Wisconsin Fishing Report 2023

Making Fishing Better MEASURING UP

Why are fisheries staff always measuring fish? We measure fish. That’s what we do. You’ll always find a measuring board in our pile of standard equipment during any survey. We measure fish because length measurements are the main piece of information needed to assess fish populations, how well they are reproducing, how they’re moving into the population, how they are growing and how they are dying. Lengths also provide insight into other aspects of fish management – how angling regulations are functioning, how habitat restoration efforts are impacting fish or how climate changes might be affecting fish.

TAKE THE MEASURING BOARD CHALLENGE. As you read through this Wisconsin Fishing Report, notice the measuring boards. How many photos include measuring boards? The answer? Look at the bottom of page 64.

A biologist measures a 20-inch brown trout from the Plover River in Marathon County.

FISHING ROD/POLE

There are many types. A cane pole offers nostalgic simplicity, but a rod and reel will let you cast a greater distance.

FISHING REELS

SPINCASTING: Designed for long, backlash-free casts, these reels are effective with relatively light weights. They have a line release button, making them easy to use. SPINNING: These are like spincasting reels but without a release button, making them slightly more difficult to use and better for intermediate anglers.

BAITCASTING: Designed for precision casting and heavier weights and line, these reels can leave a line in tangles if you’re not careful and are recommended for advanced anglers.

FISHING LINE

Types include braided, monofilament and high-performance polyethylene, which is the most common. Choose a line strong enough so the fish can’t easily snap it. With experience, you can explore different lines for specific fish species.

HOOKS

The smaller the hook number, the larger the size; a No. 6 or No. 8 is best to start. Learn a good knot to securely tie the hook to your line.

GEAR UP TO GO FISH

New to Wisconsin fishing? Tackle a few of these basics recommended by fisheries staff to prepare for your 2023 angling adventure.

BOBBERS

Bobbers, or strike indicators, go underwater when a fish is biting. Bobbers attach directly to your fishing line and allow you to adjust the depth of your bait in the water.

SINKERS

Split-shot sinkers are weights that help keep your bait underwater. Nonlead sinkers made from tin or bismuth are preferred, as lead can result in wildlife poisoning. Attach them to your line by using pliers to crimp them 10 inches from your hook.

BAIT

Worms, grasshoppers, crickets and minnows are all great options for live baits. Artificial baits or lures also can be used and on some waters are the only bait that’s legal. Check the regulations to know for sure. If you’re using live minnows, know the rules to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species — dnr.wi.gov/topic/ invasives/boat.html. For example, it is illegal to dump leftover minnows into the water. It’s best to offer them to another angler still fishing.

FISH STORAGE

If you plan to keep your catch, have something to preserve it in, such as coolers filled with ice or a stringer or bucket kept in the water. Remember, you can’t take live fish away from the water.

PLIERS/HEMOSTAT

If a fish swallows your hook, use the pliers to gently remove it. Pliers also are great for attaching sinkers to your line.

LINE CLIPPER

If a hook is in too deep, cut the line to avoid injury to the fish. Some pliers have a clipper tool, or use scissors or a nail clipper.

NET

Though not essential, a net for getting fish from the water can be a good thing to have.

RULER/TAPE MEASURE

Sometimes you can only keep fish of a certain length; having a way to measure makes it easy to determine.

FISH IDENTIFICATION

Wisconsin has more than 160 fish species and 27 types of gamefish — those often pursued by anglers. Identify your fish to know if you can keep them.

Buy your license, grab your gear, find your water and enjoy your 2023 Wisconsin fishing!

Getty Images/Baks

FABULOUS FISHERIES PROJECTS

Working with partners to make your fishing better.

Rootwads help create diverse habitats for trout in Black Earth Creek and give anglers a casting target.

IMPROVED HABITAT MEANS EASIER FISHING IN BLACK EARTH CREEK

The DNR completed approximately 1.25 miles of trout habitat improvements including bank sloping, boulder additions, brush bundles, rock weirs and rootwad additions to improve trout habitat. This project created scour holes, undercut rootwads, and other complex habitats for trout to hide and anglers to cast into. The work improved stretches of river that were too wide and shallow, resulting in poor fish habitat. Anglers will find new places cast a fly, dunk a worm or plunk a spinner at nearly every bend. Anglers will find fishing the easement lands upstream of the road crossing easier with several new stiles and access points. DNR Trout Stamp Funding for the project was supplemented by generous donations from the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

eries

— Dan Oele Fish-

Biologist, Fitchburg

Bank sloping a steep eroded bank along Black Earth Creek with rootwad additions help stabilize an actively eroded bank that was once 6 feet high. Sloping also enhances floodplain connectivity and improves water quality while improving angler access.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

A WIN-WIN SITUATION: IMPROVING BOTH FISH AND PEOPLE MOVEMENT IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

Little Balsam Creek, a Class I trout stream in Douglas County, now features quality aquatic habitat and safer public roadways thanks to the DNR’s Office of Great Waters’ Area of Concern Program and Superior Office’s Fisheries Management Program. After several years of washouts, massive sediment and wood deposits, and restricted fish passage, the creek’s three primary road crossings were rebuilt with state-of-the-art bottomless arch culverts that let the creek flow with virtually no impediments. The creek’s brook trout and rainbow trout can move more freely than ever before. And they worry less about their habitats being buried by the failed road embankments of the past. This lesser-known trout fishery now has the stability for future habitat and fishing improvements by the DNR. Paul Piszczek, Fisheries Biologist, Superior

Friends to Fisheries is a recognition program that acknowledges the commitment of partners to fishing and the future of the fisheries resources in Wisconsin. Our friends play an important role in making Wisconsin fishing better.

MUSKY MOVEMENT ON LAKE EAU CLAIRE AND THE EAU CLAIRE RIVER

Understanding movement patterns and habitat use of musky will help improve management of this species in waterbodies where musky have access to both riverine and impoundment environments. Capturing musky in these environments during fisheries surveys in a quantity large enough to make confident management decisions is challenging, given the amount of habitat available to these fish and their migratory behavior during certain periods of the year. Students and staff at Wildlands School (Augusta, WI) and the DNR have embarked on a study to help answer these questions in Lake Eau Claire and the upper Eau Claire River. Ten radio telemetry tags were implanted into musky caught during a spring 2022 fisheries survey, and movement was tracked weekly during the open water season. Musky in this project ranged from 29-49 inches. This project will wrap up in the spring of 2023. Joseph Gerbyshak, Fisheries Biologist, Eau Claire

Little Balsam Creek at Patzau-Foxboro Road before and after installing a state-of-the-art bottomless arch culvert. Photo Credit: Paul Piszczek

A musky, captured in the Eau Claire River, was implanted with radio telemetry tag as part of a movement study in conjunction with Wildlands School in Augusta, WI. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

FISH ON THE MOVE: BIG GREEN LAKE AREA

The DNR and local stakeholders conducted a fish movement study on Big Green Lake and Silver Creek in spring 2022. The project entailed placing arrays in strategic areas to evaluate fish movement and spawning habitat areas. Northern pike, walleye, musky, white suckers and carp that were sampled during fyke netting were PIT tagged and released at the capture location. Green Lake Sanitary District staff led efforts to download data and change batteries weekly from March-June. The study was a collaborative effort among stakeholders and has already yielded great results with management implications. Fish passage and habitat restoration discussions are already underway due to project findings. Adam Nickel, Fisheries Biologist, Wautoma

SEASON DATES - PLANNING FOR FISHING FUN

(Effective April 1, 2023)

Early Inland Trout (catch and release)

Jan. 6 (5 a.m.) - May 5

General Inland Trout

May 6 (5 a.m.) - Oct. 15

General Inland Fishing

May 6 - March 3, 2024

Largemouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest

May 6 - March 3, 2024

Smallmouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest

June 17 - March 3, 2024

Large And Smallmouth Bass Southern Zone Harvest

May 6 - March 3, 2024

Large And Smallmouth Bass Catch And Release

At all other times of the year

Musky Northern Zone Harvest

May 27 - Dec. 31

Musky Southern Zone Harvest

May 6 - Dec. 31

Northern Pike

May 6 - March 3, 2024

Walleye

May 6 - March 3, 2024

Lake Sturgeon

Feb. 11 - Feb. 26 (spearing)

Sept. 2 to Sept. 30 (hook-and-line)

Free Fishing Weekends

Summer - June 3-4, 2023

Winter - Jan. 20-21, 2024

Wautoma fisheries crew setting the antenna array in Silver Creek. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

anglers find the best fishing among weeds in deeper water, but gills can also be found in shallow waters, sometimes as shallow as two feet, usually near sand/ weed borders. Ice anglers use short, light jig poles, lightweight line and small tear-shaped jigs. Small hooks usually are baited with grubs.

CRAPPIE

Crappie fishing is popular in spring when aggressive males strike at almost anything that comes near their nests. Summer and fall are more difficult, as crappie seek out deep holes or deep submerged brush for shelter. Ice fishing for crappie is also popular on some lakes, as crappie remain active all winter. Anglers are almost certain to have their best success near submerged structures. During spring spawning, fish near vegetation close to shore. In summer, try deep holes or river channels, especially ones with sunken logs or brush piles. Light tackle is preferred for fishing crappie. The more sensitive the rod, the easier it is to detect a crappie’s light bite. Small fathead minnows, sometimes called “crappie minnows,” are the most popular crappie bait and are often used with a light jig. Crappie also hit on worms, insect larvae and artificial lures such as spinners and spoons. Wet and dry flies are popular when crappies are on their spawning beds. Small teardrop-shaped hooks make good winter bait used alone or in combination with grubs.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Largemouth bass fishing is best early May to late June, and early September to mid-October, when the water temperature ranges from 55 to 75 degrees. Largemouth bass call “structure” home: in-flowing or out-flowing streams, points, reefs, submerged trees, docks, rafts, tree stumps, vegetation beds, sunken islands, rock and riprap, and drop-offs. When fishing shallow, visible structure, look for spots slightly different from the rest of the cover. In cattails along shore, for example, cast near pockets or points of cattails, or by patches of other vegetation within the cattails. Live bait, surface plugs, underwater plugs, poppers on a fly rod, streamers and almost any other type of bait will attract hungry largemouth bass.

BLUEGILL

During summer, anglers have the best luck fishing bluegill from a boat in water six to 15 feet deep. Although worms are the most common bait, bluegill are not fussy and will bite at small bait like insects, insect larvae or other invertebrates. Because of their small mouths, anglers should use small hooks. Bluegill suck in prey rather than striking at it, so a bobber helps signal a bite. Fly casters can have fun with poppers, especially in spring and early summer, when nests are concentrated in shallow water. Wintertime jigging in weed beds with grubs or mousies also produces excellent results. Ice

SMALLMOUTH BASS

Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are the scrappiest Wisconsin fish. Smallmouth are common in medium to large rocky streams and in large clear water lakes where crayfish are abundant. The best lake fishing is found in June just after the spawning season, and in early fall. Baits like hellgrammites (dragonfly larvae) and crayfish imitations are effective in early morning and late evening. Light tackle is ideal. Fish quietly, casting toward rocks or logs, keeping the rod tip up and the line tight.

WALLEYE

Thousands of walleye are caught during their annual spring spawning runs where the season allows. Walleye primarily feed on minnows, but leeches, small bullheads, night crawlers and small plugs also are favorite baits. In clear waters, walleye stay in deeper areas during the day and move into the shallows at night. In more turbid waters, walleye can be caught throughout the day. Try fly casting with streamer flies or poppers on quiet, calm nights near the edges of rocky bars or weed beds. Ice fish with tip-ups, jigs and medium-sized minnows.

spinners and various fly patterns are effective lures. Brown trout are longer-lived, grow larger and often inhabit waters too warm or enriched for brook trout, actively feeding in water temperatures that range from about 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Small brown trout have diets similar to brook trout’s, but as they grow, the brown trout’s diet increasingly is made up of minnows and crayfish. Anglers interested in catching trophy brown trout should try using minnow and crayfish imitations. Anglers fishing Wisconsin’s early artificials-only catch-and-release season should try a different tactic. With colder water temperatures, trout congregate in deep, slow-moving water typically found in pools. Concentrate on fishing baits slow and deep.

YELLOW PERCH

Yellow perch are primarily found near the bottom. They eat almost anything, but prefer minnows, insect larvae, plankton and worms. Tackle may be as simple as a cane pole or as complex as a graphite rod with an ultralight, open-faced spinning reel — as long as it is sensitive. Use a small, fine wire hook with live bait and a small bobber with just enough buoyancy to break water. It will signal even the lightest bites. Because perch prefer cooler water, the best fishing is usually in deep water. Perch move about in schools, often numbering in the hundreds. If one spot is unproductive after a few tries, it is best to move to other spots until a school is located.

NORTHERN PIKE

During open water season, northern pike anglers should come equipped with a sturdy rod; mediumweight line with a wire leader (to avoid cutting a line on the northern pike’s sharp teeth); a full complement of spoon-type lures, streamer flies and other bait impostors such as large crankbaits. If live bait is preferred, small suckers and chubs up to eight inches long suspended under a sturdy bobber or pulled slowly behind a spinner work well. During ice fishing season, tip-ups rigged so the fish can run with the live bait work well under the ice. Marshy areas and weed beds hold pike when the water is cool — late spring and early summer, late summer and early fall, and in winter soon after the ice forms. If you’re hoping to hook a northern when the water is warm, fish the cool depths. As ambush predators, northern pike feed by sight and bite best during daylight hours; keep the bait moving and you’re sure to get a strike.

BROOK AND BROWN TROUT

Fishing guides say 80 percent of trout are found in 20 percent of the water. Because trout instinctively seek cover from predators, knowing where to look for fish cover can increase angling success. Deep water on the outside of stream bends, pools, undercut banks, areas with surface turbulence and structure like large rocks and logs are preferred trout habitat. Another way to increase success is to imitate a blue heron, which carefully moves to avoid spooking fish. Brook trout are found in the coldest and cleanest streams and spring ponds. These fish feed most actively when water temperature ranges from 57 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Brook trout are voracious predators of aquatic and terrestrial insects and worms, and freshwater shrimp. Brook trout actively feed during low-light conditions of early morning and dusk when aquatic insects emerge. Brook trout tend to be less wary than brown trout, and worms, small

MUSKY

Patience is the most important item in a musky angler’s tackle box. Other elements of traditional musky gear include a heavy bait-casting rod; substantial level-wind reel; 20- to 35-pound test line; and a variety of large artificial lures such as plugs, bucktail spinners and spoons. Some anglers prefer to cast or drift with live bait — usually a sucker 10 to 14 inches long on a quick set rig. The musky’s natural home is in northern lakes and rivers. It is a solitary fish and often lurks in weed beds or other protective cover. Anglers usually have the best luck fishing during the daytime, although musky are often active after dark and action can be heart-stopping. For calm nights, large surface baits are often best while large plugs, spoons and bucktails are the best artificial baits for daylight hours along with a live sucker 10 to 12 inches long. Musky generally strike bait that has considerable “action,” so keep the bait moving. When a musky hits, set the hook immediately and firmly in its hard, bony jaws, keep a tight line and hold on for the ride of your life.

LIVE RELEASE

Wisconsin anglers once again worked hard in 2022 to put their names in the record books.

Many anglers reeled in their place in Wisconsin fishing history by establishing records in all three record categories - Live Release, Kept Fish and Alternate Methods.

KEPT FISH

ALTERNATE METHODS (spear, bow, hand)

Coho salmon

Lake trout

Common carp

angler submitted photos

EATING FISH - MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES

Eating your catch can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Fish are generally low in unhealthy saturated fats and high in protein. Fish contain vitamins and minerals and are the primary food source for healthy omega-3 fats. Studies suggest that omega-3 fats may be beneficial during fetal brain and eye development, and eating modest amounts of fish containing these healthy fats may lower the risk of heart disease in adults. Health experts recommend that fish be included as part of a healthy diet.

However, fish may take in pollutants from their environment and food. Mercury, PCBs and PFAS are the contaminants of greatest concern in fish, prompting recommendations that people limit or avoid eating certain species of fish from many waters throughout the nation. You can get the health benefits of eating Wisconsin’s fish while also reducing potential health risks from unwanted pollutants by following Wisconsin’s fish consumption guidelines.

Compare the type of fish and where you caught your fish with the consumption advice. After consulting the recommendations, you may find that you do not have to change your eating habits, you may choose to eat different types of fish or eat some species less frequently.

The DNR’s current consumption advisories are available in print in the Choose Wisely: A Health Guide for Eating Fish in Wisconsin publication (FH-824). The publication has been translated to Spanish and Hmong.

SCIENCE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DNR researchers study fish populations for a better understanding and to ultimately make your fishing better.

Survival, reproductive success and fitness of stocked F1, F2 and domestic brook trout in Wisconsin streams

Investigators: Matthew Mitro, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS), Jared Homola, Ph.D. (USGS, UWSP), Andrew Thometz (M.S. student, UWSP)

This study will quantify the survival, reproductive success and fitness, using a genetic parentage analysis approach, of hatchery-raised brook trout, including first-filial generation (F1), second-filial generation (F2) and domestic fish stocked in Wisconsin streams as age-0 fall fingerlings. Study results will provide quantitative data on the relative stocking success of three strains of brook trout produced in Wisconsin state fish hatcheries. This information is critical for setting stocking quotas based on expectation of successful survival by strain; for understanding reproductive success and fitness by strain for use in guiding restoration of self-sustaining wild brook trout populations; and for guiding the restoration of native brook trout genetics in wild populations that were derived from domestic hatchery broodstock.

Assessing population dynamics of steelhead spawning in the Brule River using an age structured stock–recruit model

Investigator: Iyob Tsehaye, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS)

This study will develop an age-structured stock–recruit model for the steelhead population spawning in the Brule River. The model will allow for the estimation of the reproductive potential of the Brule River steelhead population based on estimates of stock–recruit parameters, quantify environmental influences on recruitment success and calculate biological reference points for the Brule River steelhead population. An age-structured stock–recruit model provides a more accurate representation of population dynamics of steelhead spawning in the Brule River by synthesizing multiple types of data into a single holistic analytical framework, thus explicitly accounting for multiple sources of uncertainty. Provision of biological reference points can inform future management decisions.

Hatchery-reared walleye will be used to better understand the development and differentiation of male and female fish.

