2024 Wisconsin Fishing Report

FISH WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C. Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, etc.) upon request. Please call (608) 267-7498 for more information. Note: If you need technical assistance or more information, call the Accessibility Coordinator at 608-267-7490 / TTY Access via relay – 711

Terry Margenau

GEAR UP TO GO FISH

New to Wisconsin fishing?

Tackle a few of these basics recommended by fisheries staff to prepare for your 2024 angling adventure.

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.

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, a stringer or a bucket full of 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 Fish Wisconsin!

FABULOUS FISHERIES PROJECTS

Working with partners to make your fishing better.

2023 Scuppernong River Headwaters Coarse Woody Habitat Project

During 2023, the DNR partnered with Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited (SEWTU) to improve cold-water habitat for brook trout by installing coarse woody habitat to the formerly impounded headwaters reach of the Scuppernong River. The black locus logs were harvested as a part of the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest management to remove this invasive hardwood species. Hardwood logs were transported by hand through the ecologically sensitive project area, thanks

Oconomowoc High School. Once logs were placed near the stream bank, they were installed by members of SEWTU. Logs were placed in a relatively high gradient reach creating pools and overhead cover. Logs were placed in K-dam, current deflector and wedge dam configurations, and then secured using duck-bill cable anchors. — Ben Heussner, fisheries biologist, Eagle

Nebagamon Creek Receives Facelift That Leads To Improved Trout Habitat

A 500-foot segment of Nebagamon Creek, a trout stream and tributary to the Bois Brule River in Douglas County, looked in the mirror and saw itself differently in the summer and early fall of 2023. For nearly 150 years, this segment of the creek was shadowed and constrained by a 40-foot-tall sand and clay railroad embankment and its bulky 110-foot-long by 12-foot-wide culvert. Over time, pieces of the culvert’s concrete walls collapsed into the culvert’s outlet, blocked water flow and fish passage and allowed the sand and clay bank to erode into the creek. If the embankment collapsed, as others did during floods in recent years, its soils would surge downstream and smother trout and salmon spawning habitat. Those worries are now gone after the embankment and culvert were permanently removed. The creek’s new complexion features constructed pools and riffles at slopes, widths and depths that resemble those naturally found throughout the creek. In addition, the valley was broadened to match the upstream and downstream valley dimensions. The creek’s brook trout, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and other species can move more freely than ever before. They can now worry less about their habitats potentially being buried by the towering embankment’s sand and clay soils. — Paul Piszczek, fisheries biologist, Superior

Scuppernong River Headwaters Coarse Woody Structure Project post project completion. Photo Credit: Benjamin Heussner

Nebagamon Creek facing south at the railroad embankment before, during and after removing the embankment and culvert to create a new open, unimpeded channel. Photo Credit: Paul Piszczek

Melancthon Creek Brown Trout Relocation Project

Melancthon Creek is Class I trout water located in Richland and Vernon counties that contains a mixed population of brook and brown trout. To protect the brook trout population, DNR staff conducted a brown trout removal project along Melancthon Creek. DNR staff and volunteers collected 5,200 brown trout and relocated them downstream into the Pine River. Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags were implanted in 990 yearling and adult brown trout. A PIT tag array was then set up at the lower reaches of Melancthon Creek. This will allow DNR staff to assess the rate at which fish return to the stream where they were removed and determine how effective removal projects are when no barriers are in place between stream reaches. — Justin Haglund, DNR fisheries biologist, Dodgeville

DNR staff and volunteers tagging and collecting data on brown trout. Photo Credit: Justin Haglund

Couderay River Docks Ready To Roll For All Anglers

The Couderay River is a beautiful waterbody that winds through south central Sawyer County. However, very few people have had the pleasure of spending time on the waterbody due to limited access. A project in 2022-2023 has made a Couderay River float trip a possibility for all. Two public access points have been developed along the river, an upstream “put in” at the village of Couderay (off of Mapes Road) and a downstream “take out” at the town of Radisson campground (just south of the Hwy. 40 bridge). Each site features an ADAaccessible dock with a ramp and stability features to help people of all abilities get in and out of canoes or kayaks. There are also designated ADA parking spaces. The distance between the two points is about 5 river miles, which can take the better part of the day, especially if you’re slowing down to fish some of the excellent holes along this stretch of river. Anglers will find abundant smallmouth bass and redhorse. Musky, walleye, northern pike and catfish are also common in the river. Even those who don’t want to fish (a stance we don’t understand but can respect) can experience great fish watching in the crystal clear water. Bring a pair of polarized sunglasses, and you’ll be able to watch hordes of redhorse scattering across the sandy streambed. You’ll also have a real chance at seeing a prehistoric sturgeon sliding around in one of the deeper runs. Paddlers should be advised that passage through some areas can be challenging during periods of low water. The Couderay River has statewide angling regulations for all species. — Max Wolter, DNR fisheries biologist, Hayward

The canoe/kayak launch in the village of Couderay ready to receive anglers this summer! Photo Credit: Max Wolter

Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage

In Fall 2023, the Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage was constructed to provide passage for native species around a man-made dam within the Milwaukee River. Restoring this connectivity will allow native fish in the Milwaukee Estuary to move from Lake Michigan to upstream areas encompassing 25 miles of river, 29 miles of tributary streams and 2,400 acres of wetlands. The improved connectivity will allow fish to migrate throughout the region to find habitat for spawning, juvenile life stages and

Fish Passage Assessment In The Fond Du Lac River

The fisheries staff in Oshkosh conducted a fish passage assessment on the Fond du Lac River in Spring 2023. In early to mid-March, passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag arrays were installed in strategic locations. Between March 24-April 7, fish were captured in fyke nets and given a PIT tag. The PIT-tagged fish are detectable on our in-water arrays, allowing us to track fish movement over time giving insight on fish habitat use, seasonal movement trends and potentially identify areas that may restrict fish passage. A primary purpose for this investigation was the observation of fish (white sucker and northern pike) congregating below the spillway at the Eldorado Marsh dam and questions regarding fish passage in the area. The project documented fish passage through the spillway, though periods of high water appeared to create a barrier or at least deterrence to fish passage. — Angelo Cozzola, DNR fisheries biologist, Oshkosh

Reconnecting Brook Trout Habitat In McDonald Creek, Oconto County

The primary goal of this project was to reconnect 3 miles of Class I trout stream habitat by replacing a perched and undersized culvert that created a full aquatic organism passage barrier to brook trout and other species on McDonald Creek. The project was completed in August 2023 by installing a 19 feet wide x 6 feet 1 inch tall aluminum box culvert at the Parkway Road crossing. Alignment was also improved to restore stream flow and function by dechannelizing the upstream reach entering the culvert by moving it out of a roadside ditch and by constructing a new channel downstream. Trout Unlimited National was the primary project lead, with the DNR and the town of Brazeau as cooperating partners. — Tammie Paoli, fisheries biologist, Peshtigo

overwintering. This project was completed in partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Milwaukee County Parks. This project is part of a larger initiative to restore the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. — Aaron Schiller, fisheries biologist, Milwaukee

Downstream side of McDonald Creek before and after the fish friendly crossing was constructed. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

The Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage was constructed to provide a passage for native species. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Conserving A Native Stream Trout In A Warming World

Wisconsin’s Brook Trout Reserves Confront The Challenges Of Climate Change

Brook trout are a beautiful, yet sensitive fish. They are the only stream trout native to our Wisconsin landscape. They are common in cold-water streams in central and northern Wisconsin, as well as the driftless area in the southwestern part of the state. Wisconsin has an estimated 21,000 miles of suitable cold-water stream habitat for brook trout.

duction. In the summer, Wisconsin streams warmer than 75° F for a three-day period become too warm for brook trout to survive.

