeting and congress advisory questions are presented and county congress delegates elected. The congress is an advisory body to the Natural Resources Board. During the congress’ portion of the hearing, citizens may introduce resolutions for consideration and vote by those attending the hearings.
A Monster Swims Among Us - DNR crew nets record yellow bass in Lake Mendota
FITCHBURG – A potential world record yellow bass is alive and well and swimming in Lake Mendota.
DNR’s South Central Region fisheries crew here netted and released the 16.7 inch, three pound fish on Tuesday, April 14, reports fisheries technician Scott Harpold, Fitchburg.
Crews were conducting a comprehensive fishery survey using fyke nets on Lake Mendota where they collected and released the fish on the north end of the lake near Governor Nelson State Park.
“Yellow bass are a unique fish and it was pretty neat,” said Mr. Harpold.
Although present in Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain-of-Lakes, Mr. Harpold noted that yellow bass are more abundant in nearby Lake Kegonsa.
The fish would better the existing state record – 14.4 inches, 2.2 pounds caught in 1972 from another Yahara Lake, Monona – and, according to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, it would better the existing all tackle world record by one-half pound.
DNR’s South Central Region fisheries crew here netted and released the 16.7 inch, three pound fish on Tuesday, April 14, reports fisheries technician Scott Harpold, Fitchburg.
Crews were conducting a comprehensive fishery survey using fyke nets on Lake Mendota where they collected and released the fish on the north end of the lake near Governor Nelson State Park.
“Yellow bass are a unique fish and it was pretty neat,” said Mr. Harpold.
Although present in Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain-of-Lakes, Mr. Harpold noted that yellow bass are more abundant in nearby Lake Kegonsa.
The fish would better the existing state record – 14.4 inches, 2.2 pounds caught in 1972 from another Yahara Lake, Monona – and, according to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, it would better the existing all tackle world record by one-half pound.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 2
MADISON – The countdown to the May 2 inland fishing season opener has officially begun. The ice is melting, the fish are hungry and 1.4 million anglers who purchase Wisconsin fishing licenses each year are ready to forget the winter, reconnect with family and friends, and make great memories.
“The fishing season can’t come soon enough for most of us,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “It’s been a hard year so far economically, so we feel a heed to relax and recharge our batteries – and fishing is a great way to do that.”
Wisconsin has thousands of fishable lakes and streams, two great lakes, and a long stretch of the Mississippi River which means that good fishing is never far and good catching isn’t either, evident by the 88 million fish that anglers caught in 2006, the most recent statewide survey of anglers.
Fishing is a great activity for the family, and with children under 16 being able to fish for free, it provides year-long, low-cost fun. If you need fishing tackle, DNR has equipment for loan at many DNR offices and state parks for your angling pleasure.
And there’s no better day to catch fishing fever than on May 2.
“Taking part in the May 2 fishing opener is a tradition that’s meant to be shared,” Frank says. “A fishing license is your first-class ticket to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.”
Anglers looking for a new place to fish or the fishing forecast for individual waters can find the latest information in the 2009 Wisconsin Fishing Report.
Regional DNR fisheries forecasts
Here’s a heads up on how DNR fisheries biologists and supervisors are seeing the season opener shape up across Wisconsin:
Northern Wisconsin
Similar to last year, spring has been slow to come to northern Wisconsin. Ice fishing will be possible on at least a few waters through mid-April, particularly in the central part of the region. So it’s likely that early spawning fish like walleye and northern pike will still be spawning on some lakes on the fishing opener. The annual Governor’s Fishing Opener event will be held on the Chippewa Flowage this year. Flowages and other waters with rivers running through them will be a good early-season choice for all anglers this year. These waters tend to be dark colored and relatively shallow. This allows them to warm up more quickly than deep, clear-water lakes and fish are more likely to be in a post-spawn feeding mood or at least more active. It’s still dry across much of northern Wisconsin and anglers should expect to see low water levels on many lakes, especially seepage lakes (those with no inlet or outlet). While this may not markedly affect fishing, it may present some navigational and boat launching challenges. Remember that most of the north has a catch-and-release only regulation for bass until late June. As was the case last year, this season also has an additional barbless-hooks-only restriction. A law to repeal the barbless-hooks-only restriction is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. Keep an eye open for any news releases should this happen before the fishing opener. - Steve Avelallemant, regional fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander
Southeastern Wisconsin
As with last year, a long winter will leave lingering, cool-water temperatures come opening day. For largemouth bass anglers this means no need to get up early; unless you are worried about securing a parking place at the boat landing. Largemouth bass metabolic rates -- and thus their feeding urge -- will probably not be strong until the mid-day sun warms surface waters. Fish shallow, organic bays with dark sediment bottoms on the north side of lakes and use a slow presentation. Plastics, like natural-colored plastic worms are probably your best bet.
Smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye will be a different story; they will probably be most active early and late in shallows. Try jig and minnow combinations fished slowly for all three. And on lakes with substantial northern pike populations, add a thin-wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Catchable-sized rainbow and brown trout will again be stocked in our two-story lakes including Beulah, Lower Genesee, Lower Nashotah, Waubesee, Ottawa and Fowler. Walleye in large, deep lakes like Geneva, Delavan, Pine and Big Cedar will probably still be spawning; so the potential to catch a huge pre-spawn female from any of these lakes is very real. Smallmouth bass populations have been increasing in recent years, whether through global climate change, increased protection from size limits, catch and release or some combination of factors we do not completely understand. Good populations exist in Pewaukee, Delavan, Nagawicka, North, Pine, Lac La Belle and Oconomowoc lakes. Muskellunge will still be spawning and should be found in shallow, weedy inlet bays. Good musky bets include Pewaukee, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Silver Lake (Kenosha County) and Lac La Belle. DNR fisheries crews recently netted a 45-inch musky from Lac La Belle. Off our Lake Michigan harbors, there should be excellent opportunities for catching large brown trout as well as steelhead as they resume their normal feeding after spawning. For browns, fish wherever you can find turbid waters or currents, such as at warm-water discharges and river mouths. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, casting for browns in the harbors of Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee should be excellent. Due to high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels, most designated urban ponds cannot support trout through the summer. However, this cool spring should allow almost all the more than 50 urban ponds stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout to continue to produce trout well into May. Remember, an inland trout stamp is required along with a fishing license for most adult anglers fishing urban ponds. Our urban fishing hotline number is: 1-888-347-4563. See page 21 in your fishing regulations for a complete list of urban ponds and their fishing regulations. - Randy Schumacher, regional fisheries supervisor, Milwaukee
Northeastern Wisconsin
It’s mid-April and the ice has been off the lakes for only two weeks. Most of the walleye spawning activity should be over, but many will still be in the shallow water. Hungry fish can be found near sunken tree brush or just off gravel and rocky shorelines.
The abundant walleye in the Lake Winnebago system will be actively feeding after returning from their spawning runs up the upper Fox and Wolf rivers. Walleye anglers should also fish the lower reaches and river mouths of the Menominee, Peshtigo, Oconto and Fox rivers of Green Bay. Early May is a good time to fish for crappie in our inland lakes. Schools of crappie can be located near shore in submerged brush cover and in connected boat channels. Trout fishing opportunities abound. The melted snow filled the streams and the levels will be normal with clear water. High-quality trout streams can be found from Marquette County through Waushara, Waupaca, Shawano, Oconto and Marinette counties. Popular streams include the Mecan, Pine, Little Wolf, Red, South Branch of the Oconto and Pike rivers. Many of the streams flow through state-owned lands open to fishing. The winter snow is gone and it’s time to go fishing! – George Boronow, regional fisheries supervisor, Green Bay
South Central Wisconsin
South of Route 18 in Iowa County, anglers will find a wide variety of wadable streams to fish. While some of these streams may hold some smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye or northern pike, brown trout will offer anglers the best opportunity. Gordon, Ley, Conley-Lewis and the Smith Conley creeks contain fishable brown trout populations. Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette County will offer good fishing for walleye, panfish, and channel catfish. Anglers heading to the Pecatonica River system will want to target walleye or channel catfish. Channel catfish are more abundant and will offer the best chance for success. The Galena River, known locally as the Fever River, supports one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in southwest Wisconsin. South of route 18 in Grant County, anglers have smallmouth bass, brown trout, walleye, and channel catfish available in fishable numbers in many small streams. Streams supporting fishable numbers of smallmouth bass include the Platte River, Little Platte River, Grant River, Rattlesnake Creek, and Blockhouse Creek. The lower portions of the Platte, Little Platte and Grant Rivers are ideal for those anglers looking to do some float fishing for smallmouth bass. Trout streams anglers may want to visit include Borah Creek, Rountree Branch, McPherson Branch, Platte River, and Rogers Branch.