Evaluation of potential sex ratio bias and factors influencing sexual differentiation in hatchery reared walleye

Investigator: Stephanie Shaw, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS)

This study is multi-faceted and will include: 1) a literature review of juvenile walleye development, sexual differentiation and endocrine influencing factors (environmental and chemical); 2) histological determination of sex from 9 hatcheries (5 Wisconsin DNR, 3 Tribal, 1 Minnesota DNR), taken at different periods of juvenile development (i.e., mid-summer, late summer, and fall at time of stocking) to determine the critical period of gonad development and sex ratio of hatchery reared walleye; 3) histological determination of sex of age-0 walleye from non-stocked (i.e., naturally reproducing) walleye populations; 4) an evaluation of environmental factors influencing sexual differentiation including natural (i.e., temperature, pH, rearing density) and chemically-induced (i.e., endocrine disrupting compounds, estrogen mimicking compounds, estrogen concentrations in rearing ponds and ground water sources; 5) an evaluation of populations stocked historically with different lengths of juvenile walleye (i.e., fry, small fingerling and extended growth) and resulting sex ratios; and 6) an evaluation of temporal trends in adult sex ratios of stocked only populations and a comparison of adult sex ratios of stocked only to naturally reproducing walleye populations. Results of the study will provide scientists, managers and conservation associations with a better understanding of the factors influencing sexual differentiation of walleye reared in hatcheries, identify the degree to which sex ratio bias is occurring or has occurred historically, and the influence of female bias sex ratios on stocked walleye population dynamics.

environmental triggers for spawning activity, identify phenology-induced trophic mismatches in the context of shifting community assemblages, and explain how variable phenological cues influence reproduction, natural selection, and adaptive responses in important Wisconsin fish species. Study results will provide evidence for and mechanisms triggering shifting spawning phenology in springand fall-spawning species of recreational importance and conservation concern, and determine how the timing of spawning influences recruitment, with predictions for changes in future recruitment potential. The study will identify climate adaptation strategies for the effects of increasingly unpredictable phenology on fisheries resources.

Understanding the effects of phenological variance on Wisconsin fisheries

Investigator: Zachary Feiner, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS, UW-Madison)

This study will quantify temporal shifts in spawning phenology of Wisconsin fish species and important

Muskellunge age and growth

Investigator: Colin Dassow, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS)

This study will monitor population age structure and validate age and growth of muskellunge in Wisconsin, provide information on stocked year class strength and contribution of propagation program to muskellunge fisheries, test for effects of catch and release fishing on mortality and size structure, and evaluate accuracy of current population estimation methods. Study results will provide information on known age and growth of muskellunge in Wisconsin and inform muskellunge stocking decisions.

Determining fish community production distribution in walleye lakes

Investigator: Greg Sass, Ph.D. (DNR, OAS)

This study will determine fish community production distribution in lakes where walleye natural recruitment has been stable over time compared to lakes where natural recruitment has declined. Walleye production as a result of poor natural recruitment has declined over time in Ceded Territory of Wisconsin lakes. Determination of fish community production distribution in lakes with stable walleye natural recruitment versus those where natural recruitment has declined over time will be used to inform applied management actions to rebalance fish community production to favor walleye natural recruitment.

A revised Walleye Management Plan (updated from the original created in 1998) will direct all future DNR activities related to walleye and their management in Wisconsin.

THE PLAN

The plan addresses the issues walleye populations in Wisconsin face today and covers all aspects of walleye management. It also identifies and presents major topics, actionable items and partnership opportunities.

MAJOR TOPICS IN THE PLAN

HABITAT

• Outlining available tools for habitat protection and restoration.

• Developing strategies for water level management and understanding predator prey dynamics that affect walleye.

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AND REGULATIONS

• Detailing the types of walleye fishing opportunities that will be provided and overall harvest strategies.

• Describing what a new regulation toolbox might look and how it would benefit walleye populations.

SURVEYS AND DATA COLLECTION

• Identifying gaps in our data collection and how we can fill them to ensure accurate and comprehensive information for managing walleye.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION

• Refining our strategies for sharing useful information on walleye management with stakeholders and the general public.

STOCKING STRATEGIES

• Identifying where stocking can be most effective to achieve management objectives.

• Working towards stocking efficiently and communicating the limitations of stocking.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

• Solidifying the many excellent partnerships that exist in Wisconsin walleye management.

• Developing clear roles and expectations for all partners.

SUSTAINABILITY AND REHABILITATION

• Developing new strategies and coordinated responses to maintaining walleye populations in the future.

• Restoring populations where possible.

Read the full plan. dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/ outreach/walleyeplan.html

TAKING STOCK - FISH STOCKING IN 2022

LEAVE NO LINE BEHIND

When monofilament fishing line is disposed of improperly, it can cause serious problems for wildlife, people, boat propellers and the environment. The DNR is coordinating a pilot project to collect this fishing line and recycle it into new products such as tackle boxes and fish habitat structures.

Fishing line causes problems when left in the water or put in the trash.

Please discard your fishing line responsibly.

https://dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1171

PVC monofilament collection bin

1 A portion of the Chinook salmon and Rainbow trout (Steelhead) were raised by the Michigan DNR and stocked by Wisconsin DNR staff.

The number of fishes stocked by the DNR in Wisconsin’s waters during 2022 by species and developmental stage.

FISHING FORECASTS

The Fish Will Be There. Where Will You Be In ‘23?

Where to fish can be a difficult decision for many anglers (particularly new anglers or those not familiar with what Wisconsin fishing has to offer). Consequently, the DNR’s fisheries biologists annually develop fishing forecasts to make an angler’s decision easier. The following forecasts are arranged first by species and then alphabetically by county. If you want more information on these waters or others, contact your local fisheries biologist.

WALLEYE

LAKE SUPERIOR Ashland, Bayfield, Iron and Douglas counties

Species population information: Walleye fishing in management unit WI-1 (Western Arm region) of Lake Superior was very produc-

tive in 2022, and we anticipate exceptional fishing in 2023. A relatively large 2018 year-class (>15 inches) broke into the fishery this past year and provided anglers with a lot of action and full bags. In fact, walleye was the top species harvested in this region of Lake Superior. According to our creel survey in Superior and Port Wing, WI, the harvest was mainly comprised of age-4 fish, which ranged between 15-17 inches in 2022. We expect this year-class to fully recruit to the fishery in 2023 and provide anglers with numerous walleye between 16 and 20 inches. Of course, trophy opportunities are also possible out there in the big lake, as many

large females move out to the lake proper after spawning in the tributaries in spring.

The walleye fishery in the Western Arm of Lake Superior is almost fully supported by natural reproduction from the St. Louis River. The St. Louis River walleye population is the biggest stock of walleye in the entire Lake Superior basin. Many of these walleye move out into the lake proper during summer as water temperatures in the lake warm up and these fish can take advantage of greater prey availability and space in the lake. Ongoing genetics research in Lake Superior will hopefully provide more

Getty Images/Abadonian

information on the range of St. Louis River walleye seasonal migrations and to what extent they might contribute to other smaller spawning populations around the South Shore.

A large spawning survey was jointly conducted by the Wisconsin DNR and the Minnesota DNR in 2021 with overall good results. As a part of that effort, over 7,000 fish were tagged with light green tags near the dorsal fin. Many of these fish will likely still be encountered during the 2023 fishing season, so if you encounter any tagged walleye, feel free to report that fish information to either the Superior or Bayfield DNR offices. We appreciate the extra information provided by tag returns and will provide you with the tagging history. Current regulation: Walleye fishing on the lake proper of Lake Superior is open all year with a bag limit of 5 but only one fish over 20 inches. Access information: Popular public access points for this fishery include Loon’s Foot and Barker’s Island Landings in Superior, WI; Port Wing Harbor, WI; Second Landing and Kreher Park in Ashland, WI; and the Washburn Marina in Washburn, WI. Public Boat Landings can be found at https:// dnr.wi.gov/topic/Beaches/docu-

ments/BeachBoatLaunches.pdf

Dray Carl, Fisheries Biologist, Lake Superior

LAKE NAMEKAGON

Bayfield County

Lake size: 2,897 acres. Species population information: The lake has historically supported an excellent walleye fishery and survey results indicate that trend should continue. A recent survey estimated the adult walleye population was at 4.3 adults/acre which is about a 50 percent increase from where the population was at in 2017. Of all the walleye handled in the survey, 30 percent were greater than 15 inches. Current regulation: 15-inch minimum length limit, no harvest from 2024 inches and a 3 fish daily bag limit with only one fish over 24 inches. Access information: There are seven public boat launches on Lake Namekagon and numerous restaurants and resorts as well.

WINNEBAGO SYSTEM

Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Waupaca and Winnebago counties

The Winnebago system supports a naturally sustaining walleye population that provides excellent angling opportunities. Our 2022 fisheries surveys, including the spring spawning assessment and the Winnebago trawl, indicate the walleye fishery is in good health and angling success should continue into 2023. Species population information: There was a total of 3,447 fish handled in the spring spawning assessment including 2,836 in the Wolf River, 200 in the Upper Fox River and 411 in system lakes. The Wolf River fish consisted of 1,043 females ranging from 15.3 to 27.9 inches and a total of 1,793 males ranging from 12.2 to 22.1 inches. Age estimates indicate the spawning population is dominated by 4- to 6-year-old fish representing about 70 percent of the Wolf River sample, though earlier year classes persist at a measurable level. In addition to our spring assessment, the 2022 fall trawling survey showed an increase in adult walleye catch relative to the previous two years. This increase is, in part, driven by the recruitment of the strong 2021 walleye year class. The 2022 trawl survey also indicated a walleye year-class that ranks third since the survey began in 1986. The two recent substantial year-classes will likely result in a fair amount of walleye catch smaller in size, though there should be plenty of opportunity for more harvest favorable fish. Overall, the current adult stock of Winnebago system walleye should provide good angling opportunities and the two most recent walleye hatches is a prosperous indication for years to come.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER (POOLS 9, 10, 11 AND UPPER 12)

Crawford, Grant and Vernon counties

Lake size: 74,850 acres and 97 miles of open water. Species population information: In early October 2022, a DNR electro-

Lake Superior fisheries biologist with a great-looking female walleye during a survey in 2022 on the St. Louis River. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

fishing crew collected a total of 242 adult walleye and 117 adult sauger by electrofishing at night in the near-shore areas around wing dams in Mississippi River Pool 9, near Genoa, WI. In our sample, walleyes were 10 to 29 inches with the largest measuring 29.3 inches and catch-per-uniteffort (CPUE) was approximately 27 adult walleye per hour. Adult sauger were 6 to 17 inches with the largest measuring 17.5 inches and CPUE was 50 adult sauger per hour. Our fall young-of-year (YOY) survey results in Mississippi River Pool 10, near Lynx-

A handful of the many walleye fingerlings captured last fall in Lac Sault Dore, a 561-acre impoundment on the Elk River, often called Soo Lake, in Price County. The catch rate produced the strongest year class of new recruits since 2002.

ville, WI showed above average reproduction during the spring of 2022 with a catch rate of 146 YOY walleye per hour and 44 YOY sauger per hour. YOY walleye reproduction was above the longterm average which will help to maintain the fishery for years to come. Current regulation in Pools 9-12: The Mississippi River is open year-round for walleye and sauger. New regulations were promulgated for walleye with minimum length limit of 15 inches for walleye, walleye between 20 and 27 inches must be released, and 1 walleye over 27

inches is allowed. The bag limit is 6 fish combined walleye and sauger and there is no minimum length limit on sauger. Access information: There are many boat and shore fishing access locations along the Mississippi River. Check out the following websites for more details: https://dnr. wi.gov/topic/lands/boataccess/ https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Upper_Pool_9.pdf

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Lower_Pool_9.pdf

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Upper_Pool_10.pdf

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Lower_Pool_10.pdf. Of interest: The waters of Pool 9 are part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The refuge is located in four states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River and was established in in 1924 as a refuge for fish, wildlife and plants. The refuge encompasses one of the largest blocks of floodplain habitat in the lower 48 states and covers just over 240,000 acres which extends 261 river miles from the Chippewa River in Wisconsin to near Rock Island, Illinois.

LAKE EAU CLAIRE Eau Claire County

Lake size: 860 acres. Species population information: The walleye population in Lake Eau Claire, located in eastern Eau Claire County, continues to impress according to recent fisheries

Fisheries technician Evan Sniadajewski with one of the largest walleye survey crews captured on the Chippewa Flowage in spring 2022. Crews handled over 17,000 walleye during the survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Kendal Patrie

survey data. A walleye population estimate was conducted in spring 2022, and it was calculated that there were 4.3 adult walleye per acre. This is above the statewide average, but the walleye fishery here flies under the radar as panfish are the primary target on Lake Eau Claire. Many nice walleye were caught in the survey including fish in excess of 10 pounds. Current regulation: Three walleye may be kept and they must be between 15-20 inches, except one may be over 24 inches. —

Joseph Gerbyshak, Fisheries Biologist, Eau Claire

ROCK LAKE Jefferson County

Lake size: 1,371 acres. Species population information: The walleye population was estimated at 1.0 adults per acre

compared to 0.2 per acre in 2014. Average length decreased slightly from 18.6 inches to 18.2 inches. PSD for walleye (15 inches for quality size) increased from 97 to 99. Bluegill average length (4.3 in 2014 and 4.2 in 2022) and PSD (17 in 2014 and 15 in 2022) remained constant. A comprehensive survey of Rock Lake in 2022 estimated the Northern Pike population at 1.4 adults per acre compared to 2.6 per acre in 2014. Average length increased from 18.5 to 20.4 inches. PSD or proportional stock density of fish at quality size (21.0 inches for Northern Pike) increased from 26 to 40. The lake also supports balanced largemouth and smallmouth bass populations. Largemouth Bass average length was 10.5 inches and smallmouth bass average length was 8.9 inches.Current regulation: General Inland Fish Regulations. Access information: Public access is plentiful on Rock Lake. The county operates the Hwy B launch on the north end of the lake. The town of Lake Mills run Ferry Park landing on the west end and Elm Point launch on the southwest end. The city of Lake Mills operates the Sandy Beach launch on the southeast end as well as a small craft access on the millpond near the fire station on the east end. Shorefishing opportunities exist at the DNR Rock Lake Carry In access on the north end, Tyranena Park to the northeast and the Glacial Drumlin Trail on the south end. Of interest: Extended

growth walleye (large fingerlings) have been stocked into Rock Lake every other year since 2015. Successful survival of these stocked fish has been documented with the increased catch rate and population estimate during the 2022 comprehensive survey. Over 500 walleye from 15.0 inches (legal harvest length) and greater were tagged with a bright green Floy tag next to their dorsal fin. Anglers can call the number on the tag or drop the tag off at four kiosks located at the boat launches if they choose to keep the fish. An accurate length measurement at the time of capture will be essential in analyzing growth rates over time.

LAKE DUBAY

Marathon and Portage counties

Lake size: 6,700 acres. Species population information: A total of 1,592 walleye were captured during a spring 2022 fyke netting survey on Lake DuBay. An additional 538 fish were captured during spring electrofishing surveys. Fish captured ranged from 6.3-29.6 inches with an average length of 13.9 inches, which is above the 75th percentile for similar complex riverine systems in Wisconsin. The size structure of walleye captured in 2022 was the best on record in Lake DuBay since 1983, with 26 percent of stock sized fish being ≥15 inches, 7 percent being ≥20 inches and 2.4 percent being ≥25 inches. Current regulation: Five walleye ≥15 inches, but <20 inches may be kept, except one fish may be over 28 inches. Access information: Many great shore fishing locations and boat accesses can be found throughout Lake DuBay. Access locations include: Consolidated Water and Power Company – Old Highway 51 Landing; DuBay Portage County Park (Landing and shore access);Tiki Beach Bar & Grill (Fee to launch, once called Antlers Landing); DuBay Drive LandingUnimproved landing at intersection of Highway DB and

Fisheries technician Mark Baldock with a Rock Lake walleye collected during a 2022 survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Highway C (Shore access); Hosta Road Landing; Consolidated Water and Power Company – Seagull Landing; W.V.I.C – Big Eau Pleine Dam Landing (Landing and shore access); Consolidated Water and Power Company – Beans Eddy Access; Chucks Landing in Mosinee (Landing and shore access); Highway 34 and Train Trestle Bridges shore access; Sandy Creek Road shore access; Highway E shore access; Bird Lane shore access. Of interest: From 1983-2003, walleye size structure dramatically decreased and became a major concern in the early 2000s. The current protected no harvest slot regulation from 20-28 inches was implemented in 2003 to protect spawning adult walleye and increase size structure. Since its implementation, the walleye population has dramatically recovered, and size structure has greatly improved.

DAM LAKE

Oneida County

Lake size: 732 acres Species population information: Spring 2022 survey results documented a healthy and reproducing Walleye population with an adult abundance of 1.9 adults per acre. Most Walleyes were between 13 to 18 inches. A strong year class of small individuals < 15 inches will enter the fishery in the next year or two providing continued success. Current regulation: Three walleyes greater than 15 inches, individuals 20-24 inches must be released and only 1 walleye over 24 inches is allowed. Access information: Dam Lake can be accessed from the one public boat landing on Sand Lake act County Highway D.

WAPOGASSET AND BEAR TRAP LAKES

Polk County

Lake size: 1,436 acres (both lakes combined). Species popula-

tion information: During a 2019 survey, Wapogasset and Bear Traps lakes had an adult walleye population of 4.1 adult walleye/ acre with an average length of 15.4 inches. Population age structure at that time was predominantly young fish, suggesting the fishery would likely improve with time. Recent reports indicate a high-quality fishery has developed with ample opportunities for harvest and trophy fish. Current regulation: Walleye are managed with a 15-inch minimum length limit, with a protected slot limit from 20-24 inches, and only

1 fish over 24 inches is allowed. The daily bag limit is 3. Access information: There are two public boat landings on Wapogasset Lake off Sunrise Beach Dr. and 130th St. at Garfield Park and one boat access location on Bear Trap Lake off S. Shore Ct. In addition to walleye, a trophy muskellunge fishery is present with fish upwards of 50 pounds. Other species: northern pike, walleye, bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Fisheries biologist Adam Nickel with a tagged walleye from Silver Creek in 2022. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

PULASKI LAKE Rusk County

Lake size: 26 acres. Species population information: From netting and electrofishing samples in early spring 2022 we estimated that Pulaski Lake’s walleye population had 188 adults or 1.5 adults per acre. Adult density was near the average value for Walleye populations in northern Wisconsin that are sustained primarily by stocking. Though modest in numbers, the population had a favorable size distribution that should satisfy most anglers. Among the 161 walleyes captured in fyke nets, 85 percent were at least 15 inches, 42 percent were legal fish 18 inches or longer, and 19 percent were at least 20 inches. Concerned about declining reproductive success, in 2014 the DNR began stocking walleye at a rate of 10 large fingerlings per acre in even-numbered years. To date, Pulaski Lake has received 6,267 large fingerlings averaging 6.8 inches. Before switching to large fingerlings for better survival, the DNR stocked 26,150 walleyes 1.6 inches on average from 2003 to 2013. Current regulation: Harvest restrictions in effect since 2016 seek to protect spawning walleye and bolster inlake production of new recruits. Only three walleye may be kept from Pulaski Lake, and they must be at least 18 inches. Liberal bass regulations aim to reduce the abundance of largemouth bass, once suspected of suppressing walleye recruitment by predation and/or competition. Anglers may keep five largemouth bass or smallmouth bass of any length.