The distribution of brook trout in Wisconsin.

Water temperature is THE most important factor for where brook trout live in Wisconsin. Brook trout populations depend on cold, clear, well-oxygenated and clean water. Optimal temperatures are between 55°-61° F for feeding, growth and repro-

A WARMER AND WETTER FUTURE

Wisconsin is getting warmer and wetter, and its trout streams are no exception. They are warmer, have stronger flows and are experiencing more extreme floods more often.

We’ve examined the impact of climate change on brook trout. Since the 1990s, these climate-driven changes have contributed to tougher conditions for brook trout. Brook trout adult densities and successful reproduction are both declining.

The future of brook trout habitat is troubling. It is estimated by around the year 2050, two out of every 3 miles of currently suitable habitat will become unsuitable based on temperature changes. In total, over 15,000 out of 22,000 stream miles are

Wisconsin DNR

Dennis Pratt

Brook trout adult densities and successful reproduction are both declining.

likely to be lost. Brook trout face a statewide and regional crisis, and this sobering result points to the need for managers to identify and prioritize strategies for brook trout management in the face of climate change.

The DNR’s Fisheries Management program and partners are taking significant steps to confront the climate change challenge. We are:

• Identifying the most resilient brook trout systems - we call them Brook Trout Reserves.

• Considering threats and developing management strategies to address them.

• Collaborating with our partners on conservation planning and implementation.

• Stepping up education and outreach.

• Rethinking our brook trout habitat work.

IDENTIFYING CRITICAL LOCATIONS

Brook Trout Reserves are a selection of some of the places in Wisconsin where brook trout have the best chance of surviving the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges. We prioritize protecting wild brook trout and their habitat in these areas. To do this, we need to consider all strategies that will achieve our goal of protecting brook trout populations and their habitat.

It’s challenging to find the best streams and watersheds where brook trout and their habitat are likely to persist. Fortunately, DNR Fisheries staff have access to great science, ample data and the power of GIS to help meet the challenge. The following criteria were selected to identify Brook Trout Reserves:

• Abundant naturally reproducing brook trout populations

• Limited competition from non-native trout and salmon

• No conflicting management and

• Minimum future living space for a viable population.

THE BROOK TROUT RESERVES

Locations in Wisconsin where brook trout have the best chance of enduring the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Highest environmental resilience to the ongoing impacts of climate change. Most of the habitat is protected by public ownership.

High environmental resilience, but their riparian areas have very little public land. There are ample opportunities to secure and protect habitat.

Possess excellent watershed and riparian health, however low groundwater contribution makes them naturally vulnerable. Providing fish passage between important seasonal and life history habitat is critical.

More vulnerable, however a suite of adaptation strategies can be implemented to protect these reserves.

Fifty-four reserves were created using the criteria above. These areas represent strongholds of the best brook trout populations and their habitat that will likely persist in the face of climate change. The reserves represent 22% of today’s brook trout habitat in the state, and by the year 2050, it’s estimated that they will likely represent 33% of all brook trout habitat.

The Fisheries program has been and will continue to seek funding support to help us collaborate with partners and plan appropriate watershed, riparian, stream and spring-pond conservation efforts for individual Brook Trout Reserves. These placebased implementation plans are designed to have site-specific treatments to promote brook trout conservation in the face of a warming climate. Our biologists will also be working to partner at the local level on individual projects.

We are stepping up our communications and outreach. We are beginning to tailor our messages to our target audience and energize our dedicated partners. Consider joining and participating in a local conservation club or watershed group to help protect and manage these special places. To find local conservation clubs or watershed groups in your area of interest, please contact your local fisheries biologist.

IMPROVING HABITAT FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Our management of brook trout streams and their habitat is changing! Continuing yesterday’s approaches will not meet the challenges of keeping brook trout habitat secure today.

Planting trees - Brook trout need cold, clear streams. Streamside forests provide important shade and are critical for offsetting the effect of climate warming on stream temperature. We are beginning to plant more trees on many of our projects and our partners are too! Trout Unlimited chapters have been planting trees along our streams and rivers. The DNR’s reforestation program grows high-quality native tree seedlings and shrubs to plant on private, public and tribal lands for conservation. These seedlings can provide future forest products, wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, living snow fences, carbon sequestration, aesthetics and important streamside shade and cold water for brook trout. Contact the DNR forester in the county where you will be planting the trees for technical assistance in developing a planting plan and selecting appropriate species for your site.

A perched culvert, like this one on Elton Creek in Langlade County, can prevent fish from accessing critical habitats. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Reconnecting habitats - The Fisheries program has sought federal funding to help address habitat impairments. Barriers like perched culverts prevent brook trout from moving between important seasonal and life history habitats. Our biologists will continue to address these impairments and reconnect habitats as best they can.

Improving project designs - Fisheries staff are changing the design of our instream habitat projects. We’ve learned that some previous projects tipped the balance between brown trout and brook trout in favor of brown trout. Declines in brook trout populations then followed.

A ROLE FOR EVERYONE

These reserves require action from all of us to continue to provide critical habitat for brook trout and places for Wisconsin anglers to pursue them. We need to take action to preserve the cold water at these critical locations and protect brook trout from other threats. As anglers, landowners, farmers, foresters and citizens, we can all play a part in these efforts and we must if we want brook trout to persist in our state.

Wisconsin anglers worked hard in 2023 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.