The entire coulee region should provide absolutely outstanding trout fishing for the foreseeable future. While there are greatly improved numbers of fish in the streams throughout the entire season, these wild populations, which make up the vast majority of our trout populations, are more wary than were their domestic brethren and therefore require more skill to put them on the end of the line.
The overall fisheries of the Lower Wisconsin River are in very good shape. The walleye population has seen a significant increase in the number of 15- to 18-inch fish.
Channel catfish populations are currently in good shape and continue to be the most important fishery on the lower part of the Lower Wisconsin River. There are also decent populations of bluegill and crappie located in the quiet stillwater areas of the river. These are little utilized fisheries and would provide good fishing for anglers wanting to specifically target these fish. Northern pike throughout the Lower Wisconsin River and musky in the uppermost part of the Lower Wisconsin River provide pretty good action for anglers pursuing these species.
Beaver Dam and Fox lakes should continue to produce good catches of crappie this spring and early summer. Fox Lake walleye numbers are up in recent years with numbers of fish reaching the 18-inch minimum length this fishing season. Beaver Dam Lake should also continue to produce walleye action this year. Channel catfish fishing has been heating up on Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River below the Beaver Dam. Try numerous stretches of the Rock River for catfish action and Rock Lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, as well as bluegill and other panfish.
For northern pike fishing, head to Lake Emily in Dodge County, where pike abundance has increased during the past few years. Dense aquatic vegetation makes this lake challenging to fish, but growth rates are good and multiple year-classes of pike are available. – Bradd Sims, fisheries biologist, Dodgeville, Gene Van Dyke, fisheries biologist, Dodgeville, and Laura Stremick-Thompson, fisheries biologist, Horicon
West Central Wisconsin
Water levels in the Mississippi River have generally peaked in most areas and will be declining in the coming days. Northern pike have almost finished spawning but a few males can still be found hanging around backwater lakes and sloughs. The walleye and sauger fishing below the locks and dams has been good but will slow down over the next couple of weeks as walleye and sauger migrate to areas to spawn. Anglers can target these fish by trolling or jigging in 12 to18 feet along main channel and side channel borders near riprap. The mouths of tributaries can also be very productive for walleye and sauger in early spring. As water levels stabilize and water temperatures increase, bluegill, crappie, and perch action will improve in backwater lakes and bays. Night crawlers, red worms, or waxies fished on the bottom or suspended by a float in 2 to 4 feet of water can be very effective angling technique for these species.
The Lower La Crosse River (below Lake Neshonoc) is a consistent producer for catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Good numbers of these species should be available to both shoreline and small boat anglers. The Lower Black River (downstream of North Bend) holds good numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass with the occasional muskellunge thrown in. With little rainfall this spring, river levels should be manageable. Anglers fishing coulee region trout streams should experience great fishing in 2009. Above average reproduction in 2007 and 2008 produced two huge year-classes of trout. While these fish are still relatively small, they should provide opportunity to anglers looking to harvest some fish or just wet a line. In addition to healthy trout populations, nearly one mile of trout stream improvement work was done this past year. This includes the installation of rock vortex weirs, LUNKER structures, in-channel logs, rip-rap, and boulder abutments. – Patrick Short, fisheries biologist, Prairie du Chien and Jordan Weeks, fisheries biologist, La Crosse
Season dates and regulations
The hook-and-line game fish season opens May 2 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens May 2, while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from May 2 through June 19. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 20 to March 7, 2010, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total.
Musky season opens May 2 in the southern zone and May 23 in the northern zone.
The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29, with Highway 10 as the dividing line.
The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters, and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The complete guide is also available at DNR offices and license agents.
Anglers that catch a DNR tagged fish are encouraged to report as much information as possible including the tag number, location caught, whether it was kept or not, and the fish length and weight if you have it. Only remove tags from legal-size fish that are kept.