Annual fall electrofishing surveys in 2013-2022 show very low rates of natural recruitment to Pulaski Lake’s walleye population with only two barely detectable year classes produced in the last decade. Unless fall electrofishing captures more than 25 fingerlings per mile to indicate satisfactory natural recruitment, walleye stocking will continue while

not a “sleeper” lake for fishing. However, new survey results should get anglers excited about revisiting the lake or getting to know “The Chip” for the first time. A 2022 survey estimated the total number of adult walleye in the lake. The estimate came out to 72,837, or 4.8 adult walleye per acre. This estimate is about a 50 percent increase from where the population was at in 2011. The estimate for walleye in the “legal” size ranges was right around 20,000 (the lake is managed with a 15-inch minimum length limit, no harvest from 20-24 inches, and only one walleye from an angler’s 3 daily bag limit may be over 24 inches). Access information: There are numerous points of access to the Chippewa Flowage, including state boat ramps off of County Hwy CC and County Hwy B. First-come, firstserved designated island campsites are also available and offer a unique wilderness-like experience. — Max Wolter, Fisheries Biologist, Hayward

the broad-scale evaluations of bass-walleye interactions and the Wisconsin Walleye Stocking Initiative are completed. Access information: Washington Township maintains a public boat landing on the southeast shore. — Jeff Scheirer, Fisheries Biologist, Park Falls

CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE

Sawyer County

Lake size: 15,300 acres. Species population information: The Chippewa Flowage is certainly

WHITEWATER LAKE

Walworth County

Lake size: 625 acres. Species population information: During a 2022 spring electrofishing survey, the observed length range was 8.2 to 21.6 inches with an average length of 16.0 inches. 25 percent of the walleye measured, were above the 18-inch minimum length limit. The catch rate from the Whitewater Lake survey was 24 fish per mile which is above average when compared to sim-

Mitch Feyereisen, Wildlife technician, holds up a 10-lbs. Lake Eau Claire walleye captured during a 2022 fisheries survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

ilar waters in the area. Overall, the 2022 survey data indicates quality size structure and above average abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag of 3, minimum length limit of 18 inches. Access information: There is a public DNR-managed boat launch on State Park Road within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit near Whitewater Lake Beach. The shoreline between the beach and boat launch offers shore fishing opportunities including fishing piers. Of interest: Whitewater Lake was created in 1947 by damming the outlet of three smaller, existing lakes: Bass Lake, Kettle or Round Lake, and Whitewater Lake. Because of this, most of Whitewater Lake is quite shallow with a mean depth of only 8.3 feet. The maximum reported depth is 40 feet.

LONG LAKE

Vilas County

Lake size: 872 acres. Species population Information: Long Lake supports a lower density population of walleye, but one with top-heavy size structure. Using data collected from the most recent spring survey, completed in 2022, the estimated adult walleye density was 1.6 per acre. Although the population estimate is quite a bit lower than previous estimates, which have been as high as 7.4 per acre, the large size structure remains. Of the walleye caught during the 2022 spring survey, a whopping 52 percent were 20 inches or greater, with multiple walleye caught in the 28-inch class. Long Lake may not be the best option for harvest-oriented anglers, but it might be a good place for more catch and release minded folks who are looking for trophy-size fish. Current regulation: 18-inch minimum, 3 fish daily bag limit. Access information: There is a boat landing located on the north end of Long Lake, on Boat Landing Road, just off Hwy 17, near Phelps, WI. Located along the south end of Long Lake there

is a carry-in access site on Long Lake Dam Lane where canoes and kayaks could be launched. Of interest: Long Lake has invasive rainbow smelt. The lake is also home to a stocked population of Black Oak Lake strain lake trout. These lake trout were introduced to help control the smelt, as well as create a surrogate population for this very unique inland lake trout genetic strain. Recent research conducted on Long Lake indicates that there may be increased lake trout mortality during warmer water months possibly from angling. If you happen to hook one while walleye fishing, please limit handling as much as possible. — Eric

limit of 3 fish. Access information: There are four public boat launches located on Long Lake. From North to South: Blackhawk Rd, off CTH-B, Hank’s Dr. off Todd Rd., Boat Landing Rd. off CTH-D, and Sunset Bay Rd. off Schnacky Rd. (east side). Of interest: Long Lake is the largest lake in Washburn County and often referred to as the “Walleye Capital of Wisconsin.”

PINE LAKE

Waukesha County

Wegleit

ner, Fisheries Biologist, Woodruff

LONG LAKE

Washburn County

Lake size: 3,290 acres. Species population information: Long Lake walleye ranged from 11.7 to 30.0 inches. The average length was 18.5 inches. Approximately 50 percent of the walleye sampled were above the 18-inch limit. An estimated 28 percent of the sample was over 20 inches. Current regulation: 18-inch minimum length limit, daily bag

Lake size: 703 surface acres. Species population information: Average Length – 17 inches, 2.5 adults per surface acre. Current regulation: 14-inch minimum length, daily bag limit of 5

Access information: The public boat launch is located on the north end of the lake off of Hwy K. Of interest: Rocky substrate, deep drop-offs and woody structure provide excellent habitat for walleye on Pine Lake. Recent spring and fall electrofishing surveys have shown excellent size structure, average abundance, and trophy potential for walleye. Pine Lake also has excellent northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and panfish an-

Fisheries Supervisor Aaron Cole with a large female walleye captured during fyke netting in Long Lake, Washburn County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

gling opportunities.

— Benjamin Heussner, Fisheries Biologist, Eagle

MUSKELLUNGE

BIG MOON LAKE

Barron County

Lake size: 187 acres. Species population information: During a 2021-2022 survey, Big Moon Lake had an adult muskellunge population of 0.53 adults/acre with an average length of 35.4 inches. Big Moon Lake muskellunge are managed at a higher density than other popular muskellunge fisheries in Barron and Polk counties to provide excellent angling action. Directed effort is average for Class B waters but angler catch rates were twice as great as other similar class B waters. Current regulation: Muskellunge are managed with a 40-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 1. Access information: There is one public boat launch along the eastern shoreline off 9 1/4 Street.

GREEN BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES Brown, Oconto, Marinette and Door counties

Species population information: A total of 81 muskies were captured in a spring 2022 fyke netting survey on the Fox River. Twenty-nine females averaging 49.6 inches and ranging from 40.8 – 55.5 inches were captured. Fifty-two males averaging 43.8 inches and ranging from 35.9 –39.1 inches were also captured. Current regulation: Only one muskellunge may be kept, and it must be at least 54 inches. Access information: Many great shore fishing locations and boat

accesses can be found throughout Green Bay and its tributaries. Maps for both boat launches and shore fishing locations can be found at: https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/topic/Fishing/lakemichigan/ TributaryAccess.html. Of interest: The DNR continues to stock Great Lake spotted muskies into Green Bay and its tributaries. Since stocking started in 1989, a total of 186,403 fingerling muskies and 31,622 yearling muskies have been stocked into Green Bay and its tributaries. The figure below shows the number of fingerling and yearling muskies stocked in each year. Currently, the DNR collects eggs and milt from adult muskellunge captured in the Fox River and raises them at both the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery and the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility until they are stocked in the fall as large fingerlings. Additionally, in 2014, the DNR formed a partnership with the Michigan DNR in which the Michigan DNR collects eggs and milt from adult muskies in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River and transfers these fish as small fingerlings to the DNR. The DNR raises them at Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery for nearly a year when they are stocked out as yearlings. — Jason Breeggemann, Fisheries Biologist, Green Bay

LONG LAKE Chippewa County

Lake size: 1,052 acres. Species population information: Long Lake, located in northern Chippewa County, is a natural lake with excellent water quality which contains a robust musky population. A population estimate was completed in 2022, and the density was calculated to be 0.20 per acre, which is right in the middle of desired density for a Class B musky fishery. Most of the musky ranged from 34-42 inches, but fish as large as 46 inches were captured. The forage base for musky in Long Lake consists of white sucker, cisco, panfish and, to a lesser extent, juvenile gamefish. Long Lake is stocked with musky because natural reproduction is not at a level to sustain the musky population. The current stocking rate is one large fingerling musky (~12 inches) per surface acre of water on an alternate year basis. Current regulation: There is 40-inch minimum length limit and a one fish daily bag limit for musky on Long Lake. — Joseph Gerbyshak, Fisheries Biologist, Eau Claire

Yearling and fingerling Great Lakes spotted musky stocked from 1989 to 2021 in Green Bay and its tributaries.

LAKE MONONA Dane County

Lake size: 3,360 acres. Species population information: Lake Monona offers a unique trophy fishing opportunity for muskellunge in an urbanized, downtown atmosphere. If anglers don’t mind sharing the water with lots of other anglers and recreators of all types, Monona is worth a stop on your milk run for musky fishing. DNR surveyed the Lake Monona musky population using fyke nets in spring of 2021 and 2022. The population estimate for adult muskellunge is 677 fish, or 0.21 fish per acre, and is higher than most other A-1 trophy musky lakes (median population estimate for A-1 musky lakes is .13 per acre). The 2021-2022 survey had 40 fish over 45 inches, nine fish over 48 inches, and two over 50 inches. Current regulation: 50-inch minimum length limit, 1 fish daily bag limit. Access information: There are 5 public boat landings at Lake Monona scattered at each corner of the lake, all of which are owned and operated by the city of Madison or Dane County Parks and require daily launch passes. You can also launch downstream on Lake Waubesa and navigate upstream through the Yahara River channel to reach Monona. Best to launch early in the morning as spots tend to fill up fast on prime, good weather weekends. Of interest: Musky are not native to the Yahara River watershed and all the musky in the Madison Chain including Lake Monona are stocked. No natural reproduction has been observed in the Madison Chain of Lakes since musky stocking started over two decades ago. As a result, stocking is needed to sustain the fishery and the DNR and the local musky club, Capital City Muskies, Inc. have supported stocking efforts resulting in a great trophy angling opportunity for musky in the shadow of the Wisconsin State Capitol in downtown Madison. — Dan Oele, Fisheries Biologist, Fitchburg

Hatchery technician Amos Melton with an Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) musky that was captured during hatchery broodstock collection in 2021. Eggs were taken from some LCO musky and raised at the hatchery. Some of those fingerlings were stocked back into LCO in fall 2021.

BIG GREEN LAKE Green Lake County

Lake size: 7,920 acres. Species population information: Big Green Lake currently supports a low density muskellunge population that provides trophy (>50

inches) fishing opportunities for anglers. Muskellunge have been stocked into Big Green Lake since the 1990s to help bolster the population and provide angling opportunities. To evaluate the current population status, fisheries staff conducted an experimental fyke netting survey in spring of 2022. Overall, 20 muskellunge were captured ranging from 29.4 to 50.5 inches with an average length of 38.3 inches. Fish captured were in great condition and eager to put up a fight. Angling could be challenging at times due to the size and habitat complexity of Big Green Lake. However, anglers willing to meet the challenge could be rewarded with some superb trophy potential opportunities. Current regulation: The 2023 open season for muskellunge is May 6 to Dec. 31 with a daily bag limit of 1 fish and a minimum length limit of 40 inches. Access Information: There are numerous access points around Big Green Lake. Consult the DNR’s lake page for more lake and launch information (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/Lakes). — Adam Nickel, Fisheries Biologist, Wautoma

LAKE MOHAWKSIN

Lincoln County

Lake size: 1,910 acres. Species population information: 202122 fyke netting for a two-year muskellunge adult population estimate revealed a quality population with fish over 50 inches present. The adult population was estimated at 234 individuals for a density of 0.123 per acre (one adult for about every 8 acres). A high-size-quality population with many fish over 40 inches present in this naturally reproducing, unstocked fishery. We captured two muskies 50 inches or larger: a 50-inch, 30 pounder and a 50.2-inch, 31 pounder. Muskellunge were especially plump and healthy in this reservoir. Current regulation: The muskellunge regulations are a 40-inch minimum length limit

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

and a daily bag limit of 1. The season starts on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and closes at the end of the year (open water fishing only). Lake Mohawksin gets its name from the last syllable of its three main tributaries: the Somo River (Mo), the Tomahawk River (hawk), and the Wisconsin River (sin). — Dave Seibel, Fisheries Biologist, Antigo

LAKE DUBAY Marathon and Portage counties

Lake size: 6,700 acres. Species population information: A total of 148 muskellunge were captured during a spring 2022 fyke netting survey on Lake DuBay. Fish captured ranged from 20.1-49.3 inches with an average length of 36.8 inches, which is above the 95th percentile for similar complex riverine systems in Wisconsin. The size structure of muskellunge captured in 2022 was the best on record in Lake DuBay, with 91 percent of stock sized fish being ≥30 inches, 39 percent being ≥38 inches and 19 percent being ≥42 inches. Current regulation: Only one muskellunge ≥40 inches may be kept. Access information: Many great shore fishing locations and boat accesses can be found throughout Lake DuBay. Access information: Consolidated Water and Power Company – Old Highway 51 Landing; DuBay Portage County Park (Landing and shore access); Tiki Beach Bar & Grill (Fee to launch, once called Antlers Landing); DuBay Drive Landing; Unimproved landing at intersection of Highway DB and Highway C (Shore access); Hosta Road Landing; Consolidated Wa-

ter and Power Company – Seagull Landing; W.V.I.C – Big Eau Pleine Dam Landing (Landing and shore access); Consolidated Water and Power Company – Beans Eddy Access; Chucks Landing in Mosinee (Landing and shore access); Highway 34 and Train Trestle Bridges shore access; Sandy Creek Road shore access; Highway E shore access; Bird Lane shore access. Of interest: Since 1989, muskellunge have been the focal

LAKE REDSTONE Sauk County

Lake size: 605 acres. Species population information: During the 2022 spring netting survey of Lake Redstone, 159 unique muskies were sampled. They ranged from 30.4 to 48.4 inches and the average length was 39.4 inches. Overall, 45 percent of muskies sampled were ≥ 40 inches, and 6 percent were ≥ 45 inches. The

species stocked into Lake DuBay in a collaborative effort by the Wisconsin DNR and local Musky Fishing Clubs to create a quality muskellunge fishery on the Wisconsin River in Central Wisconsin. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging efforts began in 2014 to gather additional information on muskellunge stocking success, potential natural reproduction, age and growth information, and general movements (e.g., downstream movements). Tagging and recapture data have verified successful movements of muskellunge into downstream flowages.

percentage of fish ≥40 inches was greatly improved from the previous survey in 2010 when 15 percent of muskies sampled were ≥ 40 inches. This is likely reflective of a regulation change from a 40-inch minimum to a 50-inch minimum length limit in 2012. Current regulation: 50-inch minimum length limit, 1 fish daily bag limit Access information: There are three public boat landings at Lake Redstone. One is located at the end of Section 11 Road on the west side of the lake. It is operated by the Town of La Valle and there is a fee for launching there. A second is located on the north end of the lake and is operated

Zach Mohr, former fisheries technician, admires a healthy Long Lake musky captured from a fyke net during a 2021 fisheries survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

by Sauk County; there is a fee associated with launching a boat at this landing, also. There is also an ADA accessible fishing pier at the north end landing. The third boat landing is located at the end of Fox Court on the south end of the lake near the dam, and there is no launch fee at this landing. There is shore fishing access available at Redstone County Park on the south end of the lake. Of interest: Lake Redstone was created in 1965 following construction of the current dam on Big Creek. It is named for the beautiful red sandstone cliffs found along the shoreline at various points around the lake.

LAC COURTE OREILLES

Sawyer County

Lake size: 5,139 acres. Species population information: A population estimate conducted in 2021 and 2022 on Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) found that there were 428 adult muskies present. This is believed to be a sizable increase from where the population was a few years ago, and is attributed to the success of several recent stocked year classes. Musky in the 30 to 35-inch range were most common in the survey, and because of a tagging study we know these fish were just 5 years old in 2022. That means they have the potential for a lot of growing up, with an excellent chance to reach trophy size. Current regulation: Musky in LCO are managed with a 50-inch minimum length limit and 1-daily bag limit. Access information: There is a state boat landing off of County Hwy K and several other town landings around the lake. Of interest: When you fish for musky on Sawyer County’s Lac Courte Oreilles, you are fishing on hallowed water. LCO has produced not one but two world-record muskies and has also produced some of the largest muskies to ever appear in DNR surveys. The problem with LCO is that the muskies were becoming more rare. Fortunately, collaborative management

efforts between DNR, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, the Courte Oreilles Lake Association and the Hayward Lakes Chapter of Muskies Inc. have produced some exciting results. — Max Wolter, Fisheries Biologist, Hayward

MASON AND EVERGREEN LAKES

Sawyer County

Lake Size: 390 acres (both lakes combined). Species population information: Novice musky anglers being introduced to the sport and seasoned musky anglers needing a break from their trophy pursuits should enjoy fast-fishing action in these remote and scenic lakes within the Flambeau River State Forest. In our spring 2022 fyke netting survey we captured 383 muskies in both lakes combined. The catch rate of 5.4 muskellunge per net-night points toward very high population abundance. Those hoping to catch and release preferred- and memorable-size fish ≥ 38 and 42 inches or to keep a legal-size musky ≥ 40 inches should seek out and fish larger waters. Only one percent of

muskies in Mason and Evergreen lakes grew to 38 inches or longer, and only one 44-inch musky attained legal size. Crowding and intense food competition appear to be hindering the population’s growth rate and its capacity to produce larger fish. Natural reproduction is the sole source of new recruits since stocking was discontinued in 1990. Reducing the minimum length limit from 40 to 28 inches could provide harvest opportunity to a minority of anglers who voiced their preference to catch and eat a musky once in a while. Considering the out-of-the way location of these lakes, the light fishing pressure they receive and anglers’ far-reaching reluctance to catch and keep muskies, angling harvest would not help to reduce musky abundance and improve their size distribution. We’ll return to estimate musky population density in both lakes from adults captured, marked and released in spring 2022 and recaptured in spring 2023 fyke netting surveys. Look for a status update in winter 2023-2024. Of interest: A shallow, narrow channel connects 190-acre Mason Lake and 200-acre Evergreen Lake. Boaters adapt to changing water levels by paddling, rowing, trimming

An impressive musky is returned from where it came during a recent survey from Lake DuBay.

and carefully motoring, or wading and pulling their crafts about 200 yards between the lakes. Access information: The DNR maintains a primitive landing that can accommodate medium-size fishing boats at the end of Snuss Boulevard near Mason Lake’s outlet on the south shore. – Jeff Scheirer, Fisheries

Biologist, Park Falls

RANDOM LAKE Sheboygan County

Lake size: 212 acres. Species population information: Random Lake supports a high-density muskellunge population that provides a good action fishery for moderate-size fish. The most recent comprehensive survey, completed in 2018, indicated an adult density of 1.2 fish/acre with an average length of 34.5 inches. The largest fish captured in the survey was a 44-inch female. Current regulation: The muskellunge population is managed with the statewide regulation - 40-inch minimum length limit and one fish daily bag limit. Currently, Random Lake receives large fingerling musky stockings on an every other year basis at a rate of 0.5 fish/acre. Access information: A public boat launch with ample parking is available on the south end of the lake off Hickory Drive. A public fishing pier is also available off Lake Drive. - Ben Breaker, Fisheries Biologist, Plymouth

LAC LABELLE Waukesha

County

Lake size: 1,154 surface acres

Species population information: Average Length – 33 inches. Current regulation: 40 inch minimum length, daily bag limit of 1. Access information: Shore fishing opportunities can periodically be found below the Fowler Lake Dam. The public boat launch is located on south end of Lac LaBelle near the public beach area on Wisconsin Avenue. Of interest: Anglers have reported improved catch rates of muskellunge on Lac LaBelle. Recent rough fish removals have provided additional data indicating quality size structure of this low-density musky fishery. Lac LaBelle also has above average smallmouth and walleye catch and release action with below average size structure.