LIVE RELEASE

Species Catch Date Length (in.) Water County

Brook trout (G. Lakes) 1/13/2023 18.00” Lake Superior Bayfield

Channel catfish 1/15/2023 37.00” Lake Mendota Dane

Brook trout 1/15/2023 17.50” Glen Lake St. Croix

Sauger 2/4/2023 20.00” St. Croix River St. Croix

Largemouth bass 5/19/2023 23.00” Big Muskego Waukesha

Rock bass 5/22/2023 11.50” Lake Geneva Walworth

Muskellunge 5/27/2023 53.50” Peshtigo River Marinette

Lake trout (inland) 7/3/2023 39.75” Big Green Lake Green Lake

Rainbow trout (G. Lakes) 7/16/2023 33.00” Lake Michigan Milwaukee

Pumpkinseed 7/22/2023 10.25” Lake Geneva Walworth

White bass 8/15/2023 19.50” Cedar Lake Polk

Brown trout (inland) 9/23/2023 31.50” Lake Geneva Walworth

Lake trout (G. Lakes) 11/5/2023 35.75” Lake Michigan Milwaukee

Brown trout (G. Lakes) 11/6/2023 32.50” Fox River Brown

KEPT FISH

Species

Cisco 3/28/2023 4

Alewife 5/12/2023 0

Chain O’ Lakes Waupaca

Lake Michigan Milwaukee

ALTERNATE METHODS (spear, bow or hand)

Species

Mississippi River La Crosse

SCIENCE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Panfish And Aquatic Macrophyte Responses To A Whole-Lake Alum Treatment In A Northwestern Wisconsin Lake

- Colin Dassow, Jeremiah Gorne, Kyle Broadway, Aaron Cole and Greg Sass

Wisconsin’s abundance of natural lakes and their diverse fisheries are one of its greatest treasures for anglers. However, watershed land use and specific characteristics of lakes sometimes result in lakes that can be plagued with algal blooms due to excess nutrient loading and internal lake nutrient cycling.

Healthy levels of algae can result in very productive fisheries within lakes, but there is a downside when algal blooms become extensive and lead to low water clarity, the shading of aquatic macrophytes, reduced dissolved oxygen levels and declining fish productivity.

Big Round Lake in Polk County has a surface area of 1,014 acres, a maximum depth of 17 feet and is considered hypereutrophic (i.e., experiences extensive algal blooms). Lakeshore residents and anglers expressed concerns about the extensive algal blooms and proposed a whole-lake alum treatment to reduce the extent of the blooms and improve water clarity. Alum binds with excess phosphorus in the water column and traps this limiting nutrient in lake sediments, making it unavailable to algae, thus improving water clarity.

Previous alum treatments in eutrophic lakes have greatly improved water clarity in some cases. Increases in submersed aquatic vegetation have also been a response to alum treatments as they are no longer limited by shading from the previous algal bloom-dominated state of lakes.

Before considering a whole-lake alum treatment for Big Round Lake, former Polk County fisheries biologist and now western district fisheries team supervisor, Aaron Cole, reached out to the DNR Office of Applied Science to conduct a literature review to better understand potential fish community effects from alum treatments. Big Round Lake supports a robust panfish fishery, and Aaron and his

Polk County fisheries biologist successor, Kyle Broadway, were concerned about the potential negative effects of alum treatments on this productive fishery.

Interestingly, the scientific literature had very few studies that tested for the effects of alum treatments on fish populations. Therefore, considering this whole-lake alum treatment was a ripe area of emerging research to better understand the influences of this lake restoration tactic on aquatic macrophytes and fish populations for future consideration of alum use on other eutrophic lakes. In this case, the whole-lake alum treatment lake needed to be coupled with another lake with similar eutrophic characteristics that would not receive an alum treatment. The reference system for this study will be Big Butternut Lake in Polk County. Reference lakes are required in wholelake experiments to ensure that any aquatic macrophyte and fish community responses in Big Round Lake are a result of the alum treatments; if these factors do not change in Big Butternut, but do in Big Round, then the changes can be attributed to the alum treatment.

This study is underway with baseline sampling of the water quality, aquatic macrophytes and fish communities of each lake during 2022. In the summer of 2023, a whole-lake alum treatment was performed on Big Round Lake to initiate the experiment. The objectives of this study are to: 1) describe the effect of the alum treatment on macrophyte growth; and 2) describe the effect of the alum treatment on panfish growth, survival, and recruitment. Both lakes will be monitored for several years to test for aquatic macrophyte and panfish responses. The results of this study will be beneficial in determining whether alum treatments have benign or negative effects on macrophytes and panfish populations and can assist in informing the approval process for future alum applications.

FISH WISCONSIN - SEASON DATES 2024

(Effective April 1, 2024)

Early Inland Trout (catch and release)

Jan. 6 (5 a.m.) - May 3

General Inland Trout

May 4 (5 a.m.) - Oct. 15

General Inland Fishing

May 4 - March 2, 2025

Largemouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest

May 4 - March 2, 2025

Smallmouth Bass Northern Zone Harvest

June 15 - March 2, 2025

Large And Smallmouth Bass Southern Zone Harvest

May 4 - March 2, 2025

Large And Smallmouth Bass Catch And Release

At all other times of the year

Musky Northern Zone Harvest

May 25 - Dec. 31

Musky Southern Zone Harvest

May 4 - Dec. 31

Northern Pike

May 4 - March 2, 2025

Walleye

May 4 - March 2, 2025

Lake Sturgeon Feb. 10 - Feb. 25 (spearing)

Sept. 7 to Sept. 30 (hook-and-line)

Free Fishing Weekends

Summer - June 1-2, 2024

Winter - Jan. 20-21, 2024

• On-the-go access to trout streams and regulations

• Roads, aerial images and fishing easements

• Finds your location (you are here!)

• Works on desktops, tablets and mobile devices

dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/trout/trout.html

TAKING STOCK - FISH STOCKING IN 2023

The number of fishes stocked by the DNR in Wisconsin’s waters during 2023 by species and developmental stage. Coldwater species Cool/warmwater species

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.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO EXPECT

FISHING in 2024

iStock/stammphoto

Where to fish can be a difficult decision for many anglers, especially for 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

RED CEDAR CHAIN OF LAKES

Barron County

Species population information: A moderate density walleye population with good size structure was present in the Red Cedar Chain of Lakes. During 2023, the adult pop-

ulation in Red Cedar Lake was 2.2 adults/acre with a mean length of 16.7” and the largest walleye sampled was 30.2”. Current regulation Three walleyes from 15 to 20” may be kept, except one of the three may be over 24”.

WINNEBAGO SYSTEM

Calumet, Fond Du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Waupaca And Winnebago Counties

Lake size: The Winnebago system contains approximately 167,000 acres of open water. Species population information: The Win-

nebago System hosts an excellent walleye fishery that is sustained solely through natural reproduction. The Winnebago System population is monitored through two primary annual surveys, the Lake Winnebago bottom trawl survey and the spring stock assessment. 2023 survey results indicate the population is in good health and anglers should expect good opportunities for Winnebago walleye in 2024.