If the tag has an address on it, send the information to that address. Otherwise, visit the DNR Web site for a list of waters with tagged fish or contact a local fisheries biologist.
The information helps DNR determine fish population estimates, and harvest and exploitation rates. Your cooperation and participation is greatly appreciated.
Fishing licenses
It’s easy to buy a fishing license. You can purchase online; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.
Anglers are reminded of rules to help stop the spread of VHS
Anglers are reminded to follow rules that help prevent the spread of the deadly fish disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. For more information on VHS and steps that all water users can take, visit VHS Prevention.
Connect with fish
Be the first to hear where fish are biting and more by subscribing to fisheries email updates or following [fishwisconsin] on Twitter [twitter.com/home] (both links exit DNR).
“The fishing season can’t come soon enough for most of us,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “It’s been a hard year so far economically, so we feel a heed to relax and recharge our batteries – and fishing is a great way to do that.”
Wisconsin has thousands of fishable lakes and streams, two great lakes, and a long stretch of the Mississippi River which means that good fishing is never far and good catching isn’t either, evident by the 88 million fish that anglers caught in 2006, the most recent statewide survey of anglers.
Fishing is a great activity for the family, and with children under 16 being able to fish for free, it provides year-long, low-cost fun. If you need fishing tackle, DNR has equipment for loan at many DNR offices and state parks for your angling pleasure.
And there’s no better day to catch fishing fever than on May 2.
“Taking part in the May 2 fishing opener is a tradition that’s meant to be shared,” Frank says. “A fishing license is your first-class ticket to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.”
Anglers looking for a new place to fish or the fishing forecast for individual waters can find the latest information in the 2009 Wisconsin Fishing Report.
Regional DNR fisheries forecasts
Here’s a heads up on how DNR fisheries biologists and supervisors are seeing the season opener shape up across Wisconsin:
Northern Wisconsin
Similar to last year, spring has been slow to come to northern Wisconsin. Ice fishing will be possible on at least a few waters through mid-April, particularly in the central part of the region. So it’s likely that early spawning fish like walleye and northern pike will still be spawning on some lakes on the fishing opener. The annual Governor’s Fishing Opener event will be held on the Chippewa Flowage this year. Flowages and other waters with rivers running through them will be a good early-season choice for all anglers this year. These waters tend to be dark colored and relatively shallow. This allows them to warm up more quickly than deep, clear-water lakes and fish are more likely to be in a post-spawn feeding mood or at least more active. It’s still dry across much of northern Wisconsin and anglers should expect to see low water levels on many lakes, especially seepage lakes (those with no inlet or outlet). While this may not markedly affect fishing, it may present some navigational and boat launching challenges. Remember that most of the north has a catch-and-release only regulation for bass until late June. As was the case last year, this season also has an additional barbless-hooks-only restriction. A law to repeal the barbless-hooks-only restriction is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. Keep an eye open for any news releases should this happen before the fishing opener. - Steve Avelallemant, regional fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander
Southeastern Wisconsin
As with last year, a long winter will leave lingering, cool-water temperatures come opening day. For largemouth bass anglers this means no need to get up early; unless you are worried about securing a parking place at the boat landing. Largemouth bass metabolic rates -- and thus their feeding urge -- will probably not be strong until the mid-day sun warms surface waters. Fish shallow, organic bays with dark sediment bottoms on the north side of lakes and use a slow presentation. Plastics, like natural-colored plastic worms are probably your best bet.
Smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye will be a different story; they will probably be most active early and late in shallows. Try jig and minnow combinations fished slowly for all three. And on lakes with substantial northern pike populations, add a thin-wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Catchable-sized rainbow and brown trout will again be stocked in our two-story lakes including Beulah, Lower Genesee, Lower Nashotah, Waubesee, Ottawa and Fowler. Walleye in large, deep lakes like Geneva, Delavan, Pine and Big Cedar will probably still be spawning; so the potential to catch a huge pre-spawn female from any of these lakes is very real. Smallmouth bass populations have been increasing in recent years, whether through global climate change, increased protection from size limits, catch and release or some combination of factors we do not completely understand. Good populations exist in Pewaukee, Delavan, Nagawicka, North, Pine, Lac La Belle and Oconomowoc lakes. Muskellunge will still be spawning and should be found in shallow, weedy inlet bays. Good musky bets include Pewaukee, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Silver Lake (Kenosha County) and Lac La Belle. DNR fisheries crews recently netted a 45-inch musky from Lac La Belle. Off our Lake Michigan harbors, there should be excellent opportunities for catching large brown trout as well as steelhead as they resume their normal feeding after spawning. For browns, fish wherever you can find turbid waters or currents, such as at warm-water discharges and river mouths. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, casting for browns in the harbors of Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee should be excellent. Due to high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels, most designated urban ponds cannot support trout through the summer. However, this cool spring should allow almost all the more than 50 urban ponds stocked with catchable-size rainbow trout to continue to produce trout well into May. Remember, an inland trout stamp is required along with a fishing license for most adult anglers fishing urban ponds. Our urban fishing hotline number is: 1-888-347-4563. See page 21 in your fishing regulations for a complete list of urban ponds and their fishing regulations. - Randy Schumacher, regional fisheries supervisor, Milwaukee
Northeastern Wisconsin
It’s mid-April and the ice has been off the lakes for only two weeks. Most of the walleye spawning activity should be over, but many will still be in the shallow water. Hungry fish can be found near sunken tree brush or just off gravel and rocky shorelines.
The abundant walleye in the Lake Winnebago system will be actively feeding after returning from their spawning runs up the upper Fox and Wolf rivers. Walleye anglers should also fish the lower reaches and river mouths of the Menominee, Peshtigo, Oconto and Fox rivers of Green Bay. Early May is a good time to fish for crappie in our inland lakes. Schools of crappie can be located near shore in submerged brush cover and in connected boat channels. Trout fishing opportunities abound. The melted snow filled the streams and the levels will be normal with clear water. High-quality trout streams can be found from Marquette County through Waushara, Waupaca, Shawano, Oconto and Marinette counties. Popular streams include the Mecan, Pine, Little Wolf, Red, South Branch of the Oconto and Pike rivers. Many of the streams flow through state-owned lands open to fishing. The winter snow is gone and it’s time to go fishing! – George Boronow, regional fisheries supervisor, Green Bay
South Central Wisconsin
South of Route 18 in Iowa County, anglers will find a wide variety of wadable streams to fish. While some of these streams may hold some smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye or northern pike, brown trout will offer anglers the best opportunity. Gordon, Ley, Conley-Lewis and the Smith Conley creeks contain fishable brown trout populations. Yellowstone Lake in Lafayette County will offer good fishing for walleye, panfish, and channel catfish. Anglers heading to the Pecatonica River system will want to target walleye or channel catfish. Channel catfish are more abundant and will offer the best chance for success. The Galena River, known locally as the Fever River, supports one of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in southwest Wisconsin. South of route 18 in Grant County, anglers have smallmouth bass, brown trout, walleye, and channel catfish available in fishable numbers in many small streams. Streams supporting fishable numbers of smallmouth bass include the Platte River, Little Platte River, Grant River, Rattlesnake Creek, and Blockhouse Creek. The lower portions of the Platte, Little Platte and Grant Rivers are ideal for those anglers looking to do some float fishing for smallmouth bass. Trout streams anglers may want to visit include Borah Creek, Rountree Branch, McPherson Branch, Platte River, and Rogers Branch.
The entire coulee region should provide absolutely outstanding trout fishing for the foreseeable future. While there are greatly improved numbers of fish in the streams throughout the entire season, these wild populations, which make up the vast majority of our trout populations, are more wary than were their domestic brethren and therefore require more skill to put them on the end of the line.
The overall fisheries of the Lower Wisconsin River are in very good shape. The walleye population has seen a significant increase in the number of 15- to 18-inch fish.
Channel catfish populations are currently in good shape and continue to be the most important fishery on the lower part of the Lower Wisconsin River. There are also decent populations of bluegill and crappie located in the quiet stillwater areas of the river. These are little utilized fisheries and would provide good fishing for anglers wanting to specifically target these fish. Northern pike throughout the Lower Wisconsin River and musky in the uppermost part of the Lower Wisconsin River provide pretty good action for anglers pursuing these species.