- Ben Heussner, Fisheries Biologist, Eagle

SMALLMOUTH BASS

LAKE NEBAGAMON

Douglas County

Lake size: 986 acres. Species population information: There is a quality smallmouth bass fishery. During a 2022 spring electrofishing survey crews sampled smallmouth at a moderate rate of 13 per mile with good size structure. Smallmouth ranged from 8-20 inches with 20 percent of the catch over 17 inches. Results from this survey indicate anglers should have a good opportunity for decent numbers of quality fish. Access information: There is a public access boat launch off Waterfront Dr in the village of Lake Nebagamon. Current regulation: Current bass regulations on Lake Nebagamon are a 14-inch minimum length limit with a five fish (largemouth and smallmouth combined) daily bag limit during the open harvest season. Bluegill, black crappie and walleye are also common in Lake Nebagamon offering anglers the opportunity for a multi-species outing.

TAINTER LAKE

Dunn County

Lake size: 1,750 acres. Species population information: Smallmouth Bass surveyed in Tainter Lake in spring 2022 resulted in high catch rates of 42 smallmouth bass per mile of shoreline which

First Wisconsin Chapter, Muskies, Inc. member Josh Rabska dip-netted this 42-inch Muskellunge while volunteering in an electrofishing survey to assess walleye recruitment in 1,745-acre Dairyland Flowage, Rusk County in fall 2022. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

Conservation Warden Tim Aspenson dip-netted this 18.7-inch smallmouth bass while lending a hand in an electrofishing survey to assess walleye recruitment in the Phillips Chain of Lakes, Price County in fall 2022. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

is in the 95th percentile for similar lakes across the state. Fish ranged from 4 to 19 inches. Mean length of fish was 12 inches and 25 percent of fish captured during the survey were larger than 14 inches. Current regulation: 5 per day, 14-inch minimum length limit. Access information: There are several boat ramps on Tainter Lake including Elk Point Resort and Northwest Landing off of CTH D on the northwest side of the lake, Lambs Creek Park on CTH G and Kleist Landing off of 540th Street. Shorefishing is permitted at Lambs Creek Park. Of interest: While musky are not stocked in Tainter Lake or the Red Cedar River in Dunn County, musky are stocked in Rice Lake and the Red Cedar River in Barron County and likely find their way into Tainter Lake where anglers have captured musky larger than 50 inches. Some natural reproduction of musky in Tainter Lake and its tributaries has been documented in fisheries surveys. All other fish

species within Tainter Lake are the result of natural reproduction and no other stocking occurs.

GILE FLOWAGE

Iron County

Lake size: 3,138 acres. Species population information: The Gile Flowage provides a fantastic smallmouth opportunity for quality numbers of quality fish, located just next to Hurley. During a 2022 spring electrofishing survey, crews sampled smallmouth bass at a high rate of 19.6/ mile. Individuals ranged from 3.4-18.8 inches, with 87 percent measuring larger than 11 inches and 22 percent larger than 17

2022 survey results found a smallmouth bass fishery with phenomenal size structure providing ample opportunity at catching a trophy (> 20 inches). 63% of the fish measured during the 2022 survey were over 14 inches with the largest being 21.7 inches. Current regulation: The minimum length limit is 18 inches with a daily bag limit of 1. Access information: Five public access ramps with ample parking around the lake provide easy access.

ELKHART LAKE Sheboygan County

Lake size: 292 acres. Species population information: Elkhart

inches. Anglers can access from any of four different public boat landings.

PELICAN LAKE

Oneida County

Lake size: 3,545 acres. Species population information: Spring

Lake offers a solid smallmouth bass fishery for both numbers and size of fish. An electrofishing survey conducted in 2022 turned up good numbers of fish with 40 percent of fish over 14 inches, and fish up to 20 inches present. Current regulation: The Elkhart Lake smallmouth fishery is managed with the statewide regulation of a 14-inch minimum length

Fisheries Technician Kendal Patrie with a 20½-inch smallmouth bass caught in a spring 2022 fyke netting survey targeting adult muskellunge in 190-acre Mason Lake in the Flambeau River State Forest, Sawyer County. Photo Credit: Jeff Scheirer.

limit and 5 fish daily bag limit. Access information: A public boat launch with ample parking and restroom facilities is available on the northwest side of the lake off CTH P. The current catch and release state record smallmouth was caught from Elkhart Lake in 2021 and measured 22.75 inches.

PEWAUKEE LAKE Waukesha

County

Lake size: 2,437 surface acres. Species population information: Average length was 14 inches with a maximum length of 23 inches. Current regulation: 14-inch minimum length limit, daily bag limit of 5. Access information: There are two boat launches found on Pewaukee Lake: the newly rebuilt Nagawaukee County Park boat launch on the west side and Smokey’s Muskie Shop on the east side. Shore fishing can also be found at Nagawaukee County Park and the public fishing pier in downtown Pewaukee. Of interest: In addition to trophy smallmouth bass potential, Pewaukee Lake also provides excellent largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge and panfishing opportunities.

— Ben Heussner, Fisheries Biologist, Eagle

LARGEMOUTH BASS

PARKER LAKE Adams County

Lake size: 57 acres. Species population information: A 2022 spring electrofishing survey was completed for bluegill and largemouth bass to evaluate a special

panfish regulation. We caught 134 largemouth bass that ranged from 5.4 to 17.2 inches with an average of 11.6 inches. 8 percent of the largemouth bass were 14 inches or greater. Relative abundance was 94 fish per mile. Relative abundance is considered very high (>90th percentile) compared to other lakes like Parker Lake. The special largemouth bass fishing regulation went into effect in 2018. Overall, there was not a significant change in relative abundance, average length, or size structure. Angler creel cards collected by the lake association showed some harvest of bass, but the majority of fish caught outside the protected slot were released in 2018-2021. Current regulation: Special fishing regulations are in place for panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish have a daily

bag limit of 15, but only 5 of any one species can be kept. There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass, but largemouth bass from 14 to 18 inches may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 inches is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5. Northern pike have no minimum length limit, but northern pike from 25 to 35 inches may not be kept. The daily bag limit is 5. Access information: There is a private boat launch with a nominal fee at the Parker Lake Lodge off State Road 82 on N Parker Lake Road, Oxford, WI. Public access by foot is available at a DOT parking area on State Road 82. Of interest: The Parker Lake Association completed a fish sticks project in January 2016 on the DOT property that runs along State Rd 82. In addition, the lake association installed 12 fish cribs in 2017. Wood is good

Fisheries Biologist Kirk Olson with a Lake Tomah largemouth bass collected during a 2022 night survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

for all fish and the fish sticks also support birds, turtles and other critters below and above the water. The Parker Lake Association works with the DNR to improve the fisheries habitat through these actions and protecting water quality and a healthy diverse aquatic plant community.

MEDER LAKE

Ashland County

Lake size: 135 acres. Species population information: During a 2022 spring electrofishing survey, crews sampled largemouth bass at a moderate rate of 10.9/mile. Individuals ranged from 12.6-19.2

inches, with 100 percent measuring larger than 12 inches and 46 percent larger than 15 inches. These results suggest that Meder currently provides an opportunity for decent numbers of quality fish. Access information: Meder Lake has a nice boat launch just off of Hien Road.

COX HOLLOW LAKE

Iowa County

Lake size: 81 acres. Species population information: The largemouth bass fishery in Cox Hollow Lake provides fishing opportunities of all kinds. Spring electrofishing surveys in 2022 yielded

a catch rate of 127.4 largemouth bass per mile (compared to a median of 17.4 largemouth bass per mile in similar lakes statewide) with fish ranging from 6.1 to 21.0 inches and a mean length of 12.3 inches. Both trophy catch and harvest opportunities are present. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, daily bag limit of 5. Access information: Cox Hollow Lake is located in Governor Dodge State Park. A state park sticker or daily pass is required, and one public boat launch is available. Only electric trolling motors are permitted on Cox Hollow Lake. Of interest: Governor Dodge is the third largest state park in Wisconsin. Camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and horseback riding are permitted within the state park and a public beach and picnic area are provided. — Justin Haglund, Fisheries Biologist, Dodgeville

LAKE TOMAH Monroe

County

Lake size: 245 acres. Species population information: Lake Tomah supports an impressive largemouth bass population. In 2022, a late spring electrofishing survey found largemouth bass density and average size in the top 10th percentile, compared to similar lakes statewide. Largemouth bass catch rate was 145 fish per mile of shoreline with 9 fish per mile at 15 inches and larger. Current regulation: Only 1 largemouth or smallmouth bass may be kept, and it must be at least 18 inches. Access information: Multiple boat landings. Go to dnr. wi.gov and search “Lake Finder” for boat landing locations and other information. Of interest: Due to extremely high densities of common carp, Lake Tomah was treated with Rotenone in 2009, killing the carp and limited gamefish populations. The lake was re-stocked with northern pike, largemouth bass and bluegill between 2010 and 2012. Since the initial stocking, quality populations of each species have

Taylor County Forest Administrator Jake Walcisak with a 21-inch Largemouth Bass captured in an exploratory electrofishing survey to characterize the native fish community in Camp Eight Flowage before drawing down the 14-acre impoundment for dam renovation in 2023 Photo Credit: Jeff Scheirer.

become established and are now naturally reproducing.

WHEELER LAKE Oconto County

Lake size: 293 acres. Species population information: Fish surveys have shown that the largemouth bass abundance continues to increase. The current fishing regulation is designed to promote bass harvest. There is no early catch-and-release season for largemouth bass even though Wheeler Lake is within the northern bass zone. Current regulation: no minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of 5. Access information: A single boat landing is located on the south side of the lake.Of interest: The

BOOT LAKE

Rusk County

Lake size: 87 acres. Species population information: In our late spring 2022 electrofishing survey, we captured 44 largemouth bass ranging from 7.2 to 21.4 inches and averaging 12.0 inches. Our catch rates of 43 bass ≥ 8 inches per hour or 21 per mile suggest that population abundance has moderated somewhat since 2012, when late-spring electrofishing captured 48 bass per hour and 33 per mile. Grouping largemouth bass of all sizes, the electrofishing capture rate of 22 bass per mile in Boot Lake ranked between the 25th and 50th percentile among lakes classified as having a “simple” fish community, a “warm” thermal regime, and “clear” water. By comparison,

≥ 12 inches and preferred-size bass ≥ 15 inches rose from 38 percent and 5 percent in 2012 to 54 percent and 10 percent in 2022. Nearly 30 percent of bass ≥ 8 inches were legal-size fish at least 14 inches. Our sample included a 21.4-inch, memorable-size fish that ranked third longest among 11,269 largemouth bass measured in 224 surveys on Rusk County lakes and streams since 1970. Current regulation: Boot Lake lies within the Southern Bass Management Zone where anglers may keep five largemouth or smallmouth bass at least 14 inches in any combination from the first Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March. Only catch-and-release bass fishing is allowed during the rest of the year. Access information: Washington Township maintains a public boat landing in Boot Lake’s southern-most lobe. Dense floating vegetation often restricts navigation to a narrow corridor from the public boat landing to the open, main basin. Of interest: Boot Lake is located about 8 miles south of Bruce, Wisconsin. — Jeff Scheirer, Fisheries Biologist, Park Falls

BIG SAND LAKE

Vilas County

Wheeler Lake Association holds an annual fishing jamboree in February. The proceeds have helped fund the construction and installation of 60 fish cribs over the last decade. In 2020, the U.S. Forest service placed approximately 45 trees around the east island and 15 trees around the west island to enhance fish habitat.

bass catch rates in electrofishing surveys completed in the spring of 2002 and 2012 ranked above the simple-warm-clear category’s median value. With decreased abundance, the size structure of Boot Lake’s largemouth bass population has improved. The average length increased from 10.6 inches in our last survey ten years ago. Likewise, the proportions of quality-size bass

Lake size: 1,418 acres. Species population information: Big Sand Lake supports an abundant largemouth bass population and provides good angling opportunities. The most recent largemouth bass population estimate, completed in 2022, was 9,592 bass (≥8 inches) or 6.8 largemouth bass per acre. Most largemouth bass in Big Sand Lake are under 14”, but some larger bass can still be found. While this may not be a trophy largemouth bass fishing lake, it is a great place to get some good ol’ bucket mouth bass action. Current regulation: 14” minimum length limit with a 5 fish daily bag limit. Access information: There is an excellent boat landing located along the north shore of Big Sand Lake on

Fisheries biologist Justin Haglund with a nice largemouth bass collected from a 2021 survey of Blackhawk Lake, Iowa County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Boat Landing Lane, not far off Hwy 17. — Eric

WegleitnerFisheries Biologist, Vilas County

SPOONER LAKE

Washburn County

Lake size: 1,132 acres. Species population information: This lake holds a high density of largemouth bass with trophy bass in the population. The 2022 catch rate was 27.7 fish/mile with an average length of 14.9 inches. A whopping 60 percent of the bass were over 15.0 inches. DNR staff also observed 27 largemouth bass greater than 17 inches, with a top end of 18.5 inches. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, five fish daily bag limit. Access information: Two boat launches –Off County Hwy H (paved launch) and the end of Mann Rd (launch is tougher for large boat/trailers to use). Of interest: Spooner Lake suffers from periodic winterkills. However, it does not need stocking because its main tributary, Crystal Brook, offers an oxygenated refuge during hard winters.

NORTHERN PIKE

or greater. Relative abundance was 7.5 fish per net night, which is considered very high (88th percentile) compared to other lakes like Parker Lake. Growth was slow and body condition fair to poor. The size structure of the northern pike population was similar to the sizes of pike caught by anglers who had reported

PARKER LAKE Adams County

Lake size: 57 acres. Species population information: A 2019 spring fyke-netting survey was completed for northern pike. We caught 120 northern pike, they ranged from 12.3 inches to 36.0 inches with an average of 16.8 inches. Seven percent of the northern pike were 21 inches or greater and 2 percent were 28.0 inches

their catch on creel survey cards gathered by the Parker Lake Association from 2016-2019. A special northern pike regulation went into effect with the 2022 opener to allow for consumption opportunities of overabundant slow growing small pike while protecting the large pike in Parker Lake. Current regulation: Special Fishing Regulations are in place for panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish have a daily bag limit of 15, but only 5 of any one species can

be kept. There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass, but largemouth bass from 14 to 18 inches may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 inches is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5. Northern pike have no minimum length limit, but northern pike from 25 to 35 inches may not be kept. The daily bag limit is 5. Access information: There is a private boat launch with a nominal fee at the Parker Lake Lodge off State Road 82 on N Parker Lake Road, Oxford, WI. Public access by foot is available at a DOT parking area on State Road 82. Of interest: The Parker Lake Association completed a fish sticks project in January 2016 on the DOT property that runs along State Rd 82. In addition, the lake association installed 12 fish cribs in 2017. Wood is good for all fish and the fish sticks also support birds, turtles, and other critters below and above the water. The Parker Lake Association works with the DNR to improve the fisheries habitat through these actions, and protecting water quality and a healthy diverse aquatic plant community.

CHETEK CHAIN OF LAKES

Barron County

Lake size: 3,763 acres consisting of Prairie, Chetek, Tenmile, Pokegama and Ojaski lakes. Species population information: The Chetek chain has a low density,

Lauren Bayerl with two northern pike harvested through the ice on Green Bay in January 2022. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

high size structure northern pike population. Catch rates may be low but those who are patient stand a good chance at catching trophy northern pike upwards of 40+ inches. Current regulation:

adults/acre with an average size of 23.4 inches. The largest sampled stretched to 33.4 inches. Access information: There is a public boat launch with good access and ample parking on the

ranged from 8.8 to 35.9 inches, averaging 19.6 inches. While Lake Wyona is not a trophy northern pike lake, its high abundance of fish provides anglers an “action” fishing opportunity. Current regulation: 26-inch minimum length limit, 2 fish daily bag limit. Access information: There is a public boat landing and shore fishing available at Wyona Park, managed by Columbia County. Wyona Park is located on County Road G, just east of the village of Wyocena. Of interest: Lake Wyona is an impoundment of Duck Creek and provides quality fishing opportunities for panfish and largemouth and smallmouth bass in addition to northern pike. The lake is relatively shallow and provides a nice opportunity for fishing from a canoe, kayak or other small boat.

LAKE SIX Iron

County

Northern pike on the Chetek Chain are managed with a 26inch minimum length limit and two fish daily bag limit. Access information: There are 11 public boat landings throughout the Chetek Chain. There are also two public fishing piers on the Chetek Chain, one is at Brown’s Landing on Prairie Lake and the other is on the south end of Pokegama Lake off CTH D. In addition to northern pike, the Chetek chain offers quality walleye and panfish fisheries.

SPORTSMAN LAKE Clark County

Lake size: – 253 acres. Species population information: This northern pike fishery has a moderate abundance with goodsize structure. A 2022 population estimate documented 2.7

northwest side of the lake off Sportsman Lake Rd. A fishing pier is located just south of the boat landing and another is located off Center Rd on the north end of the lake. Current regulation: The northern pike regulation is a daily bag limit of 5 with no length restriction.

LAKE WYONA (WYOCENA MILLPOND)

Columbia County

Lake size: 96 acres. Species population information: During the 2022 spring netting survey of Lake Wyona, 119 northern pike were collected, and the catch rate was 7.9 fish per net night. This placed Lake Wyona well above the 75th percentile for northern pike abundance among similar lakes across Wisconsin (small impoundments). Northern pike

Lake size: 142 acres. Species population information: Results from a 2022 spring electrofishing survey suggest that northern pike are present in decent numbers with some quality fish being available. Northern pike were sampled at a moderate rate of 15.6/mile and ranged from 19.6-26.1 inches, with an average length of 22.6 inches. Access information: There is a boat launch located on the south end of the lake off-of Lake Six Road. Of interest: Lake Six provides a secluded northern pike opportunity off the beaten path, located south of Hurley.

CEDAR LAKE Manitowoc County

Lake size: 136 acres. Species population information: A total of 338 northern pike were captured in a spring 2022 fyke netting survey for a catch rate of 16.9 north-

Fisheries technicians Evan Sniadajewski showing off a nice Smith Lake pike. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

ern pike per net night. A catch rate of 16.9 northern pike per net night ranks in the 95th percentile for lakes in Wisconsin, indicating high densities of northern pike can be found in Cedar Lake. The average size of northern pike captured in the fyke netting survey was 19.4 inches with northern pike ranging from 13.4 – 29.6 inches being captured. Given the high density of northern pike, Cedar Lake would be a great place to take kids to chase flags on tip ups. Current regulation: Only two northern pike may be kept, and they must be at least 26 inches. Access information: One public boat landing on the south side of the lake. Of interest: Cedar Lake also supports a healthy largemouth bass population with five largemouth bass > 18 inches being captured in a spring 2022 electrofishing survey.