The Lake Winnebago trawl survey has been conducted since 1986. The survey indicates year class strength through young-of-year (YOY) catch and provides insight on the relative abundance of

adult fish. In 2022, a near record catch rate of YOY fish was recorded (17.4 YOY/trawl), indicating a successful spawn the previous spring. The substantial year class of 2022 showed excellent recruitment in 2023 with the second highest yearling catch ever recorded in the survey (10.6/trawl). In addition to the 2022-year class, the system has had several strong year classes over the last seven years with above average YOY catch rates recorded in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021. The adult (age 1+) catch in the 2023 survey set a new record high (15.7/trawl). A primary driver of the record catch are the yearling fish, accounting for 67% of total adult catch. This being said, catch for age 2+ walleye was also high, ranking 5th across the 38 years of the survey, indicat-

a total of 4,121 adult fish handled including 1,305 females and 2,816 males. Length for female fish ranged from 14.2” to 27.0” with an average of 20.2”. Length for male fish ranged from 11.7 to 23.3” with an average of 15.9”. Age analysis for male walleye in the Wolf River show several year classes present in the adult spawning stock with age estimations ranging from 2-14 years. 7-year-old fish, from the substantial year class of 2016, are the largest single contributor, representing 22.8% of the total sample. Four-, 5-, and 6-year-old fish showed similar contributions ranging from 17.5-19.8% of the total sample. Current regulation: Open all year, three fish in total, only one may be a sauger or hybrid. Any length may be kept.Angelo Cozzola, DNR fisheries biologist, Oshkosh

sin Walleye Initiative. Otter Lake is stocked with 6,600 extended growth walleye (6-8”) on an alternate year basis. A walleye population estimate was conducted in the spring of 2023, and it was calculated that there were 2.1 adult walleye per acre, which meets the goal for a stocked fishery. Walleye recruitment surveys have been conducted for the past decade and there has been no documentation of walleye natural reproduction. The walleye fishery here flies under the radar as bluegill and largemouth bass are the primary target on Otter Lake. Most the walleye were between 17” and 21”, which is a great eating size. Current Regulation: Three walleyes from 15 to 20” may be kept, except one of the three may be over 24”. — Joseph Gerbyshak, DNR fisheries biologist, Eau Claire

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

(POOLS 9-10-11- AND UPPER

12)

Crawford, Grant And Vernon Counties

ing persistence of the earlier year classes in the population. Looking forward, anglers should enjoy solid opportunities for Winnebago System walleye. The spring stock assessment takes place in the Wolf and Fox Rivers as well as system lakes. For the entire system in 2023, there were

OTTER LAKE Chippewa County

Lake size: 661 acres. Species population information: The walleye population in Otter Lake in eastern Chippewa County is doing fine thanks to the Wiscon-

Water size: 74,850 acres and 97 miles of open water. Species population information: In early October 2023, a DNR electrofishing crew collected a total of 342 adult walleye and 192 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 6 to 25”, the average length was 15.2” and the largest walleye measured was 25.4”. Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) for walleye was approximately 56 adult walleye/hour. Saugers were 6 to 18”, the average size was 12” and the largest sauger measured was 18”. Sauger CPUE was 31 adult sauger/hour. Our fall young-ofyear (YOY) survey results in Mississippi River Pool 10, near Lynxville, WI, showed above average reproduction during the spring of 2023 with a catch rate of 92 YOY walleye/hour and 66 YOY sauger/ hour. YOY walleye reproduction in 2023 was above the long-term average of 68 YOY walleye per hour (calculated from 1988-2023

DNR fisheries technician Nick Kriewald shows off a 27” Otter Lake walleye captured during a 2023 fisheries survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

data), which will help to maintain the walleye fishery for years to come. Current regulation: The Mississippi River is open yearround for walleye and sauger. New regulations were promulgated for walleye with minimum length limit of 15” for walleye, walleye between 20-27”must be released, and one walleye over 27” is allowed. The bag limit is six 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/media/ upper-mississippi-river-refuge-upper-pool-9pdf

• https://www.fws.gov/media/ upper-mississippi-river-refuge-lower-pool-9pdf

• https://www.fws.gov/media/ upper-mississippi-river-refuge-upper-pool-10pdf

• https://www.fws.gov/media/ upper-mississippi-river-refuge-lower-pool-10-backjf1508-sepdf

Something 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.

GREEN

BAY, FOX, OCONTO,

PESHTIGO

AND

MENOMINEE RIVERS Door, Brown, Oconto And Marinette Counties

Species population information: Since 2012, the DNR has conducted annual spring electrofishing surveys on the Fox River to as-

sess the adult walleye spawning run. Electrofishing surveys in 2022 were conducted on March 25, April 5, April 6 and April 11 when water temperatures ranged from 38-44 degrees Fahrenheit. A total of 5.23 hours of electrofishing captured 494 walleyes. Walleyes ranged from 13.7-31.0” and averaged 20.7”. Over the four days of electrofishing, 281 female walleyes were captured, ranging from 17.0-31.0” with an average length of 23.6”. The vast majority (i.e., 89%) of the female walleyes that were captured were ≥21.7”. A total of 202 male walleyes were captured, ranging from 13.7-22.2” with an average length of 16.8”. Eleven walleyes of unknown sex were captured, all of which were ≤20.2”. Results from spring electrofishing surveys of the Fox River and other major tributaries have shown

that anglers have the opportunity to catch both large numbers of walleyes as well as trophy walleyes in this system. Current regulation: Regulations vary by season and location. Please check the Wisconsin-Michigan Boundary Waters section, Major Tributary Streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan section and the Lake Michigan section of the fishing regulations for the regulations for the specific waterbody you are interested in fishing. Access information: Many great shore fishing locations and boat accesses can be found throughout Green Bay and its tributaries. Shore fishing locations are

available on all four of the major tributaries that support spring walleye spawning runs. Maps for both boat launches and shore fishing locations can be found at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ Fishing/lakemichigan/TributaryAccess.html. Something of interest: Starting in 2024, the DNR will be implementing a large walleye reward tag study on Green Bay and its tributaries to get an estimate of angler exploitation or the percentage of the walleye population that anglers harvest in a year. The goal of this tagging study is to tag 5,000 walleyes across the major spawning areas. Two hundred of the tags will have a $100 reward that the angler will receive when they report the tag to the DNR. Reward tags will say “Reward $100” and will have a date that the reward is valid until, which will be approximately one year after tagging. The reward tag study will continue for 3-5 years.

LAKE PUCKAWAY Green

Lake County

Lake size: 5,014 acres. Species population information: Since Lake Puckaway is part of the open Winnebago System, survey densities tend to fluctuate based on spring environmental conditions. There are resident walleyes in Lake Puckaway, but also fish that move up, down and throughout the system. Numbers were down a bit in 2023 compared to 2017, but size structure was up. Of the 302 walleyes sampled in our nets, 89% of them were 15” or longer. The average length was 18.8” with a range from 13.1–27.7”. Current regulation: 15” minimum length limit with a bag limit of three. Access information: There are several public boat landings located around Lake Puckaway with some shoreline fishing opportunities near several of the boat landings. Something of interest: Lake Puckaway is part of an ongoing Winnebago System walleye movement study. There were 16 adult walleyes given an internal acoustic tag at

A Lake Ripley walleye captured during a 2023 fisheries survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

the Fox River inlet in the fall of 2022. There were an additional 15 fish at this inlet, 14 fish at the outlet and 12 fish from the south shore given internal acoustic tags during the 2023 Puckaway fish survey.