Beaver Dam and Fox lakes should continue to produce good catches of crappie this spring and early summer. Fox Lake walleye numbers are up in recent years with numbers of fish reaching the 18-inch minimum length this fishing season. Beaver Dam Lake should also continue to produce walleye action this year. Channel catfish fishing has been heating up on Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River below the Beaver Dam. Try numerous stretches of the Rock River for catfish action and Rock Lake for largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing, as well as bluegill and other panfish.
For northern pike fishing, head to Lake Emily in Dodge County, where pike abundance has increased during the past few years. Dense aquatic vegetation makes this lake challenging to fish, but growth rates are good and multiple year-classes of pike are available. – Bradd Sims, fisheries biologist, Dodgeville, Gene Van Dyke, fisheries biologist, Dodgeville, and Laura Stremick-Thompson, fisheries biologist, Horicon
West Central Wisconsin
Water levels in the Mississippi River have generally peaked in most areas and will be declining in the coming days. Northern pike have almost finished spawning but a few males can still be found hanging around backwater lakes and sloughs. The walleye and sauger fishing below the locks and dams has been good but will slow down over the next couple of weeks as walleye and sauger migrate to areas to spawn. Anglers can target these fish by trolling or jigging in 12 to18 feet along main channel and side channel borders near riprap. The mouths of tributaries can also be very productive for walleye and sauger in early spring. As water levels stabilize and water temperatures increase, bluegill, crappie, and perch action will improve in backwater lakes and bays. Night crawlers, red worms, or waxies fished on the bottom or suspended by a float in 2 to 4 feet of water can be very effective angling technique for these species.
The Lower La Crosse River (below Lake Neshonoc) is a consistent producer for catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Good numbers of these species should be available to both shoreline and small boat anglers. The Lower Black River (downstream of North Bend) holds good numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass with the occasional muskellunge thrown in. With little rainfall this spring, river levels should be manageable. Anglers fishing coulee region trout streams should experience great fishing in 2009. Above average reproduction in 2007 and 2008 produced two huge year-classes of trout. While these fish are still relatively small, they should provide opportunity to anglers looking to harvest some fish or just wet a line. In addition to healthy trout populations, nearly one mile of trout stream improvement work was done this past year. This includes the installation of rock vortex weirs, LUNKER structures, in-channel logs, rip-rap, and boulder abutments. – Patrick Short, fisheries biologist, Prairie du Chien and Jordan Weeks, fisheries biologist, La Crosse
Season dates and regulations
The hook-and-line game fish season opens May 2 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens May 2, while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from May 2 through June 19. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 20 to March 7, 2010, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total.
Musky season opens May 2 in the southern zone and May 23 in the northern zone.
The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29, with Highway 10 as the dividing line.
The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters, and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The complete guide is also available at DNR offices and license agents.
Anglers that catch a DNR tagged fish are encouraged to report as much information as possible including the tag number, location caught, whether it was kept or not, and the fish length and weight if you have it. Only remove tags from legal-size fish that are kept.
If the tag has an address on it, send the information to that address. Otherwise, visit the DNR Web site for a list of waters with tagged fish or contact a local fisheries biologist.
The information helps DNR determine fish population estimates, and harvest and exploitation rates. Your cooperation and participation is greatly appreciated.
Fishing licenses
It’s easy to buy a fishing license. You can purchase online; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.
Anglers are reminded of rules to help stop the spread of VHS
Anglers are reminded to follow rules that help prevent the spread of the deadly fish disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. For more information on VHS and steps that all water users can take, visit VHS Prevention.
Connect with fish
Be the first to hear where fish are biting and more by subscribing to fisheries email updates or following [fishwisconsin] on Twitter [twitter.com/home] (both links exit DNR).
Stocking trucks rolling out for May 2 inland trout season opener
MADISON – Does the early bird really get the worm? Trout anglers will have to find out for themselves, but with more than 600,000 catchable trout scheduled to be stocked by the inland trout season opener on May 2, it’s hard to argue the old proverb.
“We hope that trout anglers of all ages find good weather on opening day,” says Al Kaas, Department of Natural Resources statewide fish propagation coordinator, “and also that they catch some of the fish we stock as part of the traditional opening of the fishing season.”