GREEN BAY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES

Marinette, Oconto, Brown and Door counties

Species population information:

Northern pike inhabiting the productive waters of Green Bay have a wide variety of forage to grow quickly. It is not uncommon for anglers to report catching fish in the upper 30- to low 40-inch length range. Because the vast size of the bay reduces competition between top predators and because it hosts an abundance of prey fish such as yellow perch, gizzard shad and round gobies, we do not see stunted populations of northerns as is commonly seen in many inland lakes. Over the last five years, catch of northern pike has ranged from 6,000 to 28,000 northern pike, while harvest has ranged from 1,900 to 4,100 northern pike, with two thirds or more pike released annually despite liberal harvest regulations. Current regulation: For Green Bay and major tributaries: Open all year. Daily limit is 5. No minimum length limit. Current regulation for all other Green Bay tributaries: Open the first Saturday in May to to first Sunday in March. Daily limit is 5. No minimum length limit. Access information: There are numerous boat access and tributary access locations along Green Bay. See

the following websites for detailed information: https://dnr. wi.gov/topic/lands/boataccess/. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/ lakemichigan/TributaryAccess. html. Of interest: In early spring, adult northern pike migrate from Green Bay in tributaries and ditches to spawn in shallow wetlands, often traveling dozens of miles. Culverts that are undersized or improperly set can prevent adult pike from accessing prime wetland habitats. Many partner agencies (federal, county, tribal) have been working to identify and replace poor culverts in streams connected to Green Bay.

CRESCENT LAKE Oneida County

Lake size: 626 acres. Species population information: This northern pike fishery has great opportunities to catch quality size northern pike for table fare with chance to a memorablesized fish (>32 inches). Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit, and the daily bag is

Al Niebur, Fisheries Team Supervisor, with a northern pike caught during a spring netting survey on Parker Lake, Adams County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

5. Access information: Crescent Lake has a public ramp with ample parking on the North end of the lake off US Highway 8.

PINE LAKE

St. Croix County

Lake size: 118 acres. Species population information: Northern pike were in high abundance in the 2022 survey of Pine Lake and resulted in catch rates of 10/net night which is in the 90th percentile for similar lakes across the state. Pike ranged from 11-40 inches with an average length

tion: A county owned and operated park and boat ramp is located on the northwest side of the lake off of 205th Street. Shorefishing is allowed within the county park. Of interest: The lake contains sinkholes that have resulted in the complete dewatering of the lake several times in the 1970s and 1980s. The sinkholes were patched during the last dewatering event and the lake has held water since then. Because of fluctuating water levels and a history of winter fish kills, the lake is aerated each winter. Be aware of the ice holes if you are fishing the lake in the winter.

SMITH LAKE

Sawyer County

Lake size: 326 acres. “Oh, nice pike!” That’s a phrase our crew said many times during our 2022 spring fisheries survey. Species population information: Pike in Smith averaged over 23 inches, with 14 percent over 28 inches. Abundance was fairly high too, meaning pike anglers on Smith can expect to catch fish and they have a chance at some nice quality fish. Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit for pike in Smith Lake, and anglers may harvest 5 per day. We recommend focusing harvest on small to medium pike to preserve the size structure of this population. Access information: Smith Lake can be accessed from the park on the southeast corner of the lake off of Hwy T, which features a public boat launch.

SPOONER LAKE

Washburn County

length limit and five-fish daily bag limit Access information: Two boat launches: Off County Hwy H (paved launch) and at the end of Mann Rd (launch is difficult for large boat/trailers to use). Of interest: Spooner Lake suffers from periodic winterkills. However, it does not need stocking because its main tributary, Crystal Brook, offers an oxygenated refuge during hard winters.

BIG MUSKEGO LAKE Waukesha County

of 23 inches. Despite the high abundance, the average length of pike was in the 90th percentile compared to the average length of pike in similar lakes. A total of 8 percent of pike were larger than 30 inches. Current regulation: No minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of 5. Access informa-

Lake size: 1,132 acres. Species population information: This lake holds a high density of northern pike with fish up to 35 inches. There were 26 pike captured per net lift in Spooner Lake. Sixty-one percent of the pike captured were over 21 inches. Current Regulation: No minimum

Lake size: 2,260 surface acres. Species population information: Big Muskego is shallow lake averaging 3 feet deep with diverse aquatic plants and a thriving northern pike population. During a 2020 sample, fish averaged 21 inches with fish up to 39 inches observed. Current regulation: Northern pike slot size. No minimum length limit, fish between 25 and 35 inches may not be kept, daily bag limit of two. Access information: There are three public launches located on the lake’s east, south and southeast sides

A Pine Lake, St. Croix County, northern pike is carefully brought into the boat, measured and returned as gently as possible. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

You’re never too young to fish as this young angler clearly shows as a toothy northern pike, mouth wide open, comes up from the depths.

Photo Credit: Aaron Cole.

found on Boxhorn and Durham Drive. The shallow nature of Big Muskego Lake and abundant aquatic plants attract anglers that prefer canoeing or kayaking in a wild and secluded setting hosted by abundant waterfowl.

MARION MILLPOND

Waupaca County

Lake size: 115.7 acres. Species population information: Marion Millpond supports a moderate-high density northern pike fishery with an average size structure. Northern pike were sampled in 2022 as part of the Marion Millpond comprehensive fish survey. In total, 242 pike were captured and ranged from 12-30 inches (average length 20 inches). The total catch rate of 9.3 pike per net night ranks in the 90th percentile when compared to waterbodies statewide. Marion Millpond provides a high action/ opportunity pike fishery with the chance to land a large trophy-sized fish. The northern pike fishing is especially great during the ice fishing season. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 2 with a 26-inch minimum length limit. Access information: There are two boat launches on Marion Millpond, but the primary access is the boat launch located at Wallace Park off HWY SS in Marion, WI.

— Aaron O’Connell, Fisheries Biologist, Shawano

PANFISH

Where it all begins. A seine haul of some of the young-of-year sunfish (Centrarchid family) and panfish. There are four species in this photo. Can you find and name them?

PARKER LAKE

Adams County

Lake size: 57 acres. Species population information: A 2022 spring electrofishing survey

was completed for bluegill and largemouth bass to evaluate a special panfish regulation. We caught 40 bluegills that ranged from 3.1 inches to 9.0 inches with an average of 7.3 inches. Smaller bluegills were present, yet difficult to net. Relative abundance of 8 inches and larger was 21 fish per mile, which is greater than what we observed in 2015 (4 per mile). The percentage of bluegills 6 inches and greater was 80 percent and the percentage greater than 8 inches was 43 percent. Whereas in 2015, 44 percent of bluegills were 6 inches and larger and 7 percent were 8 inches or larger. The special panfish regulation went into effect in 2016 and has worked with improving bluegill size structure and average length. Current regulation: Special fishing regulations are in place for panfish, largemouth bass and northern pike. Panfish have a daily bag limit of 15, but only 5 of any one panfish species can be kept. There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass, but largemouth bass from 14 inches to 18 inches may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 inches is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5. Northern pike have no minimum length limit, but northern pike from 25 inches to 35 inches may not be kept. The daily bag limit is 5. Access

information: There is a private boat launch with a nominal fee at the Parker Lake Lodge off State Road 82 on N Parker Lake Road, Oxford, WI. Public access by foot is available at a DOT parking area on State Road 82. Of interest: The special panfish regulation will sunset in 2026. Discussion will take place in 2024 between the DNR, the Parker Lake Association and anglers to retain the special regulation or change it.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Conservation Warden Tom Heisler showing two color variations in a beefy pair of black crappies from fyke nets set in a tranquil Sawyer County lake in spring 2022. Photo Credit: Jeff Scheirer

LOWER TURTLE LAKE

Barron County

Lake size: 286 acres. Species population information: During a 2021 survey, Lower Turtle Lake had abundant black crappie and yellow perch populations with excellent size structure. The mean length of harvested black crappie was 9.4 inches with fish ≥ 9 inches comprising 79 percent and fish ≥ 10 inches comprising 15 percent of harvested fish. The mean length of harvested yellow perch was 9.2 inches with fish ≥ 9 inches comprising 70.0 percent and fish ≥ 10 inches comprising 18.6 percent of harvested fish. Current regulation: Panfish populations in Lower Turtle Lake are managed with a 25 fish daily bag limit and no minimum length limit. Access information: There are two public boat launches located along the eastern shoreline off 12 ½ Avenue and along the western shoreline of 3 ¾ 4th Street. In addition to panfish, Lower Turtle Lake has quality walleye and largemouth bass fisheries.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL 6

Buffalo County

Species population information: 2022 fall electrofishing surveys showed a healthy bluegill fishery. Overall, nearly 245 adult and juvenile bluegill were captured per hour. Fifty five percent surveyed bluegill were greater than six inches, while nearly four in ten were greater than seven inches. Surveyed bluegill topped out at just under nine inches. Current regulation: Daily limit 15 in total for bluegill and pumpkinseed (sunfish). Access information: Check the DNR website for access locations.

BIG SAND LAKE

Burnett County

Lake size: 1,434 acres. Species population information: Bluegill are the most abundant panfish

and have good size structure in Big Sand Lake. The catch rate was 159 fish/mile but still had a good average size of 5.4 inches with bluegill up to 8.8 inches sampled. Approximately 25 percent of the bluegill captured were over 7.0 inches. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, 25 fish daily bag limit. Access

with an average length of 7.1 inches. The substantial yellow perch year class of 2020 likely contributes to these recent strong adults catch rates. The 2020-year class will be entering its fourth growing season in 2023 which should lead to anglers seeing some nicesized fish. Anglers should look forward to a high-quality perch

information: DNR boat launch located in the Southwest corner of the lake off Olsen Rd. Of interest: Big Sand Lake is the one of the largest seepage lakes in Burnett County, though the average depth is only 9 ft.

WINNEBAGO SYSTEM

Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Waupaca and Winnebago counties

Species population information: Yellow perch- The 2022 trawl recorded the second highest catch of adult yellow perch since the beginning of the survey in 1986. The near record catch follows a strong catch in 2021 (ranked fifth) and indicates Winnebago system yellow perch are doing well. The 2022 ice season seemed to reflect our survey observations with many reports of good numbers as well as large fish. The length of fish captured in the 2022 trawl survey ranged from 4 to 12 inches

fishery in 2023. Anglers targeting perch in the early open-water season have success in shallow weedy bays and the mouths of smaller tributaries around the system. The Fox River can also produce, with many anglers in areas around Rainbow Park. Most anglers targeting perch vertical jig, using slip bobbers just off the bottom or dead sticking off the side of a boat letting bait sit stationary just above the bottom. The perch bite usually picks up in mid-summer and lasts through fall. Anglers commonly target the many reefs around the system and fish in anywhere from 6-15 feet of water. Popular bait choices include nightcrawlers, leaf worms, butter worms and hellgrammites.

BIG GREEN LAKE Green Lake County

Lake size: 7,920 acres. Species population Information: Big Green Lake provides a variety

A slab bluegill collected from Cox Hollow Lake, Iowa County during a 2022 survey. Cox Hollow Lake is part of Governor Dodge State Park. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

of open water and ice angling panfishing opportunities. Bluegill continue to be highly sought after and provided some great angling opportunities in 2022. Spring electrofishing surveys conducted in 2022 sampled 1,229 bluegills with a catch rate of 94.9/mile (ranked 53rd percentile). Size structure was respectable with bluegills greater than 8.0 inches commonly encountered. Anglers should still find some productive panfish angling opportunities in 2023. Current regulation: The season is open year-round for panfish on the system. The daily bag limit is 25 fish in total, with no minimum length limit on any panfish species. Access Information: There are numerous boat landings and shoreline access points around Big Green Lake. Sunset, Deacon Mills and Dodge Memorial County Parks provide good shoreline angling opportunities. Consult the DNR’s lake page for more lake and launch information (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lakes).

Of interest: As part of the survey, fisheries staff floy tagged 600 bluegills to evaluate exploitation, growth and fish movement. Anglers are encouraged to report tags and catch information by email: DNRFHWautomaFish@wisconsin.gov, phone: 920-787-5683, or mail: Wautoma DNR office (427 East Tower Drive, Suite 100, Wautoma WI 54982). — Adam Nickel, Fisheries Biologist, Wautoma

COX HOLLOW LAKE

Iowa County

Lake size: 81 acres. Species population Information: Cox Hollow Lake in Iowa County contains an excellent bluegill fishery. Bluegill dominate the panfish fishery, however, black crappie, green sunfish, pumpkinseed and yellow perch are also present. Surveys in 2022 yielded a catch rate of 372 bluegill per mile, surpassing the statewide median of 117 fish per mile when compared to other similar lakes. Bluegill ranged from 2.7-9.4 inches with

an average length of 7.1 inches. Current regulation: Ten panfish in total. Access information: Cox Hollow Lake is located in Governor Dodge state park. A state park sticker or daily pass is required, and one public boat launch is available. Only electric trolling motors are permitted on Cox Hollow Lake. Of interest: Governor Dodge is the third largest state park in Wisconsin. Camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and horseback riding are permitted within the state park and a public beach and picnic area are provided. — Justin Haglund, Fisheries Biologist, Dodgeville

LAKE ARBUTUS

Jackson and Clark counties

Lake size: 774 acres. Species population information: A 2022 comprehensive survey documented a robust black crappie population with high abundance and multiple year classes. Most notably, 63 percent of the fish sampled were greater than 10 inches. Current regulation: The panfish regulation differs from the statewide standard of 25 per day and only allows a daily bag limit of 10. Access information: Access is not an issue with six boat landings scattered around the lake as well as multiple parks and campgrounds. — Zach Woiak, FIsheries Biologist, Black River Falls

LAKE NESHONOC La Crosse

County

Lake size: 606 acres. Species population information: Lake Neshonoc is a 606-acre impoundment of the La Crosse River in the town of West Salem, WI.

Spring 2021 netting and electrofishing revealed solid numbers and good sizes of black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Black crappie densities were high in 2021 and good numbers of fish exceeded 9 inches, with some up to 14.2 inches. Bluegill densities were moderate with most in the 5 to 7-inch range but some exceeding 8 inches and ranging up to 9.6 inches. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass densities were moderate, with smallmouth up to 17.9 inches and largemouth up to 17.6 inches. Current regulation: General inland waters regulations

Kirk Olson, Fisheries Biologist from La Crosse, holds a nice black crappie captured during a spring survey of Lake Neshonoc. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

apply. Access information: Boat landings located at Swarthout Park off Hwy 16 and at the end of East Tilson Street in West Salem. Of interest: Muskellunge have been stocked in Lake Neshonoc since 2006. Although not abundant, anglers have the opportunity to hook into one of these large “toothy critters” both in the lake and downstream on the La Crosse River.

LONG LAKE Manitowoc County

Lake size: 119 acres. Species population information: A total of 847 black crappies were captured in a spring 2022 fyke netting survey for a catch rate 56.5 black crappies per net night. A catch rate of

56.5 black crappies per net night ranks in the 96th percentile for lakes in Wisconsin, indicating high densities of black crappies can be found in Long Lake. The average length of black crappies captured in the fyke netting survey was 8.4 inches with black crappies ranging ifrom 6.9 – 10.0 inches being captured. Current regulation: Fifteen panfish may be kept, but no more than five of any one species. Access information: One boat landing in a county park on the northeast side of the lake. The county park also provides great shore fishing opportunities for both black crappies and bluegill in the spring. Of interest: Both the DNR and private clubs stock walleyes into Long Lake. Since 2010, 1,136 large fingerling (average length of 7 inches) and 25,533 small finger-

ling (average length of 2 inches) walleyes have been stocked into Long Lake.

GREEN BAY Marinette, Oconto, Door and Brown counties

Species population information: Data collected in 2021 was incorporated into a statistical-catch-at-age model for yellow perch in Wisconsin waters of Green Bay. The model was updated and run during the spring of 2022. Those inputs included harvest, effort and age composition from commercial and sport fisheries and YOY data from trawling surveys. Outputs of that model estimated that the adult (age-1 and older) yellow perch population has ranged between 1.1 million and 2.1 million fish from 2013 to 2021. The yellow perch (age-1 and older) abundance was estimated at around 1.3 million fish in 2021. An estimated 258,025 yellow perch were harvested by anglers between May 20 and Nov. 15, 2021 (end of open water creel). Higher harvest by sport anglers was likely related to an increase in angler effort. The 2021 sport angler effort for open water (all species) was also very high, at 1.3 million angler hours, and was the highest effort recorded during open water creel in over 30 years. More good news is that the trawling surveys indicated that 2022 produced a strong year class with the relative abundance of YOY yellow perch estimated at 660/ hour. Current regulation: Open May 20 to March 15. Daily limit is 15 yellow perch. No minimum length. Access information: There are dozens of boat and shore access locations to fish for yellow perch on Green Bay. Check out the following websites for more details and maps.

https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/ boataccess/ and https://dnr. wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html

Fisheries biologist Jeff Scheirer with a 15.3-inch black crappie captured in a fyke netting survey to estimate walleye population density in 126-acre Pulaski Lake shortly after ice-out in spring 2022. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

LAKE NOQUEBAY Marinette County

Lake size: 2,409 acres. Species population information: Survey work in 2022 turned up good numbers of bluegill and crappie between 8 and 10 inches. Current regulation: 25 panfish in total (bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, crappie). Access information: Lake Noquebay can be accessed from a boat ramp located on the south side of the lake in Lake Noquebay County Park or

regulation: There is no size limit for panfish and up to 25 individuals can be kept. Access information: Bear Lake has one public ramp on the Northeast side of the lake at the end of the South Ford Road with roadside parking.

TICHIGAN LAKE Racine County

Lake size: Tichigan Lake proper is 279 acres, there is also direct connection to the Waterford

Access to Tichigan Lake can be found at a public, DNR-managed boat launch approximately 2.5 miles upstream of the lake, or at a public boat launch approximately 3.5 miles downstream in the village of Waterford. There are shorefishing opportunities at the Waterford boat launch area and adjacent Village Hall Park. Of interest: Near Tichigan Lake is the Tichigan Wildlife Area, a 1,280-acre property in northwest Racine County. The property can be found approximately 4 miles northwest of the village of Water-

from the public landing on the northwest side. Of interest: From late April through May, target the northwest side of the lake for staging crappie between 5 and 10 feet of water.