LAKE RIPLEY

Jefferson County

Lake size: 420 acres. Species population information: 508 walleye were captured during the 2023 netting survey with an average length of 17.8”. A population estimate of 1.6 adult walleye per surface acre was calculated. 83.2% of captured fish were above the legal length limit of 15”. Current regulation: General inland regulations apply for walleye until the 2024 fishing opener when bag limits will reduce from five per day to three per day. The length limit of 15” will remain. Access information: A public boat launch is located at the end of Island Road on the south end of the lake. A public beach is located on the west shore of the lake. Something of interest: Extended growth walleye have been stocked into Lake Ripley every odd year since 2015 at 20 fish per acre. Catch rates for walleye in Lake Ripley were in the 55th percentile when compared to lakes of similar lake class.

YELLOWSTONE LAKE

Lafayette County

Lake size: 453 acres. Species population information: Walleye were fyke netted and electrofished as a part of a mark-recapture survey to estimate abundance during springtime spawning. Catch-perunit-effort: 11.9 fish/net-night which exceeds the 75th percentile for similar Dark-Warm Complex Lakes. Density: 3.7 fish/acre which is actually pretty good for a small impoundment stocked with small fingerling walleye, similar to previous density estimate of 4.3 fish per acre in 2018. Length range: 6.8-30.5” with a mean total length of 16.7”. 63% of the popu-

lation is greater than 15” and 23% of the population is greater than 20”. Current regulation: Special regulation enacted to maintain high predator density to control nuisance fish species (common carp): Daily combined bag limit of two fish for walleye 15”-18”, and largemouth and smallmouth bass 12”-15”. Access information: Yellowstone Lake is completely surrounded by Yellowstone Lake State Park and Yellowstone State Wildlife Area, so there are numerous shorefishing opportunities,

from many recreation boaters in the summer, many anglers tend to target walleye, crappie and catfish during Spring, Fall and Winter. This is a unique fishery because unlike the many lakes stocked with small fingerling walleye in more northern lakes, small fingerlings recruit more easily to the adult population to create a fishery. This largely has to do with the dark water conditions that walleye do well in because they are a riverine fish species.

but the best are on the North side of the lake near the park road and also near the Earthen Dam area. There are two boat launches available and a small watercraft launch as well closer to the park office. Something of interest: Yellowstone Lake is turbid water reservoir which impounds the water of the Yellowstone River. Because of its turbid habitat, it has become most productive with walleye, black crappie, channel catfish and bigmouth buffalo. Many anglers tend to focus on crappie and some will target walleye, either in the lake or downstream of the spillway at cooler times of year for the best catch rates. To avoid the traffic

RICE RESERVOIR/LAKE NOKOMIS SYSTEM

Lincoln County

Lake size: 3,764-acre impoundment on the Tomahawk River, Little Rice River and Rice Creek — includes Lake Nokomis, Bridge Lake and the Rice River Flowage. Species population information: 2023 ice-out fyke netting and boom electrofishing found a healthy walleye population estimated at 4.9 adults per acre; 44% of the adult population was over the 15” minimum length limit and 10% and 4% were over the 18” and 20” thresholds, respectively.

An impressive walleye captured during a 2023 fisheries survey of Yellowstone Lake, Lafayette County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Current regulation: The walleye population is managed with a 15-19.9” harvest slot, a 20-23.9” protected slot and one walleye of the three daily bag limit is allowed at or over 24”. Something of interest: Rice Reservoir was created in 1911 when the Bradley Dam was built on the Tomahawk River north of the city of Tomahawk. The resulting reservoir captured natural lakes Nokomis and Deer. The dam was built by and is owned by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC). WVIC’s mission is to provide stable water flows to the Wisconsin River system and its hydropower generating plants, timber mills and factories.

LONG LAKE

Oneida County

Lake size: 113 acres. Species population information: A high-density walleye fishery was found in Long Lake (6.3 per acre) during the 2023 survey. High abundance should provide an action fishery for those individuals desiring to

catch but maybe not harvest a walleye. Current regulation: The current walleye regulation is a 15” minimum with a 20-24” protected slot with a three daily bag but only one over 24” on Long Lake. Access information: Long Lake can be accessed by a paved boat ramp on the north side of the lake off Doe Lane.

SHAWANO

LAKE AND CONNECTED WATERS (LOON LAKE, WASHINGTON LAKE, SHAWANO CHANNEL AND WOLF RIVER POND)

Shawano County

Water size: 6215 acres. Species population information: A low density walleye population with good size structure was present in the Shawano Lake and surrounding waters. Overall, 57% of the adult population was above 18”. The average length was 19” with a range of 8.6–24.7”. During the 2023 comprehensive survey, the adult population was estimated to be 0.8 fish/acre. This is an increase since the last survey

done in 2018. Current regulation: 18” minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of three. Access information: There are several public boat landings located around Shawano Lake with a few shoreline fishing opportunities near several of the boat landings. Something of interest: There is an ongoing PIT tag array study taking place on Shawano Lake and connected waterbodies. The goal of the project is to look at fish movement, particularly during spawning periods. The study is focusing on northern pike, walleye and muskellunge to see movement between waterbodies and spawning areas to focus future habitat and management decisions. Fifteen years ago, walleye in Shawano Lake were nearly non-existent. Walleyes for Tomorrow and a walleye wagon, along with state hatchery stockings, have shown signs of an increased walleye fishery.

Rod Steege, volunteer survey assistant from the Island Chain Property Owners Association, with a walleye captured by fyke netting in early spring 2023. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

RIB LAKE

Taylor County

Lake size: 320 acres. Species population information: Netting and electrofishing samples in early spring 2023 showed that Rib Lake’s walleye density increased substantially since the last estimate in 2015. Our catch rate of 87 walleyes per net-night was high, compared to fyke netting catch rates in lakes with warm, darkstained water and a complex fish community. Despite the high numbers, walleyes grew faster than the regional average, reaching 15” in four years and 20” in six to seven years. The walleye population’s favorable size distribution likely stems from high nutrient levels that fuel biological production in Rib Lake. In our fyke netting sample of 866 walleyes, 68% were at least 15”, 58% were legal-sized fish 15 to 20” or longer than 24”, just over 9% were at least 20” and 1% was over 25”. The male-female ratio in our sample was 3.8 to one. Fall electrofishing surveys in 2015 and 2023 detected virtually no natural recruitment from young walleyes that hatched and grew in Rib Lake. Stocking appears to be the primary source of new recruits entering the population to replace the adults that die to fishing and natural causes. Each year, Rib Lake receives on average about 1,900 large fingerling walleyes that were raised in local ponds to 6-8” under a cooperative fish rearing agreement between the DNR and the Rib Lake Area Fish & Game Association. Current regulation: Three walleyes from 15 to 20” may be kept, except one of the three may be over 24”. Access information: Rib Lake lies entirely within the Village of Rib Lake adjacent to State Highway 102. The village maintains several municipal parks, boat ramps, fishing piers,