A total of 615,296 catchable rainbow, brown and brook trout are expected to be delivered to hundreds of waters statewide, and as many as the weather permits before the inland opener. A list of waters with catchable trout is available on the DNR Web site.
“Put and take” waters, which are capable of supporting trout during the spring, summer and fall, but have poor habitat for sustaining fish over the winter are scheduled to be stocked with 328,800 brown, brook and rainbow trout.
Urban fishing waters, which are small lakes and ponds cooperatively managed with the local municipality and used as a place for fishing clinics and kids fishing, are expected to be stocked with 74,950 rainbow trout. A list of these waters and specific regulations can be found in the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations".
With the help of cooperative fish rearing agreements and non-profit organizations around the state, an estimated 117,900 additional trout will be stocked. The organizations take small trout fingerlings (less than 1 year old) and raise them to legal size and larger for stocking.
Restoration, rehabilitation, and experimental projects, in addition to overwinter waters throughout Wisconsin, also receive fingerling stocking.
The trout stocked are between 16 and 18 months old and are typically at least 9 inches in length. The department tries to make sure that 80 to 90 percent of the fish stocked are legal size or better, according to Kaas.
Anglers can still warm up to the May 2 opener by taking in some fishing during the early catch and release trout season that runs through April 26. Try some of these “tried and true” waters recommended by DNR fish biologists, supervisors, technicians and hatchery personnel for early trout season.
Increase your chances of filling your bag by checking out these tips and techniques for catching trout, or look into the 2009 Fishing Report for fishing forecasts of waters near you.
Anglers should check the “Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide, 2009-2010" for daily bag limits and size limits. The state’s inland trout season opens May 2 and runs through September 30.
And when you head out for on your trout fishing trips this year, take someone with you!
“We stock trout in waters for anglers of all ages, so go fishing and take someone with you,” says Kaas. “Fishing is a great, low cost activity with all of the benefits of companionship, fresh air and the thrill of catching and landing a fish - real excitement that you can take to your memory bank! Now that’s a tradition to share.”
“We hope that trout anglers of all ages find good weather on opening day,” says Al Kaas, Department of Natural Resources statewide fish propagation coordinator, “and also that they catch some of the fish we stock as part of the traditional opening of the fishing season.”
A total of 615,296 catchable rainbow, brown and brook trout are expected to be delivered to hundreds of waters statewide, and as many as the weather permits before the inland opener. A list of waters with catchable trout is available on the DNR Web site.
“Put and take” waters, which are capable of supporting trout during the spring, summer and fall, but have poor habitat for sustaining fish over the winter are scheduled to be stocked with 328,800 brown, brook and rainbow trout.
Urban fishing waters, which are small lakes and ponds cooperatively managed with the local municipality and used as a place for fishing clinics and kids fishing, are expected to be stocked with 74,950 rainbow trout. A list of these waters and specific regulations can be found in the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations".
With the help of cooperative fish rearing agreements and non-profit organizations around the state, an estimated 117,900 additional trout will be stocked. The organizations take small trout fingerlings (less than 1 year old) and raise them to legal size and larger for stocking.
Restoration, rehabilitation, and experimental projects, in addition to overwinter waters throughout Wisconsin, also receive fingerling stocking.
The trout stocked are between 16 and 18 months old and are typically at least 9 inches in length. The department tries to make sure that 80 to 90 percent of the fish stocked are legal size or better, according to Kaas.
Anglers can still warm up to the May 2 opener by taking in some fishing during the early catch and release trout season that runs through April 26. Try some of these “tried and true” waters recommended by DNR fish biologists, supervisors, technicians and hatchery personnel for early trout season.
Increase your chances of filling your bag by checking out these tips and techniques for catching trout, or look into the 2009 Fishing Report for fishing forecasts of waters near you.
Anglers should check the “Wisconsin Trout Fishing Regulations and Guide, 2009-2010" for daily bag limits and size limits. The state’s inland trout season opens May 2 and runs through September 30.
And when you head out for on your trout fishing trips this year, take someone with you!
“We stock trout in waters for anglers of all ages, so go fishing and take someone with you,” says Kaas. “Fishing is a great, low cost activity with all of the benefits of companionship, fresh air and the thrill of catching and landing a fish - real excitement that you can take to your memory bank! Now that’s a tradition to share.”
Walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes
MADISON -- Daily walleye bag limits have been revised on 418 lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory in response to harvest declarations made by six bands of Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources has announced. Revised bag limits are effective between May 1, 2009 and March 7, 2010, inclusive.
There will be a three walleye bag limit for sport anglers on 87 lakes, a two-fish daily bag limit on 324 lakes, and seven lakes will have a daily bag limit of one walleye.
Most Chippewa tribal harvest takes places during the spring spearfishing season. An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvest and projected summer harvests. Following the spring spearfishing season, DNR will review tribal harvest and where possible revise bag limits upwards on lakes lightly or not speared. The number of lakes spearers harvest annually is typically been in the range of 150 to 170.
Lakes declared by the Lac du Flambeau Band have a daily bag limit of three walleye for sport anglers. The DNR and the Lac du Flambeau Band have an agreement giving the Band authority to sell fishing licenses in return for making declarations at a level that allows a three walleye per day recreational angler bag limit.
The adjusted bag limits (pdf; 27KB) are available in portable document format on the regulations page of the DNR Fishing Wisconsin Web site and are being published as an insert to the 2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. Lakes not listed are subject to the regulations printed in the regulations pamphlet. The statewide daily bag limit for walleyes on many Wisconsin lakes remains at five fish per day, but anglers should check the regulations for special size and bag limits that are in effect on specific waters.
As part of a 1983 federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. As part of court agreements, the Department of Natural Resources reduces bag limits for recreational hook and line anglers in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands to assure the combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not jeopardize the ability of walleye to sustain its population in any lake. The state is entering its 25th year of the joint tribal and recreational fishery.
For background information on Chippewa treaty rights, a description of the management and monitoring system used to ensure the long term viability of fisheries in the Ceded Territory, and to see data collected as part of that monitoring system, including walleye population estimates and creel survey summaries for all game fish, see the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management Internet pages regarding the joint tribal and recreational fishery in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory.
Webmeister Note: You may have to click a few times to get the actual Bag Limits for your Lake or Lakes, however there is important information provided by the WDNR you may want to have access to before you try to go out and catch your limit of Eyes for the frying pan. We just want to present the information the way it is.
There will be a three walleye bag limit for sport anglers on 87 lakes, a two-fish daily bag limit on 324 lakes, and seven lakes will have a daily bag limit of one walleye.
Most Chippewa tribal harvest takes places during the spring spearfishing season. An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvest and projected summer harvests. Following the spring spearfishing season, DNR will review tribal harvest and where possible revise bag limits upwards on lakes lightly or not speared. The number of lakes spearers harvest annually is typically been in the range of 150 to 170.
Lakes declared by the Lac du Flambeau Band have a daily bag limit of three walleye for sport anglers. The DNR and the Lac du Flambeau Band have an agreement giving the Band authority to sell fishing licenses in return for making declarations at a level that allows a three walleye per day recreational angler bag limit.
The adjusted bag limits (pdf; 27KB) are available in portable document format on the regulations page of the DNR Fishing Wisconsin Web site and are being published as an insert to the 2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations. Lakes not listed are subject to the regulations printed in the regulations pamphlet. The statewide daily bag limit for walleyes on many Wisconsin lakes remains at five fish per day, but anglers should check the regulations for special size and bag limits that are in effect on specific waters.
As part of a 1983 federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. As part of court agreements, the Department of Natural Resources reduces bag limits for recreational hook and line anglers in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands to assure the combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not jeopardize the ability of walleye to sustain its population in any lake. The state is entering its 25th year of the joint tribal and recreational fishery.
For background information on Chippewa treaty rights, a description of the management and monitoring system used to ensure the long term viability of fisheries in the Ceded Territory, and to see data collected as part of that monitoring system, including walleye population estimates and creel survey summaries for all game fish, see the DNR Bureau of Fisheries Management Internet pages regarding the joint tribal and recreational fishery in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory.
Webmeister Note: You may have to click a few times to get the actual Bag Limits for your Lake or Lakes, however there is important information provided by the WDNR you may want to have access to before you try to go out and catch your limit of Eyes for the frying pan. We just want to present the information the way it is.
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