BEAR LAKE Oneida County

Lake size: 295 acres. Species population information: Spring 2022 survey results demonstrated a developing panfish fishery that should provide you opportunities for a nice fish fry. Bluegills were sampled at a moderate 180/ mile and varied between 2 and 9 inches. Black crappie were sampled at a solid 27 per mile and varied between 6 and 14 inches. Pumpkinseeds were sampled at a decent 26/mile and varied between 4 and 8 inches. Current

impoundment section of the IL Fox River. Species population information: CRAPPIE - 2022 spring netting surveys yielded a quality black crappie catch. The observed length range was 5.0 to 15.9 inches with an average length of 8.4 inches. 56 percent of the fish measured were at least 8 inches. Overall, 2022 surveys indicate black crappie of quality size are common throughout this productive system. BLUEGILL - 2022 spring netting surveys yielded a high-quality bluegill catch. The observed length range was 3.4 to 10.0 inches with an average length of 6.8 inches. 76 percent of the fish measured were at least 6 inches. Overall, 2022 surveys indicate bluegill of high-quality size are abundant throughout this productive system. Current regulation: Daily bag limit 25 panfish in total, no length limits. Access information:

ford and can be accessed off of Marsh Road, Bridge Drive, North Lake Drive, Highway 83 and Tichigan Road. Tichigan Creek, a class III trout stream, runs through the southern part of the property, providing fishing opportunities. Tichigan Wildlife Area is a prime property for viewing egrets, least bitterns, terns, teal, wood ducks, Wilson’s phalaropes and whiterumped sandpipers. Tichigan Marsh is the largest emergent marsh in Racine County.

CLOVERLEAF CHAIN Shawano County

Lake size: 334 acres (Grass Lake 90; Pine Lake 217; Round Lake 27).

Species population information: The Cloverleaf Chain panfish population was sampled in 2022 as part of a system-wide com-

Sometimes a photo of a single fish can make someone want to go fishing. Here’s a hefty yellow perch caught in the nearshore waters of Lake Superior. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

prehensive survey. Electrofishing surveys resulted in a total of 154 bluegill and 21 black crappie for catch rates of 102.7 and 14.0 number per mile of bluegill and black crappie respectively. Catch rates rank in the 56th percentile for bluegill and 72nd percentile for black crappie when compared statewide. Bluegills ranged from 2.6-8.2 inches with an average size of 5.6 inches while black crappie lengths ranged from 7.311.2 and average size of 9.1 inches. The Cloverleaf Chain supports a moderate density bluegill population that provides action for anglers of all ages with some harvestable sized fish mixed in. The black crappie population provides an opportunity for anglers to not only have great angling action but also the chance to harvest some great sized fish for the pan. Current regulation: 25 bag limit, except only five or fewer can be bluegill and pumpkinseed over 7 inches. Access information: The Cloverleaf Chain main boat access is located on Grass Lake off County HWY Y in Adella Beach, WI. There are also shore fishing opportunities around the system including a public fishing pier on Round Lake off Cloverleaf Lake Road. Of interest: The Cloverleaf Chain is a system of lakes made up of Round Lake, Grass Lake and Pine Lake. The lakes together provide a variety of habitat types and depths that provide angling opportunities for several species including a muskellunge population. — Aaron

O’Connell, Fisheries Biologist, Shawano

ALLEQUASH LAKE Vilas County

Lake size: 426 acres. Species population Information: Allequash Lake is the perfect destination for those looking to catch quality-sized panfish. Recent fish surveys indicated a robust bluegill population with 76 percent of fish caught during the survey being over 7 inches, the largest of which was 9.6 inches. Black crappie are also plentiful with an

average length of 10.2 inches, 70 percent caught were 10 inches or larger, and the largest was 14.2 inches. The pumpkinseed population is also impressive, 61 percent of pumpkinseed caught were 7 inches or larger and the largest was 8.5 inches. Current regulation: During May and June, a total of 15 panfish may be kept, but only 5 of any one species. During the remainder of the season, 25 panfish may be kept. Access information: Allequash Lake has a nice boat landing located at the end of Allequash Lake Road, just off Hwy M. Of interest: Allequash Lake is a peaceful place to spend a day fishing. If you decide to fish the electric-motor only southern lobe of the lake, then let the sounds of the wild be the soundtrack of the day. The lake is in the heart of Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest and half of the lake is surrounded by Allequash Lake and Pines State Natural Area, so nary a lake home ye shall see. Leave the brand name boat with the 200 hp motor at home. Load up the small jon boat or slap the canoe or kayak on the roof and find your piece of serenity in Vilas County. — Eric Wegleitner, Fisheries Biologist, Woodruff

OKAUCHEE LAKE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 1157 acres. Species population information: An average length of 9 inches. Fall electrofishing surveys have revealed continued black crappie recruitment. Okauchee Lake has a diverse fishery including muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and sunfish. Current panfish regulation: No minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 25. Access information: There are two public launches on Okauchee Lake found at the Golden Mast Restaurant and the DNR launch. The DNR boat launch is located just east of the Okauchee Lake dam on Road T, north of Wisconsin Avenue. The Golden Mast

boat launch is located off of Lacys Lane north of East Wisconsin Avenue. — Ben Heussner, Fisheries Biologist, Eagle

CATFISH

CHIPPEWA FALLS FLOWAGE

Chippewa County

Lake size: 280 acres. Species population information: In summer 2022, a catfish survey was conducted with hoop nets on the Chippewa Falls Flowage, which is located directly downstream of Lake Wissota. During this survey, a total of 601 channel catfish and 12 flathead catfish were captured. The nets averaged about 25 catfish each lift, but some nets contained up to 80

A hoop net full of channel catfish on the Chippewa Falls Flowage during a 2022 fisheries survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

catfish. Seventy-one percent of the channel catfish were between 16 and 20 inches, but channel catfish as long as 28 inches were captured. Since catch rates were high, a population estimate was calculated for adult channel catfish, and that estimate was roughly 6,500 fish or 23/acre. The channel catfish population in the Chippewa Falls Flowage is very healthy and at a relatively high density. With many of the channel catfish captured in a good eating size range (16 to 20 inches), there is a great opportunity for anglers to harvest a few for a meal. Current regulation: The regulation for catfish is no minimum length limit with a 10 fish daily bag limit and a 25 fish total daily bag limit. This population provides a great harvest opportunity for anglers.

— Joseph Gerbyshak, Fisheries Biologist, Eau Claire

CRAWFISH RIVER

Jefferson County

River segment length: 4.8 river miles. Species population

information: The Crawfish River from River Bend Resort just south of Hubbleton downstream to Milford was sampled for channel and flathead catfish during the summer of 2022. The 10-day hoop net survey documented 291 channel catfish and 78 flathead catfish. The average length of channel catfish was 22.7 inches and 25.4 inches for flathead catfish. The largest channel catfish was 31.2 inches and 10.75 lbs. Ninety-one percent of the channel catfish measured were over 16 inches. The largest flathead catfish was 40.2 inches and 30.0 pounds. Eighty-eight percent of the flathead catfish measured were over 20 inches. A low-pulse electrofishing survey to identify young of year (YOY) recruitment in this stretch of river was conducted one week after the hoop net survey. Twelve YOY channel catfish were sampled in 6.4 miles for a catch rate of 1.88 per mile. Only two potential YOY flathead catfish were sampled. Low-pulse electrofishing is more effective on channel catfish versus flathead catfish YOY. Low water levels also contributed to the

poor catch rate, as fish were seen but unable to be captured safely in time. Current regulation: No length limit. Ten in total Access information: Unimproved canoe and kayak launches exist at the end of Main Street in Hubbleton and just downstream at the end of Olson Road on the other side of the river. Of interest: Both channel and flathead catfish catch rates increased in 2022 from previous studies, indicating quality angling opportunities. The channel catfish average length was 22.7 inches with an average weight of 4.25 pounds. Four channel catfish that were Floy tagged in 2016 were recaptured in 2022 with an average increase of 5.5 inches. Flathead catfish average length was 25.4 inches with an average weight of 8.01 pounds. Although they are in low density, there is the potential for trophy-size flathead catfish in the Crawfish River.

INLAND TROUT

BRILL RIVER

Barron County

River segment length: 3 miles. The Brill River has a respectable brown trout population with good size structure. Species population information: The electrofishing catch rate during 2022 was 337 fish/mile, which is high for Barron and Polk counties, and 15 percent were 10 inches or larger. The Brill River has potential to produce trophy Brown Trout with the largest fish observed during the 2022 survey being 22.1 inches. Current regulation: There is a 12-inch minimum length limit for brown trout and the daily bag limit is 2 fish. Access information: Anglers can access the Brill River

Fisheries biologist Kristina Pechacek with a 31.2 inch channel catfish. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

from the stream crossings at 29th Avenue, County Highway V, 27 ½ Avenue and 26th Avenue.

EAST FORK IRON RIVER

Bayfield County

River segment length: 16 miles. Species population information: A 2022 summer electrofishing survey at five sampling stations throughout the 16-mile section produced moderate catch rates of 305 brown trout per mile and 255 brook trout per mile with decent size structure of brown trout up to 16 inches and brook trout up to 10 inches. Access information: This exceptional cold-water resource can be accessed at road crossings on Airport Road and Sorenson Road in the lower section where there are wide sweeping bends and deep corner pools. Current regulation: The current

regulation on the East Fork of the Iron River is a 5 fish daily bag limit with no minimum length limit. Of interest: The East Fork of the Iron River in Bayfield County supports naturally reproducing bown and brook trout populations in class I trout water.

PINE CREEK

Crawford County

River segment length: 6.5 miles of Class I trout water. Species population information: Brown Trout are the primary trout species caught in Pine Creek. Brown Trout numbers were high in 2022 and ranged from 695 to more than 2,000 catchable fish per mile! A few larger Browns (14 inches and larger) were also captured in 2022. Current regulation: Varies by waterbody, see the trout regulation pamphlet. Access

information: The DNR holds several miles of streambank fishing easement on Pine Creek. To view access points and locations of easements and lands go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ fl/RealEstate/PAL. Of interest: One of the largest springs in the area enters this stream near its headwaters and is protected by a DNR streambank easement.

PLUM CREEK

Crawford County

River segment length: 5.2 miles of Class I trout water. Species population information: Brown Trout and occasionally Brook Trout are found in Plum Creek. Brown Trout numbers were high in 2022, averaging more than 1,000 catchable Brown Trout per mile. A few larger Brown Trout (14 inches and larger) were also captured in 2022. Current regulation: Varies by waterbody, see the trout regulation pamphlet. Access information: The DNR holds several miles of streambank fishing easement along Plum Creek. To view access points and locations of easements and lands go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ fl/RealEstate/PAL. Of interest: Tiger trout, which are a hybrid of brook and brown trout, are occasionally captured in electrofishing surveys here.

BLACK EARTH CREEK

Dane County

Stream length: 27 miles. Species population Information: Black Earth Creek in Dane County contains a healthy Brown Trout population for anglers to target.The entire river from the headwaters east of Cross Plains to the HWY 14 bridge in Mazomanie is classified as class 1 trout water. Stream surveys during the summer of 2019 showed the highest abundance of trout were found just west of Cross Plains while the lower reaches had lower numbers but larger sized fish were more

Kristina Rands, Fisheries technician, holds a nice Timber Coulee brown trout.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

common. Trout Stamp habitat projects on DNR owned lands along HWY KP in Cross Plains and further west at South Valley Road have improved access, trout habitat and angling opportunities along the river corridor. Current regulation: US HWY 14 bridge in Mazomanie upstream to South Valley Road, 1 trout over 18 inches, rest of classified trout water upstream of South Valley Road is an 8-inch minimum length limit and three trout total daily bag limit. Access information: Several DNR Fishery Area owned lands and DNR streambank easements along with accessible road crossings from Cross Plains down to Mazomanie. — Dan

Oele, Fisheries Biologist, Fitchburg

TOKEN CREEK

Dane County

Stream segment length: Token Creek upstream Portage Road Crossing 4.3 miles. Species population information: Token Creek

in Dane County is an urbanized stream with pockets of quality fishing opportunities to target brown trout. The stretch of river within the Dane County Parks system upstream of HWY 51 to Token Creek Lane is class 3 waters and the remainder upstream reaches are class 2 trout water. Stream surveys during the summer of 2022 showed the highest abundance of trout were found just upstream of the Portage Road crossing. Trout of all size classes were observed in the survey, ranging from 3 inches to 19 inches with an average length of 8.8 inches. Current regulation: County-wide base regulation of 8-inch minimum, 3 trout total daily bag limit. Access information: Dane County owned park system and adjoining lands along the river.

— Dan Oele, Fisheries Biologist, Fitchburg

WOODS, WISCONSIN AND NORTH OTTER CREEKS

Florence and Forest counties

River segment length: All 16 miles of Woods Creek are designated as class I trout waters, Wisconsin Creek has almost 6 miles of class II trout water and North Otter Creek has 16 miles of class II trout water. Species population Information: During the 2022 field season, nearly 3 miles of surveys were conducted on these three streams, which produced on average, 793 catchable-sized brook trout per mile ranging in size from 4 to 15.8 inches. Woods Creek as well as Wisconsin Creek also are hosts to a low density brown trout population. Current regulation: Woods Creek: Downstream of Hwy

101 - 2 trout over 12 inches (red). Upstream of Hwy 101 – 3 trout over 8 inches (yellow). Wisconsin and North Otter Creek: 3 trout over 8 inches (yellow). Access information: The Woods Creek Fishery Area is an 80-acre parcel located off of Hwy 101 on Town Hall Road that gives excellent in-stream and shoreline access to over a 2,500 ft section of stream. There is also access at the Hwy 101 crossing. Wisconsin Creek has access off Wisconsin Creek Road and Daumitz Road, north of State Hwy 70. North Otter Creek has several access points, many of them being off Margies Rd, south of County Hwy G. Of interest: Future habitat work in the Woods Creek Fishery area is planned to create more pool-riffle-run features and to increase holding

Kyle Broadway holding a 22.1-inch Brown Trout from the Brill Survey during the 2022 fishery survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Fisheries biologist Kasey Yallaly with a Kinnickinnic River brown trout from a 2021 stream survey . Photo

Credit: Wisconsin DNR

capacity for larger fish. Wisconsin and North Otter creeks have had recent fishability brushing done to increase angler accessibility. — Katie

Renschen, Fisheries Technician, Florence

BIG GREEN LAKE Green Lake County

Lake size: 7,920 acres. Species population information: Big Green Lake is home to one of few unique inland lake trout populations in the state. Fisheries staff conducted a fall gill netting survey in 2022 to evaluate the current population status. There were 187 lake trout captured that ranged from 12.5 to 37.3 inches with an average length of 23.9 inches. This included a 36-inch fish that weighed 23.6 pounds. Cooperative stocking efforts by the DNR and Green Lake Sanitary District have continued to help bolster the population and provide angling opportunities. A coded wire tag study is also underway to evaluate natural reproduction and growth. As part of the survey, fisheries staff also loop tagged lake trout to evaluate exploitation, growth and fish movement. Anglers are encouraged to report tags and catch information by email: DNRFHWautomaFish@wisconsin. gov, phone: 920-787-5683, or mail: Wautoma DNR office (427 East Tower Drive, Suite 100, Wautoma WI 54982). Current regulation: The 2023 open season for lake trout is Jan. 7-Sept. 30 with a daily bag limit of 2 fish and a minimum length limit of 17 inches. Access information: There are numerous access points around Big Green Lake. Consult the DNR’s lake page for more lake and launch information (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lakes). - Adam Nickel, Fisheries

Biologist, Wautoma

LAXEY CREEK

Iowa County

Stream length: 10.35 miles

Species population information: Laxey Creek in Iowa County contains a brook trout dominated population throughout the upper 8.1 miles, which is listed as class 1 trout water. Stream surveys during the summer of 2020 produced a mean relative abundance of 886 brook trout per mile (above the Driftless Area median of 220 brook trout per mile). Average length was 5.8 inches with a maximum of 11.7 inches. Laxey Creek contains over two miles of public access, thanks to the Iowa County Farm public property. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 3 trout over 8 inches. Access information: Iowa County Farm public property. —

Justin Haglund, Fisheries Biologist, Dodgeville

POMPEY PILLAR CREEK

Iowa County

Stream length: 7.85 miles. Species population information: Pompey Pillar Creek in Iowa

County contains a mixed population of trout but is dominated by brown trout in the lower reaches. The upper mile is listed as class 1 trout water and transitions to class 2 water for the remaining 3.5 miles. Stream surveys during the summer of 2022 produced a mean relative abundance of 1,360 brown trout per mile (above the Driftless Area median of 730 brown trout per mile). Average length was 7.8 inches with a maximum of 17.8 inches. Pompey Pillar Creek contains over one mile of public access, thanks to streambank easements and the Pompey Pillar Creek Fishery Area. Current regulation: Upstream of CTH I: 5 trout in total; all brook trout caught shall be immediately released; brown and rainbow trout – no minimum length, artificial lures only. Downstream of CTH I: 3 trout over 8 inches. Access information: Pompey Pillar Creek Fishery Area and DNR streambank easements. — Justin Haglund, Fisheries Biologist, Dodgeville

Fisheries technician Scott Bunde with a large lake trout collected from a recent survey of Big Green Lake, Green Lake County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

WEBER LAKE Iron County

Lake size: 65 acres. Species population information: Weber Lake provides a good opportunity for stocked trout, located west of Hurley. Results from a 2022 spring electrofishing survey suggest that rainbow trout are present in quality numbers with most fish being of catchable size. Rainbow trout were sampled at a high rate of 45.0/mile and ranged from 7.9-11.8 inches. Access information: There is a boat launch located on the southeast end of the lake and good shore fishing access at the adjacent Iron County Park.

WAZEE LAKE Jackson County

Lake size: 146 acres, max depth of 350 feet. Species population information: This is a put-grow-take trout fishery that is annually stocked with 3000 rainbows and 2000 browns. Anglers can find a fun harvest opportunity during both open and hard water periods. Current regulation: The trout regulation is a daily bag limit of 2, minimum length of 12 inches. Lake Wazee is located in the Lake Wazee Recreational Area – a Jackson County Park. A daily admission sticker/fee is required. Access information: There is a boat launch with ample parking located on the south side of the lake. Non-motorized boats only. An ADA accessible fishing pier is located on the northeast side of the lake. — Zach Woiak, Fisheries Biologist, Black River Falls

STOCKED TROUT LAKES Langlade County

The following lakes are stocked annually with domestic strain trout. Yearling trout are stocked

in the spring and large fingerling trout are stocked in the fall. Current regulation: The fishing season on these stocked lakes is from the first Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March of the following year. There is no minimum length limit, and

fingerling brown trout

• Rogers Lake – 14 acres; Walkin access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout

• Shadick Spring – 4 acres; Disabled fishing dock; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout

• Townline Lake – 16 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout

— Dave Seibel, Fisheries Biologist, Antigo

STOCKED TROUT LAKES Lincoln County

The following lakes are stocked annually with domestic strain trout. Yearling trout are stocked in the spring and large fingerling trout are stocked in the fall. Current regulation: The fishing season on these stocked lakes is from the first Saturday in May through the first Sunday in March of the following year. There is no minimum length limit, and the daily bag limit is 5 trout. An inland trout stamp is required for all anglers age 16 and above.