lakeside walkways, picnic areas, campgrounds and shorefishing spots on the north and east shores. Something of interest: The sportsmen’s club provided funding for genetic analysis to identify the relative contributions of stocked fingerlings versus natural fingerlings to Rib Lake’s walleye population. The Molecular Genetics lab at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will analyze fin tissue to match the DNA of Rib Lake walleyes with the DNA of the walleyes used for

of the walleye measured were above the 18” minimum length limit. The 2023 adult walleye population estimate was above average when compared to other stocked walleye lakes. The 2023 survey data indicates quality size structure and above average abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag of three, minimum length limit of 18”. Access information: The town of La Grange manages two boat launches on Lauderdale Lakes. One is on Westshore Drive on Green Lake. The other is on Sterlingworth Court on Mill Lake. Something of interest: Since 2015, Lauderdale Lakes have been stocked with large fingerling walleye through the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative. Just under 16,000 walleye that average around 7” are stocked every other year. - Benjamin Heussner, DNR fisheries biologist, Eagle

MINONG FLOWAGE

Washburn And Douglas Counties

hatchery production from 2017 to 2019. Matching the DNA of parents and their offspring will confirm the hatchery origin of the adults captured by netting in 2023. –Jeff Scheirer, fisheries biologist, Park Falls

LAUDERDALE LAKES (GREEN, MIDDLE AND MILL LAKES)

Walworth County

Lake size: 841 acres. Species population information: Spring surveys in 2023 yielded an average length of 16.3” and a maximum length of 25.3”. Overall, 13%

Lake size: 1587 acres. Species population information: Minong Flowage adult walleye ranged from 11.2 to 24.7”. The average length was 15.5”. Approximately 88% of the adult walleye sampled were above 14”. Current regulation: One fish over 14” with a daily bag limit of three fish. Access information: There are three public boat landings on Minong Flowage. These landings are located off Tota Rd., off Flowage Rd. and Smith Bridge Rd. Something of interest: Minong Flowage is an impoundment of the Totagatic River, The Totogatic Wild River designation includes nearly 70 miles of the Totogatic River from the outlet of Totogatic Lake in Bayfield County, through Sawyer, Washburn and Douglas counties to its mouth at the Namekagon River in Burnett County.

DNR fisheries biologist Angelo Cozzola with a 27” walleye captured in the 2023 Wolf River stock assessment.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

BIG CEDAR LAKE

Washington County

Lake size: 937 acres. Species population information: 2023 spring surveys yielded an average length of 17.2” and a maximum length of 25.6”. 34% of the walleye measured were above the 18” minimum length limit. The 2023 adult walleye population estimate was above average when compared to other stocked walleye lakes. Overall, the 2023 survey data indicates quality size structure and above average abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of three, minimum length limit 18”. Access information: A public boat launch is located at the end of Gonring Drive in West Bend. Something of interest: Big Cedar Lake has a maximum depth of 105 feet and approximately 10 miles of shoreline.

UPPER AND LOWER NEMAHBIN LAKES

Waukesha County

Lake size: 516 combined surface acres. Species population information: Average Length – 17“, 2.0 adults per surface acre. Current regulation: 18” minimum length, daily bag limit of three. Access information: The main public boat launch is located on the Bark River on the south end of Upper Nemahbin Lake on County Hwy. DR. An additional carry-in access is located on Lower Nemahbin Lake off of Sugar Island Road east of Hwy. P. Something of interest: A comprehensive fisheries survey completed in 2022 revealed excellent survival from both natural reproduction and stocked walleye.

PETENWELL LAKE

Wood, Adams And Juneau Counties

Lake size: 23,178 acres. Species population information: Fyke nets were set in the lake as in past years for targeting gamefish, including walleye. The relative

abundance (catch per effort, CPE) and size structure of walleye sampled using electrofishing and fyke netting did not differ from past surveys in 2011 or 2016. CPE for walleye was two fish per net-night and 57 fish per hour. We handled 635 walleyes during the survey, 15 of those fish were recaptured once. Walleyes ranged from 6.9” to 29.4“, average length was 16.8”. The proportional stock density (PSD) of quality size fish (≥15”) objective range is 40-60%, and was 55% in 2023, in past surveys PSD was 44% (2016) and 62% (2011). The objective range for PSD-P (≥ preferred size, 20”) is 15-40%, PSD-P was 23% in 2023 and PSD-P in the past was 14% (2016) and 19% (2011). Overall, 31.6% of walleye were available for harvest as they were either 15-19.9” (31%) or greater than 28” (0.6%). Overall, 68.4% of the walleye were protected from harvest because they were either less than 15” (46.2%) or in the 20–28” protected slot (22.2%). These percentages of walleye that are

available for harvest or protected from harvest are like size distributions observed in 2011 and 2016. Annual fall electrofishing surveys found 2023 to be a poorer year class, from survey data going back to 2015 we are starting to see a pattern of two good year classes followed by two poorer year classes for walleye in Petenwell Lake. Typically, we see larger age-1+ (juvenile) CPEs the following year of a good recruitment year, yet that wasn’t observed the last two good recruitment years for Petenwell. Current regulation: The daily bag limit has changed to three walleye. The minimum length limit is 15”, fish that are 2028” may not be kept and only one walleye greater than 28” may be kept. Access information: There are ample public boat launch and shore fishing access opportunities. Popular boat launches include Jim Freeman Memorial Launch (aka Nekoosa City Launch), Plank Hill boat launch, Chester Creek Boat Launch, Petenwell Park and Wilderness Park.

An 11-year-old aspiring fisheries biologist holds a walleye caught in a two-year netting survey to estimate musky density in Mason and Evergreen lakes in the Flambeau River State Forest, Sawyer County. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

Shore fishing is available at many of the public boat launch sites and on the Domtar shoreline in the city of Nekoosa. Check out the DNR’s Boat and Shore Fishing Access website for more information: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/lands/boataccess.html - Jen Bergman, DNR fisheries biologist, Wisconsin Rapids

MUSKELLUNGE

RICE LAKE

Barron County

Lake size: 859 acres. Species population information: A low-moderate density muskellunge population with good size structure was present in Rice Lake. During 2022–2023, 108 adult muskellunge were captured, with a mean length of 35.3” and the largest being 49.5”. Current regulation: 50” minimum length limit with a one daily bag limit. Access information: There are multiple boat access locations, including one on lakeshore drive and one located off East Orchard Beach Lane. - Kyle Broadway, DNR fisheries biologist, Barron and Polk counties

LAKE NAMEKAGON

Bayfield County

Lake size: 3,227 acres. Species population information: The lake provides a trophy musky fishery that is supported by stocking. A recent survey estimated there were 0.25 adult musky/acre, which is a moderate density with above average sizes, as 56% of the fish handled in the survey were at or above 38” and 31% were at or above 42”. These data

suggest anglers have a decent chance for trophy-sized fish. Current regulation: 50” minimum length limit with a one daily bag limit. Access information: There are seven public boat launches on Lake Namekagon and at numerous restaurants and resorts.

ST LOUIS RIVER ESTUARY Douglas County

Water size: 11,500 acres. Species population information: The Spring 2023 muskellunge survey captured 327 muskies (61% male, 32% female and 7% unknown) throughout the St. Louis River Estuary. Lengths ranged from 26 to 53” with an average of 42”. Weights also varied from 3 to 49 pounds with an average of 22 pounds. Current regulation: Open from May 27–Nov. 30. Daily bag limit is one musky that has to be at least 50”. Access information: There are a variety of public boat launches across the St. Louis River Estuary. Visit this website for details:

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

Find more information about musky fishing in Wisconsin:

• https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/musky/muskywaters_fishing.html

Something of interest: Great Lakes Spotted strain musky were stocked in 2021 for the first time in the St. Louis River Estuary. With help from the Minnesota DNR and Muskies Inc., 1,271 were tagged, measured and distributed throughout the upper St. Louis River. The musky fishery provides action and trophy opportunities for all skill levels with tackle choices from bucktail spinners to large flies.

CRESCENT LAKE Oneida County

Lake size: 626 acres. Species population information: A desirable muskellunge fishery was found

in Crescent Lake during the 2022 and 2023 survey. The moderate to high abundance muskellunge fishery relative to other lakes in Oneida county had quality sized individuals varying in total lengths between 25” to 48”. Current regulation: There is currently a 40” minimum length limit with a daily bag of one. Access information: Crescent Lake has a public ramp with ample parking on the North end of the lake off U.S. Hwy. 8.

MASON AND EVERGREEN LAKES Sawyer County

Lake size: 390 acres (combined)— Species population information: Here’s the update we promised in last year’s fishing report. Our spring netting samples in 2022 and 2023 showed that Mason and Evergreen lakes had an estimated 679 muskies or 1.74 adults per acre. The high-density population should offer fast-fishing action, but its size structure will be disappointing to those seeking big fish. On average, males were 29.3” and females were 31.6” and less than 2% of muskies in our combined sample grew to at least

An impressive musky from a recent Sawyer County survey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

38”. Our 2023 fyke net sample included some larger fish that went undetected in 2022. We found four legal-sized muskies 40” or longer in 2023, compared to only one in 2022. The largest musky captured was a 49.5” female that nearly attained trophy length. 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. A shallow, narrow channel connects 190-acre Mason Lake and 200-acre Evergreen Lake. Boaters adapt to changing water levels by paddling, rowing, trimming and carefully motoring, or wading and pulling their crafts about 200 yards between the lakes. Something of interest: Over the next few years, we’ll evaluate options to apply an experimental regulation that would allow harvest of the abundant sizes while protecting muskies with growth potential to surpass memorable size (≥ 42”) or approach trophy size (≥ 50”). –Jeff Scheirer, DNR fisheries biologist, Park Falls

FOUND LAKE

Vilas County

Lake size: 326 acres. Species population information: Found Lake

has a muskellunge fishery with good size structure and density that is supported by stocking. In 2023, 64 adult muskellunge were captured during eight days of walleye and muskellunge targeted surveying. Of the adult muskellunge captured, 25% were 40” or larger, with the largest being a 45.5” female. Current regulation: 40” minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of one. Access information: There is a nice landing located on the southeastern shores of the lake with ample parking off of Kleppe Road near the town of Saint Germain. - Eric Wegleitner, DNR fisheries biologist, Vilas County

OKAUCHEE LAKE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 1,257 surface acres with a maximum depth of 92 feet. Species population information: Muskellunge have excellent size structure in Okauchee Lake. New regulations in 2024 for muskellunge on Okauchee Lake provide anglers with continued trophy opportunities by promoting catch and release of mature muskellunge. Average length was 44”. Current regulation: New in 2024 – 50” minimum length limit anf daily bag limit of one.

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 Lacy Lane north of East Wisconsin Avenue.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

LAKE WISCONSIN

Columbia And Sauk Counties

Lake size: 7,200 acres. Species population information: Smallmouth bass were abundant in the 2023 survey of Lake Wisconsin. The electrofishing catch rate was 13 fish/mile which was above the 75th percentile for similar lakes (large river impoundments) across Wisconsin. Smallmouth bass ranged from 4 to 19.8” with an average length of 12.1”. Overall, 25% of smallmouth bass were larger than 14”. Lake Wisconsin offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing action with good size structure. Current regulation: 14” minimum length limit, five fish daily bag limit. Access information: Boat access: DNR boat landings at Whalen’s Grade, Okee and Sunset Bay in Columbia County, and at Moon Valley near Merrimac and Summer Oaks boat landing (Sauk County Parks between Merrimac and Prairie du Sac) in Sauk County. There are numerous smaller township boat landings in Columbia County. Shore fishing: County Road V at Whalen’s Grade, State Road 113 in Okee, Merrimac ferry landing park (Columbia County) and Moon Valley fishing pier (Sauk County). Something of interest:

DNR fisheries technician Austin Mannigel admiring a 49.5” female musky, the largest captured in the two-year netting survey on Mason and Evergreen lakes in the Flambeau River State Forest, Sawyer County. Photo Credit: Kendal Patrie

Excellent smallmouth bass fishing can be found in the Wisconsin River from the upper end of Lake Wisconsin up to the Kilbourn Dam in Wisconsin Dells.

GREEN BAY Door County

Species population information:

The smallmouth bass fishery along the Green Bay waters of Door County is well known for its outstanding abundance and robust size structure. Although the 2023 creel data are not yet available, smallmouth bass sport fishing catch per effort has been at historically moderate levels the last two years, but still above

These survey data also indicated that recruitment, measured as first or second year spawning fish, was lower than in the 2017 survey. Overall, the Door County smallmouth meta-population is in relatively good condition in both numbers and size structure. Current regulation: The rules vary by location and date; anglers should check the smallmouth fishing rules in the Tributary Streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan and the Lake Michigan sections of the regulation pamphlet for season and harvest rules. Anglers should also note that a new rule implemented in 2020 created a Fish Refuge in the Mink River that begins with the standard March gamefish closure and runs through June 15. Access

shore fishing sites is the George K. Pinney County Park (formerly the Olde Stone Quarry Park) that is located at the north side of the mouth of Sturgeon Bay. Something of interest: Two studies on smallmouth bass in Green Bay and Lake Michigan have recently been implemented by researchers from UW-Stevens Point in cooperation with DNR staff. One explores the mechanisms that may contribute to nesting success/failures in Door County populations and evaluates the most efficient method for sampling young-of-year smallmouth. The other study uses acoustic telemetry and genetics to investigate smallmouth bass dispersal and spawning site fidelity. These studies will provide very important information to assist us in the management of smallmouth bass.