• Ament Lake – 16 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling brook trout

• Henson Lake – 6 acres; Small boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling brook trout

• Larson Lake – 12 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout

• Moraine Lake – 10 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout

the daily bag limit is 5 trout. An inland trout stamp is required for all anglers age 16 and above.

• Crooked Lake – 14 acres; Small boat landing; Stocked with yearling brook trout

• Jack Lake – 86 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling rainbow trout

• Pence Lake – 26 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with large

• Tahoe Lake – 7 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with large fingerling rainbow trout

— Dave Seibel, Fisheries Biologist, Antigo

KC CREEK Marinette County

Stream segment length: 5.7 miles. Species population in-

A beautifully striking male brook trout is measured, recorded and released. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

formation: Sampling in August 2022 produced several brown trout greater than 15 inches and brook trout over 8 inches. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 3 fish with an 8-inch minimum length limit. Access information: The total length of KC Creek is 5.7 miles (4.8 = Class I; 0.9 = Class II) most of which is within the Marinette County Forest. Of interest: In 2022, the DNR renovated 4,000 feet of in-stream habitat structures built in the late 1970s. This project improved both instream trout habitat and angler access.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK Oneida County

Little Willow Creek is a Class 1 brook trout stream within the Middle Tomahawk River watershed. Species population information: Electrofishing surveys on Little Willow Creek in 2022 found ~1500 brook trout per mile. Brook Trout size varied between 2 and 10 inches. Current regulation: No minimum length limit with a daily bag of 5. Access Information: Road crossing access points for Little Will Creek can be found off Price County Road or Forest Road 130.

TOMORROW-WAUPACA RIVER

Portage County

River segment length: 33.2 miles of trout water. Species population information: Brown trout captured in 2022 varied from 2.4-20.6 inches with an average length of 7.6 inches. Catch rate varied from 686-1,820 fish per mile and percent of fish over 9 inches varied from 25-50 percent. Density of brown trout was above average compared to trout classification standards for this ecoregion. Brook trout captured in 2022 varied from 2.5-13.0 inches with an average length of 5.4 inches. Catch rate varied from 26-50 fish per mile and percent of fish over 8 inches varied from

0-20 percent. Density of brook trout was poor compared to trout classification standards for this ecoregion. Current regulation: Above Clementson Rd – 3 daily bag limit with an 8-inch minimum length limit for Brook Trout and 12-inch minimum length limit for Brown Trout. Above the Amherst Milldam to Clementson Rd - 2 daily bag limit with a 12-inch minimum length limit, Artificial Lures Only. Below the Amherst Milldam to Durant Rd - 3 daily bag limit with 8-inch minimum length limit for all trout (yellow base reg), Early Catch and Release Season available in this reach. Durant Rd to River Rd (Waupaca Co) - 1 daily bag limit with 18 inches minimum length limit, artificial lures only. Access information: Numerous access points and public parking areas available for trout anglers, especially throughout the Richard Hemp Fishery Area and along stream crossings from public roads. Additionally, there is a boat launch where trout anglers can access the Amherst Millpond

portion of the Tomorrow River. Of interest: Tomorrow-Waupaca River contains some of most prominent trout water in Central Wisconsin. It’s highly popular amongst avid trout anglers in the region and owes much of its notoriety to natural productivity. Populations of brook and brown trout upstream of the Amherst Milldam are entirely self-sustained through natural reproduction. Brook trout occur mainly above the Milldam in Amherst, and few brook trout can be found below the dam. Downstream from the Amherst Milldam, the temperature regime changes and tends to primarily mainly natural reproducing brown trout that are supplemented with some stocking.

TICHIGAN CREEK Racine County

River segment length: 1.5 miles of Class III brook trout waters. Species population information:

Jeremy Hubbard-USFS holding a brook trout caught during 2022 surveys in Florence County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR.

A 2022 survey yielded a length range of 2.5 to 10.8 inches with an average length of 5.2 inches. The catch rate from the Tichigan Creek survey was 410 fish per mile which ranks it around the 90th percentile when compared with all other Class III brook trout waters statewide. Overall, the 2022 survey data indicates above average size structure and high-quality abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 3, with a minimum length limit of 8 inches and no gear restrictions. Access information: Tichigan Wildlife Area and Tichigan Springs and Fen State Natural Area encompass most of the trout classified portion of Tichigan Creek. Of interest: Tichigan Creek has been stocked annually with brook trout since 2018.

KINNICKINNIC RIVER

St. Croix and Pierce counties

River segment length: 25 miles of Class I trout water. Species population information: The Kinnickinnic River is one of the larger trout streams in western Wisconsin running through the Western Prairie and upper Driftless areas and flowing directly into the St. Croix River. The “Kinni” is considered one of the best brown trout streams in the Midwest with high densities of trout and many miles of fishing easements and public land owned by the DNR within the Kinnickinnic River Fishery Area that provide access to the

stream. Brown trout abundance during 2021 surveys resulted in 1,900-3,800 fish per mile with 1,6003,000 of those fish being adult fish, which is in the 95th percentile for Class I brown trout streams throughout the state. There were 119 brown trout per mile larger than 12 inches with fish easily reaching over 15 inches. A total of 49 percent of fish sampled were between 8-12 inches offering plenty of opportunity for harvest. Because of the high densities of brown trout, harvesting fish is highly encouraged! Sampling occurred near the city of River Falls, however fishing upstream of the city to Interstate 94 should yield similar results. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of 5 in total with a maximum length limit of 12 inches. Access information: There are many access points and DNR parking lots along the Kinni including off of Quarry Road, Hwy 35/65, Hwy 65, River Drive, Liberty Road, North River Road, CTH JJ, CTH J, Steeple

Dr, Trout Brook Road and CTH N. Almost all of these road crossing have a parking lot or walk in access point to get to the river along with fishing easements of DNR owned land. Of interest: Several miles of trout habitat improvement work has been completed on the Kinnickinnic River and the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited holds many brushing work days on the river each winter to improve instream and upland habitats and to improve fishing access.

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO DELL CREEK Sauk County

River segment length: 1.2 miles from the confluence with unnamed stream 129660 0 downstream to the mouth (confluence with Dell Creek). Species popula-

A Laxey Creek, Iowa County brook trout is measured and quickly returned to the water. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Ryan Olson, Fisheries technician, holds a nice brown trout captured during and electrofishing survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

tion information: A 2021 survey of the stream found over 800 adult brook trout ≥ 7 inches per mile, including over 80 brook trout ≥ 10 inches per mile. Both values were higher than 90 percent of streams in the Driftless Region and Statewide. Current regulation: 8-inch minimum length limit, 3 fish daily bag limit. Access information: Anglers can access the stream at the State Highway 23 bridge or Dell Creek Wildlife Area along the lower 0.25 mile of the stream. Of interest: This stream has the highest density of adult brook trout of any stream in the area despite no prior history of stocking or habitat improvement projects. Prior to 2021, the stream had never even been surveyed but as of Jan. 1, 2023 it will be classified as Class I trout water.

NORTH BRANCH EMBARRASS RIVER

Shawano County

Stream length: 16.6 miles.

Species population information:

The North Branch Embarrass River supports a high-density brook trout population with 2022 catch estimated at 916 total brook trout per mile of electrofishing (85th percentile when compared to statewide averages). Most brook trout ranged from 5-10 inches, but there is big fish potential throughout the stream. Brown Trout densities were lower at approximately 105 per mile with most fish falling within the 6-11 inch-range. However, brown trout were caught up to 17 inches in the 2022 survey. Current regulation: 5 daily bag limit with no minimum length limit. Access information: There are several access points on the North Branch Embarrass including segments of the Embarrass River Fishery Area off Old HWY D and River Road (Bowler, WI), the Bowler Ranger Station, Shawano County property and numerous road/bridge crossings. Of interest: The North Branch Embarrass River provides a high action brook trout fishery with the chance to land a trophy class brook or brown trout. — Aaron O’Connell, Fisheries Biologist, Shawano

ONION RIVER

Sheboygan County

Stream segment length: 9.5 miles. The Onion River, along with its tributaries of Ben Nutt Creek and Mill Creek, flow through the Onion River Fishery Area and Stream Bank Protection Area which provide anglers access to 9.5 miles of Class I brown trout water. Species population information: A 2021 survey on the Onion turned up 1,185 brown trout per mile, which ranks in the 75th percentile for similar streams statewide. Brown trout collected during this survey measured 9.6 inches on average, with the largest fish measuring 17.7 inches. Current regulation: The Onion River upstream from CTH E, including Mill Creek and Ben Nutt Creek, are currently managed with special regulations: 12-inch minimum length limit, 2 fish bag limit, only artificial lures may be used. The Onion River downstream from CTH E is managed with the yellow regulation: 8-inch minimum length limit, 3 fish bag limit, no gear restriction. Access location: Several small gravel parking lots offer access to DNR properties along CTH U.

COON CREEK WATERSHED

Vernon, La Crosse and Monroe counties

River segment length: Coon Creek, Bohemian Valley Creek, Rulland’s Coulee Creek, Spring Coulee Creek and Timber Coulee Creek. Species population information: The Coon Creek watershed is well known for the long history of DNR trout habitat restoration and many great trout fishing opportunities. Last year, the La Crosse DNR Habitat crew completed 1 mile of habitat restoration work on Rullands Coulee Creek, upstream from County Highway P and on Spring Coulee Creek, upstream from Spring Coulee Road. Exceptional fishing was reported in these areas and throughout much of the Coon Creek watershed in 2022.

Kevin Mauel, Fisheries Technician out of La Crosse, holding a large brown trout collected from Timber Coulee Creek, part of the Coon Creek Watershed.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Angler reports were supported by DNR electrofishing surveys in the watershed, where brown trout numbers were very high on Timber Coulee and Bohemian Valley Creek. These two streams averaged more than 1,900 catchable brown trout per mile and more than 80, 12-inch and longer brown trout per mile. All signs point to great trout fishing in the Coon Creek Watershed in 2023. Current regulation: Varies by waterbody, see the trout regulation pamphlet. Access information: The Coon Creek Watershed includes some of the best angler access in the Driftless Region, with over 38 miles of public streambank access. Most access is provided by DNR streambank easements purchased from private landowners by the DNR. To view the locations of public streambank easements in Wisconsin, go to https://dnr. wisconsin.gov/topic/fl/RealEstate/PALApplication and https:// dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/ trout/TROUT.html. Of interest: A variety of angling regulations are in place in the Coon Creek Watershed. These regulations are aimed at providing a variety of trout angling opportunities and the DNR the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of various trout regulations. In 2016, the DNR enacted an experimental regulation on Bohemian Valley Creek (daily bag limit of 10 with no minimum length limit) to evaluate whether anglers could reduce densities and improve growth rates of trout.

WHITEWATER CREEK

Walworth County

River segment length: 2.75 miles. From Millis Road upstream to its confluence with Bluff Creek is approximately 0.75 miles, Bluff Creek adds another 2 miles of Class I and II trout waters. Species population information: A 2022 survey yielded a length range of 7.3 to 18.5 inches with an average length of 12.4 inches. The catch rate from the Whitewa-

ter Creek survey was 276 fish per mile which ranks it around the 60th percentile when compared with all other Class II brown trout waters statewide. Overall, the 2022 survey data indicates high quality size structure and above average abundance.Current regulation: Both Bluff and Whitewater Creeks have a daily bag limit of 2, minimum length limit of 12 inches, no gear restrictions. Access information: The majority of Whitewater Creek from Millis Road upstream to its confluence with Bluff Creek is encompassed by Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. Bluff Creek is entirely encompassed by Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit and Bluff Creek State Natural Area. Parking lots can be found at Millis Road and CTH P. Of interest: Covering more than 22,000 acres of forested glacial hills, kettle lakes and prairies, the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest is interlaced with more than 100 miles of mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and nature trails. Paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and winter sport opportunities are all available. There are three family campgrounds, a horseriders camp, two group camps and remote backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail.

WHITEFISH

Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior in 2022, and lake whitefish was the second-most harvested species (following Lake Trout). The increasing popularity of the

LAKE SUPERIOR

Ashland, Bayfield, Iron and Douglas counties

Species population information: Anglers recorded the second-highest lake whitefish harvest ever measured out of

shallow-water ice fishery and open-water whitefish jigging has resulted in a lot of angler effort targeting this species, and, therefore, higher levels of harvest. Most anglers target lake whitefish in Chequamegon Bay, but these fish are also very abundant in the Apostle Islands where they can be targeted when conditions allow. The average length of lake whitefish harvested in Lake Superior is generally around 18 to 19 inches, with several measuring over 25 inches each year. Lake whitefish that primarily reside within Chequamegon Bay grow faster than those that primarily live in the Apostle Islands. The average-sized lake whitefish caught in Chequamegon Bay is likely 10 years of age or older, and whitefish up to 25 years old are often observed in the area. Abundance of lake whitefish is

Ice fishing for lake whitefish in the Chequamegon Bay area of Lake Superior has become a popular fishery for many anglers. Photo Credit: Angler submitted

Carl, Fisheries Biologist, Bayfield

currently much higher in Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior than in the 1970s and 1980s. Abundance increased throughout the 1990s to a peak near 2000 and has stabilized since. There is a large harvestable surplus of lake whitefish in the Apostle Islands region for both sport and commercial fishing. In fact, total lake whitefish harvest in Wisconsin waters is almost as much as all other jurisdictions in the lake combined. The vast amount of lake whitefish biomass in the Apostle Islands region is primarily attributed to the large quantity of habitat with a depth of less than 250 feet, a high degree of coastal connectivity with relatively intact wetlands, and many harvest control rules including effort (i.e., amount of net) limitations and a large array of nearshore and offshore protected areas. Lots of research is currently ongoing to help preserve this successful and sustainable fishery for years to come. Ice conditions on Lake Superior are often variable and can change in the blink of an eye. So, we recommend a cautious approach to your ice fishing trips or including an angler who is knowledgeable about local ice conditions in your fishing party. Current regulation: Lake whitefish in Lake Superior have a daily bag limit of 10 and no length limit, and the season is open all year Access information: Popular public access points for this fishery include Second Landing and Kreher Park in Ashland; Washburn Coal Dock and Washburn Marina; Bayfield Municipal Boat Landing, and Legendary Waters Boat Ramp in Red Cliff. — Dray

LAKE MICHIGAN AND TRIBUTARIES

CHINOOK SALMON

Chinook salmon (commonly referred to as king salmon) are among the largest and most popular salmonid targeted by Lake Michigan anglers. Species population information: Over 4,100 Chinook were measured during October 2022 at the DNR’s Strawberry Creek Salmon Spawning Facility in Sturgeon Bay, with the heaviest being over 33 pounds and 44 inches. The sampled Chinooks ranged from 1-4 years, from 11.7 to 44.5 inches (average = 34.5 inches) and from 0.4 to 33.4 pounds (average = 16.3 pounds). The average weight of age-3 female Chinooks in 2022 was 19.6 pounds based on known age-3 fish from fin clips at Strawberry Creek. Average weights of age-3 female Chinook have been relatively large during recent years (2016-2022), following small and variable weights from 2004-2015 (10.7 pounds in 2007 and 11.9 in 2012). The average weights peaked at 21.9 pounds in 2018 and remained large but decreased to 19.6 pounds in 2022. Several factors influence fish size including abundance of predators (stocked

and wild), prey biomass, and the overall predator/prey balance. Numbers of Chinook stocked by the DNR increased from 810,000 in 2019 to 1.2 million annually from 2020-2022. Additional Chinook salmon from neighboring states also contribute to Wisconsin’s great Lake Michigan fishery, too. Whether you are fishing from a boat or shore on Lake Michigan or fishing in the tributaries during the fall spawning runs, you have the opportunity to catch one of the hardest fighting fish in the state! Current regulation: Open all year. Daily bag limit of 5 (total trout and salmon) with a 10-inch minimum length limit. Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess.html

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html.

— Logan Sikora, Fisheries Biologist, Sturgeon Bay

COHO SALMON

Species population information: The coho fishing season typically starts off in the warmer southern waters of Lake Michigan and then progresses northward along the lakeshore. Much of the best coho fishing occurs in June and early July. It was a great year in 2022 for coho, producing both quality numbers and size. Coho salmon are spawned at both the Root River Steelhead Facility (RRSF) in Racine and the C.D. “Buzz” Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility (BAFF) in Kewaunee. In 2022, over 4,000 coho were captured at the RRSF alone for the second highest catch in the history of the facility. Eggs were collected at

GL SALMON & TROUT

An adipose clipped Chinook salmon held by DNR fisheries biologist Logan Sikora at the Besandny Anadromous Fish Facility in Kewaunee in October 2022. Eggs are collected from Chinook Salmon each fall and transferred to the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery to produce Chinook Salmon for stocking into Lake Michigan. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

both facilities, and those fish will be raised in DNR hatcheries for future stocking in Lake Michigan. Current regulation: Open all year. Five fish daily bag limit (total trout and salmon). Ten-inch minimum length limit. Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess/.

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/fallfishing. html.

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html.

• https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ sites/default/files/topic/ Fishing/LM_StockingSummary2020.pdf.

Michigan or fishing in the tributaries during the spawning runs. Species population information: The total numbers of steelhead stocked by the DNR increased from 350,000 in 2019 to 460,000 annually for 2020-2022. Over the years, three strains of steelhead have been stocked into Wisconsin tributaries to expand opportunity for anglers, because the strains have different spawning run times. Skamania steelhead run from late summer through fall, Chambers Creek steelhead run from late fall through spring and Ganaraska steelhead run in the spring. Currently, the fishery is largely comprised of Chambers Creek and Ganaraska steelhead, as the Skamania strain was discontinued in Wisconsin after 2008 due to fish health concerns

2019, 2020 and 2022 were clipped (adipose fin) and tagged internally with a tiny 1-mm coded wire tag (CWT) as part of a cooperative and lake-wide program with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate wild production, movements, growth, and stocking practices. If you harvest a steelhead that is missing its adipose fin, please visit: https:// dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/ questions/missingfin.html to learn more about the program and find DNR or cooperating business drop off locations for steelhead snouts. Collections of data and tags from steelhead by anglers, USFWS and the DNR are enhancing our knowledge of steelhead and their important contribution to Lake Michigan’s valuable and diverse fishery. Current regulation: Open all year. Five fish daily bag limit (total trout and salmon). Ten-inch minimum length limit.

Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess.html

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html

- Logan Sikora, Fisheries Biologist, Sturgeon Bay

LAKE TROUT

STEELHEAD

Steelhead are rainbow trout that reside and live their adult life in Lake Michigan but migrate upstream into tributaries to spawn. The use of different habitats throughout the year provides a variety of opportunities for anglers, whether you are fishing from a boat or shore on Lake

but was reinstated on a limited scale in 2018-2019. While we know some about steelhead biology and their contribution to the Lake Michigan fishery, we are starting to learn more through the ongoing clipping and tagging efforts of the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program. Yearling steelhead that were stocked in 2018,

Species population information: Lake Michigan provides fantastic fishing opportunities for lake trout, supported by stocking and natural reproduction. A total of 40,145 lake trout were harvested in 2021 lake-wide, which was 35 percent over the ten-year average harvest and the highest harvest on record since 2001. Anglers from Kenosha to Sheboygan reported high catches of lake trout, accounting for 87 percent of the total lake trout harvest for Wisconsin in Lake Michigan for 2021. The average length of a lake trout caught by anglers was 25 inches. Every fall, the Wisconsin DNR conducts a lake trout spawning survey on two nearshore reefs near Milwaukee. In 2021, the average lake trout caught in these

DNR fisheries technician Jacob Steckmesser with a nice steelhead caught trolling out of Kewaunee. Photo Credit: Angler submitted

surveys was 32 inches and 11.8 pounds. Current regulation: The lake trout season on Lake Michigan and tributaries has is open year round with a daily bag limit of 5 in total with other trout and salmon and a minimum length of 10 inches. The Mid-Lake Reef Complex is a refuge for lake trout. No lake trout may be targeted or possessed within the boundaries of the Mid-Lake Reef Complex. Access information: There are numerous boat and shore access locations to fish.

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess.html

• https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html

GREEN BAY AND TRIBUTARIES

Marinetee, Oconto and Door counties

Species population information: Fall 2022 shocking surveys in the lower Menominee River resulted in lower numbers of fish in October but more browns showed up into November when flows increased and water temperature dropped. Brown trout sampled averaged 28.3 inches, which are likely around three years old. Brown trout stocked into the productive waters of Green Bay grow quickly. Harvest estimates for brown trout in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan was 9,178 fish, with 31 percent being harvested in Green Bay waters. Current regulation: Open all year. Daily bag limit is 5 trout/salmon in total. Minimum length is 10 inches. Access information: Anglers can troll for browns in the spring and summer months. There are numerous boat access locations along the shores of Green Bay. Check out this webpage for details: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess/. Brown trout make fall migratory runs into the Menominee, Peshtigo and Oconto rivers. From late September into the winter months, shore anglers may have luck catching browns in these major tributaries. Here

is the webpage to find detailed tributary access information. https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/ lakemichigan/TributaryAccess. html. Of interest: From 2012 to 2022, DNR used the RV Coregonus to stock yearling brown trout offshore in Green Bay. The exception was the spring of 2020, when browns were stocked directly into tributaries or harbors due to Covid restrictions. The goal of offshore stocking is to increase survival of stocked brown trout, which are typically stocked in April when walleye are making their annual spawning runs into the large tributaries of the Bay. Since offshore stocking began, the harvest rate has generally improved compared to the previous 10 years.

LAKE SUPERIOR Ashland, Bayfield, Iron and Douglas counties

LAKE TROUT

Species population information: Lake Trout is the most popular species that anglers target in the

Apostle Islands and Western Arm regions of Lake Superior. Overall, 2022 was a good year for Lake Trout fishing in Lake Superior, and the trend of higher-than-average angling effort continued on the big lake. In WI-2 (Apostle Islands region), good ice conditions resulted in a lot of deep-water “bobbing” effort. A prolonged spring warm-up caused lower lake trout catch rates early in the open-water season, but catch and harvest picked up in the late summer months. Anglers reached the sport fishing allocation of the overall lake trout quota at the very end of the regular season, so no early closure was needed in 2023. Continuing the trend from the past few seasons, Lake Superior charter captains and clientele fished more hours in 2022 than any year in the past several decades in the Apostle Islands (WI-2). In WI-1 (Western Arm region), angler effort and Lake Trout harvest were similar to 2019 and 2021. Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior support the most productive fisheries in the entire lake. However, lake trout roaming these waters are long-lived (some trout documented over 50 years old!) and slow-growing, which means they require a little more protection than most fisheries to prevent overharvest. So, we use the best data and science available to our team to set harvest limits for the fishery (includes sport, commercial, and tribal commercial harvest). The 2023 Lake Trout quotas in both WI-1 and WI-2 will remain the same as the past season, but this year is the last within the quota cycle. Staff are already busy evaluating recent data to update the harvest limits for the new quota cycle beginning in the 2024 season, and public meetings will be scheduled in 2023 for feedback opportunities. The average length of harvested Lake Trout in Lake Superior is generally around 22 inches due to size regulations outlined below, but 35 and 40inch trophy lake trout are often caught and released in Lake Superior. July and August are the most popular months to troll for

A 5-year-old ice angler shows off a brown trout he caught through the ice in Green Bay in March 2022. Photo Credit: Angler submitted

Lake Trout, and several nearshore zones that limit commercial fishing opportunities exist in part to help anglers avoid commercial fishing nets. As ice thickens into deeper areas of the Apostle Islands, anglers enjoy great Lake Trout ice fishing, or deep-water “bobbing”, in mid-late winter months. Our team continues to tag thousands of lake trout each year during assessments. So, if you ever come across a tagged lake trout in Lake Superior, be sure to relay the tag number to the Bayfield DNR Office to learn the often-fascinating history about the fish you just caught.

Lake trout fishing in Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior should remain some of the best in the world, predominately sustained by natural reproduction in the Apostle Islands. Current regulation: The Lake Trout season is

open from Dec. 1 through Sept.. 30. 15-inch minimum length limit, but only 1 over 25 inches. West of Bark Point (WI-1): bag limit of 3; East of Bark Point (WI-2): bag limit of 2. The lake trout season may be closed early if the annual quota is reached prior to the regular season closure date. Access information: Main access locations can be found in Superior, Port Wing, Cornucopia, Little Sand Bay, Red Cliff, Bayfield, Washburn, Ashland, and Saxon, WI. — Dray Carl, Fisheries Biologist, Bayfield

BOIS BRULE RIVER

Douglas County

River segment length: Downstream (north) of U.S. Highway 2 (24.5 miles); Total river length: 44 miles.

BROWN TROUT

Species population information: In fall 221, 3,311 lake-run brown trout were counted passing the sea lamprey barrier/fishway. Nearly 60 percent were 18 to 24 inches. The run began in early July, and most fish passed from late July through late August. Two separate peaks of nearly 500 fish each occurred, one during the last week of July and the other during the last week of August. The run tapered in late September, as is typical for the river. Current regulation: Different for lower and upper river. Lower River: Downstream from U.S. Highway 2; Season: Open March 25 through Nov. 15; Minimum length: 10 inches; Daily bag: 5 trout and salmon in total, only two may be brown trout over 15 inches. Upper River: Upstream from U.S. Highway 2; Season: Open May 6 to Sept.. 30. Gear: Only artificial lures may be used from County Highway S downstream to County Highway B. Minimum length: 15 inches. Access information: The river has over 20 access points with parking areas and foot paths between U.S. Highway 2 and Lake Superior. See https://dnr.wi.gov/ topic/StateForests/bruleriver/ and click on “Map,” then click “Map 1 – northern area.” Easiest access is U.S. Highway 2, High Landing angler lot, Copper Range Campground, Pine Tree Canoe Landing, County Highway FF and State Highway 13. Footpaths often connected along the river allows anglers to fish the river, then return to vehicles via the foot paths. If fishing with people who have other vehicles and have time for a longer day of fishing, try “shuttling” by leaving a vehicle at one access point, then fishing downstream or upstream to the other access point where the other vehicle is parked. Of interest: Brown trout is a non-native, naturalized species from Europe that was introduced in the river nearly 100 years ago after the Brule’s native brook or “speckled” trout declined with timber harvest, fires and other regional land use changes that altered stream habitats at that time.

DNR biologist with a wild Lake Superior lake trout caught in the eastern Apostle Islands during a standard lake trout survey on the R/V Hack Noyes. Photo Credit Wisconsin DNR

Today, the stock that returns to the river is self-sustained (i.e., wild), meaning no hatchery fish are added to the system, a rarity for many of today’s trout fisheries. As with many wild stocks, environmental factors such as river and lake water temperature and river flow can significantly influence the numbers of fish and the timing of river migration; this can challenge anglers of all skill levels. Brown trout are most active during low daylight and at night.

—

Paul Piszczek, Fisheries Biologist, Superior

STEELHEAD

Species population information: From fall 2021 through spring 2022, 5,940 wild steelhead were counted passing the sea lamprey barrier/fishway. 72 percent of all steelhead ranged from 20 to 25 inches long and weighed from 3 to 5 pounds. Nearly one of every seven Steelhead was of minimum legal length. As typical, most Steelhead (87 percent) migrated into the river during autumn, then overwintered there. The remaining 13 percent arrived in the spring. The fall peak occurred in late-September. The spring peak occurred during the first week of May, which was slightly later than typical, mainly due to the prolonged winter conditions. Current regulation: Different for lower and upper river. Lower River: Downstream from U.S. Highway 2; Season: Open March 25 through Nov. 15; Minimum length: 26 inches; Daily bag: 5 trout and salmon in total, only one may be a rainbow trout. Upper River: Upstream from U.S. Highway 2; Season: Open May 1 to Sept.. 30. Access information: The river has

over 20 access points with parking areas and foot paths between U.S. Highway 2 and Lake Superior. See https:// dnr.wi.gov/topic/ StateForests/ bruleriver/ and click on “Map,” then click “Map 1 – northern area.” Easiest access is U.S. Highway 2, High Landing angler lot, Copper Range Campground, Pine Tree Canoe Landing, County Highway FF and State Highway 13. Footpaths often connected along the river allows anglers to fish the river, then return to vehicles via the foot paths. If fishing with people who have other vehicles and have time for a longer day of fishing, try “shuttling” by leaving a vehicle at one access point, then fishing downstream or upstream to the other access point where the other vehicle is parked. Of interest: Steelhead is a non-native, naturalized species that was introduced in the river from the western United States nearly 130 years ago after the Brule’s native brook or “speckled” trout declined with timber harvest, fires and other regional land use changes that altered stream habitats at that time. Today, the stock is self-sustained (i.e., wild), meaning no hatchery

fish are added to the system, a rarity for many of today’s steelhead fisheries. As with many wild stocks, environmental factors such as river and lake water temperature and river flow can significantly influence the numbers of fish and the timing of river migration; this can challenge anglers of all skill levels. These wild fish, coupled with the densely wooded surroundings of the Brule River State Forest, help create a truly unique fishing experience. The 26-inch minimum length limit exists because that is the length at which most steelhead have spawned at least once in their natural environment.

— Paul Piszczek, Fisheries Biologist, Superior

DNR LTE Fisheries Technician Aidan Waterhouse holds a 20+ inch steelhead from the Bois Brule River during a recent electrofishing survey. Photo: Samir Shaikh

Getting Hooked On Wisconsin Fishing

Community/urban fishing program provides access to fishing fun!

URBAN FISHING WATERS

Lake size: Urban fishing waters are small lakes and ponds under 25 acres. Species population information: Ponds are stocked annually with rainbow trout from the state hatchery system. Approximately 63,341 rainbow trout were stocked across these ponds in 2022. The average length of a stocked fish is 8 inches.

Current regulation: Designated urban waters have a year-round season, no length limits and a special season (March 11 through April 28, 2023) for kids 15 years old and younger and certain disabled anglers. They also have a daily bag limit of three (3) trout, one (1) gamefish (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, and northern pike), and ten (10) panfish (bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and bullhead) Access information: Shore fishing opportunities are found at all urban ponds.

Stocking information is available seasonally on the Urban Fishing Hotline at 414-263-8494 or tollfree at 888-347-4563.

KIDS CLINICS

Urban fishing waters are a great place to take kids fishing and in a typical year many host free kids fishing clinics for both ice fishing and open water. For clinic information, visit the angler education page on the DNR website (https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Fishing/ AnglerEducation/).

Tackle Loaner Program: No fishing rod? No problem! Fishing equipment is available at several DNR offices you can borrow and enjoy fishing on Wisconsin’s urban ponds or other waters.

For Southeast Wisconsin, contact Laura Schmidt at 414-416-0591 or Laura.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov.

Urban fishing waters include the following:

Kenosha County: Anderson Park, Bong Children’s Pond

Milwaukee County: Brown Deer Park, Dineen Park, Estabrook Park, Franklin High School, Greenfield Park, Holler Park, Humboldt Park, Jackson Park, Juneau Park, Kosciuszko Park, McCarty Park, McGovern Park, Miller Park, Mitchell Park, Oak Creek Parkway, Saveland Park, Schoetz Park, Scout Lake, Sheridan Park, Washington Park, Wilson Park

Outagamie County: Appleton Memorial Pond

Ozaukee County: Harrington Beach Quarry, Mequon Rotary Park East and West, Pucketts Pond, Schowalter Park, Willow Brooke Park

Racine County: Gorney Park, Johnson Park, Lockwood Park, Pritchard Park, Quarry Lake, Reservoir Park

Rock County: Lions Park Pond

Sheboygan County: Kohler-Andrae State Park Pond, Sheboygan Quarry, Memorial Park, River Park Lagoon

Walworth County: Ceylon Lagoon, Congdon Park, Millpond Park Pond

Washington County: Boot Lake, Hartford Millpond, Homestead Hollow Park, Kewaskum Millpond, Regner Pond, Sandy Knoll Park, Wells Lake, Wiedenbach Park Pond

Waukesha County: Calhoun Park, Delafield Rearing Pond, Foxbrook Pond, Heyer Park North and South, Lapham Peak Pond, Lepper Dam Millpond, Lions Park-Overland, Menomonee Park, Minooka Park, Muskego Park, Nixon Park, Regal Park, and Woodfield North

A youth angler with a yellow perch caught through the ice on Scout Lake in February. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

How much does my fish weigh?

You don’t have a scale? No problem. Grab the nearest tape measure and find your answer.

Use the equations below to find the weight of your fish:

bass = (length x length x girth)/1,200

pike = (length x length x length)/3,500

sunfish = (length x length x length)/1,200

trout = (length x girth x girth)/800

walleye = (length x length x length)/2,700

For example, you catch a 16-inch smallmouth bass with an 12-inch girth. Using the equation for bass above: (16 x 16 x 12) /1,200 = 2.6 pounds. Your bass would weigh about two and a half pounds.

NOTE: Weights are rough estimates only. Actual weights can vary by water.

RELEASE YOUR FISH RESPONSIBLY

Fishing Conditions

Please consider the stress extreme water temperatures have on fish if you plan on releasing your catch.

Reeling In The Fish

Fish should be retrieved as quickly as possible.

Handling The Fish

Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Use wet hands or wet gloves to handle the fish.

4 5

Unhooking The Fish

If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line and release the fish.

Reviving The Fish

Gently rock the fish from side to side until it can maintain its balance. When the fish begins to struggle, let it swim away.

Follow the general guidelines below to improve the health of your released fish: 1 2 3

Following the above guidelines will help improve the fish’s chance of survival after release and allow another angler to enjoy the thrill of catching a quality Wisconsin fish.

MUSKELLUNGE AND NORTHERN PIKE

KNOW THE DIFFERENCES

Musky and northern pike are voracious predators and are very popular with Wisconsin anglers. To many, they may appear like the same fish - they have similar shapes and both have mouths full of sharp teeth However, their regulations are very di�erent, so it’s important to be able to identify them. Become familiar with the di�erences below and you shouldn’t have any problem knowing what you caught the next time you tangle with one of these toothy creatures

6-9 pores on a side

Cheek half-scaled

Dark vertical markings

Pointed tail

Muskellunge

Northern pike

5 pores on a side

Cheek fully scaled

Light horizontal “bean” markings

Rounded tail

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2022

WALLEYE AND SAUGER KNOW THE DIFFERENCES

Walleye and sauger are the largest members of the perch family in Wisconsin. They have similar body shapes and both have canine teeth, but there are ways that anglers can tell them apart. Study the di�erences below and you’ll be able to say, “I caught a walleye” or “ I got a sauger” without di�culty the next time you go fishing.

Few scales or naked cheek (feels smooth)

Black blotch at end of dorsal fin

Slight barring along back

White blotch on tail

Cheek scaled (feels rough)

Polka-dotted dorsal fin

Distinct saddles along side

Thin, white ray or nothing

Walleye

Sauger

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2022

LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS

KNOW THE DIFFERENCES

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are popular targets for many Wisconsin anglers There are di�erences between these fish (habitat use, color, size, fishing techniques), but the most obvious di�erence, as the name clearly indicates, is the mouth size. There are a few other characteristics found below that will also help you identify them.

Jaw extends well beyond eye

Dorsal fins almost divided

Lateral stripe on side

Jaw ends slightly before eye

Dorsal fins connected

Vertical bars on side

Largemouth

Smallmouth

Family Fishing Fun Is Just Around The Corner

Check out these top 10 family-friendly regional waters as recommended by the DNR’s fisheries staff.

• Shawano Lake, Shawano County

• Waupaca Chain of Lakes, Waupaca County

• Silver Lake, Wautoma, Waushara County

• Machickanee Flowage, Oconto County

• Lake Noquebay, Marinette County

• High Falls Flowage, Marinette County

• Green Bay at Stone Quarry, Sturgeon Bay

SOUTHEAST REGION

• Lake Michigan

NORTHERN REGION

• Pickerel and Crane lakes (connected) Forest/Langlade counties

• Pine Lake, Forest County

• Carol and Madeline lakes (connected), Oneida County

• Chetek Chain of Lakes, Barron County

• Balsam Lake, Polk County

• Clam Lake, Burnett County

• St. Croix Flowage, Douglas County

• Solberg Lake, Price County

• Nelson Lake, Sawyer County

• Miller Dam Flowage, Taylor County

NORTHEAST REGION

• Fox River at Fremont, Waupaca County

• Fox River at Voyageur Park, Depere, Brown County

• Lake Winnebago, Winnebago, Calumet and Fond du Lac Counties

• Pewaukee Lake, Waukesha County

• Geneva Lake, Walworth County

• Delavan Lake,Walworth County

• Big Muskego Lake, Waukesha County

• Big Cedar Lake, Washington County

• Paradise Springs, Waukesha County

• Long Lake, Fond du Lac County

• Milwaukee River, Washington and Milwaukee counties

• Okauchee Lake, Waukesha County

WEST CENTRAL REGION

• Pettibone Lagoon in La Crosse, La Crosse County

• Half Moon Lake in Carson Park, Eau Claire County

• Black River below Black River Falls Dam, Jackson County

• La Crosse River below Lake Neshonoc (Hwy 108 Bridge), La Crosse County

• Coon Creek System, Vernon County

• Mississippi River, Stoddard Bay, La Crosse County

• Mississippi River, tailwaters of Lock and Dam 8, Vernon County

• Mississippi River, Trempealeau Lakes, near Trempealeau, Trempealeau County

• East Channel of Mississippi River off St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, Crawford County

• West Fork Kickapoo River near Avalanche, Vernon County

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

• Lake Koshkonong, Jefferson County

• Rock River, Dodge, Rock and Jefferson counties

• Lake Mendota, Dane County

• Lake Monona, Dane County

• Lake Waubesa, Dane County

• Wisconsin River, South Central Region

• Yellowstone Lake, Lafayette County

• Beaver Dam Lake, Dodge County

• Devil’s Lake, Sauk County

• Fox Lake, Dodge County