PINE LAKE

Iron County

Lake size: 312 acres. Species population information: Located just south of Hurley, Pine Lake provides a fantastic trophy smallmouth opportunity for anglers. During a 2023 spring electrofishing survey, crews sampled smallmouth bass at a high rate of 24 fish/mile. Individuals ranged from 3.1” to 20.2”, with 54% measuring larger than 11” and 19% larger than 17”. Access information: Anglers can access Pine Lake from the public boat launch on the north side of the lake off Hwy. G.

the previous 15-year average of 0.64 smallmouth caught per hour fished. Growth rates continue to improve for smallmouth in this area and are at a historical high. The 2021 netting surveys of the spawning populations in the Sturgeon Bay/Little Sturgeon Bay areas indicated catch per effort (a measure of relative abundance) has been relatively steady since the mid-2010s.

information: There are many boat launches in the area including several in Sturgeon Bay and Little Sturgeon Bay; Peninsula State Park is one of the sites that provide access to areas in northern Door County. Anglers can refer to a map of the area for boat launch sites or go to: https://dnr.wi.gov/ topic/lands/boataccess for a listing of some of the launches in the area. One of the better

KATHERINE LAKE

Oneida County

Lake size: 524 acres. Species population information: An action bass fishery was found in Katherine Lake during the 2023 survey. High abundances of largemouth bass (3.9 per acre) and smallmouth bass (4.6 per acre) were found. Total length of largemouth bass ranged from 3”

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

to 17”. Total length of smallmouth bass ranged between 2”-19”. Current regulation: There is currently no minimum length limit on bass and the daily bag limit is five on Katherine Lake. Access information: Katherine Lake has a public ramp with ample parking on the west side of the lake off Oneida Street near Hwy 51.

(River Road) and DuBay Dam boat landing. Shore access: Green Circle Trail, Admiral A.W. Grant Park, Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Mead Park Bukolt Park, Red Bridge (Walkush Road), The Pipes (Granite Ridge Road), River Road (lots of access along this road), Bahamas On The River, Bullheads Bar & Grill, Wisconsin River Recreational Area (east side below DuBay

STEVENS POINT FLOWAGE/ WISCONSIN RIVER

Portage County

Water size: 2,776 acres + 5 river miles. Downstream boundary: downtown Stevens Point Dam Upstream boundary: Lake DuBay Dam. Species population information: During the 2023 comprehensive survey, 101 smallmouth bass were captured which ranged from 7.7-20.1” with an average length of 14.1”. Their population was found to be a moderate-high relative abundance and excellent size structure, with 49% of fish captured being ≥14” and 23% ≥17”. Current regulation: Open all year 14” minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of five fish. Access information: Boat access: Franklin Street boat launch, Bukolt Park boat landing, old U.S. 10 boat landing, new U.S. 10 boat landing

Dam) and the DuBay Dam boat landing (Dam Road - west side below DuBay Dam). Something of interest: Smallmouth bass have never been stocked in the Stevens Point Flowage.

LOWER WISCONSIN RIVER

Sauk, Columbia, Dane, Richland, Iowa, Grant And Crawford Counties

Water size: From the Prairie Du Sac Dam to its confluence with the Mississippi River, the lower wisconsin River is approximately 92 miles. Species population information: During electrofishing surveys in 2018-2023, we found 58-77 % of fish were ≥ 11”, 10-65% of fish were ≥ 14”, 4-10% were ≥ 17”. Although there are high proportions of smaller fish that

regularly occur in these population surveys annually, it actually indicates there is regular recruitment of new fish in to the population. Catch rates range from 6-37 fish per mile in the Prairie Du Sac tailwater in 2018-2023, but in 2022-2023, smallmouth catch rates ranged from 29-32 fish per mile during fall electrofishing surveys, which is really good for the tailwater. Current regulation: 14” minimum length limit with five fish per day. The Wisconsin River is open year round for smallmouth fishing. Access information: To fish the tailwater below the Prairie Du Sac Dam, you can access the shoreline just downstream the dam on the west bank, or you can also fish near the Veterans Memorial Park. Alice Graf Park and the Sauk City Riverfront Park also provide good shoreline access. There are numerous shoreline access locations throughout the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and from Sauk City to the Mississippi River. To fish in a boat near the dam, the closest boat launch would be Veterans Memorial Park. There are also numerous launches throughout the Lower Wisconsin Riverway. The most popular are around Prairie Du Sac, Mazomanie, Spring Green, Muscoda, Gotham, Woodman and Bridgeport. Something of interest: This population is entirely supported by natural reproduction. The population abundance waxes and wanes from the recruitment of new fish based on the timing and duration of low flow conditions over time. Depending on the availability of preferred forage, smallmouth can exhibit very rotund body condition. In the summer and fall of 2023, there was a significant year-class of gizzard shad, which contributed to some very plump smallmouth bass (aka footballs). A recent tagging exploitation study conducted in 2021 estimated that only 4.6% of smallmouth population are actually harvested. The lower Wisconsin River has become a premier location for drift boat anglers who like to fly fish. Many guides are available for drift boat

An angler with an exceptional Couderay River smallmouth bass. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

trips throughout southcentral and southwestern Wisconsin. Although drift boat fly fishing sounds like a far-out experience, the most radical smallmouth anglers have been viewed spin fishing the Lower Wisconsin River in innertubes or using pool-noodles. More conventional navigation techniques (wading, kayaks and paddleboards) are also sought by anglers trying to achieve the full guerilla-fishing experience.

MINONG FLOWAGE

Washburn And Douglas Counties

Lake size: 1,587 acres. Species

population information: Minong Flowage smallmouth bass ranged from 8 to 18”. The average length was 12.3”. Approximately 30% of the smallmouth bass sampled were above 14”. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, daily bag limit of five fish. Access information: There are three public boat landings on Minong Flowage. These landings are located at: off Tota Rd., off Flowage Rd. and Smith Bridge Rd. Something of interest: Minong Flowage is an impoundment of the Totagatic River. The Totagatic River Wild River designation includes nearly 70 miles of the Totagatic River from the outlet of Totagatic Lake in Bayfield County, through Sawyer, Washburn and Douglas counties to its mouth at the Namekagon River in Burnett County.

LAC LA BELLE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 1,154 surface acres. Species population information: Average Length was 13”. Current regulation: 14” minimum length, daily bag limit of five. Access information: Shore fishing opportunities can be found below the Fowler Lake Dam. The public boat launch is located on south end of Lac La Belle near the public

beach on Wisconsin Avenue. Recent electrofishing surveys have shown Lac LaBelle continues to support a healthy smallmouth bass population with above average abundance and excellent size structure.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

LAKE DELTA Bayfield County

Lake size: 167 acres. Species population information: A spring electrofishing survey was recently completed on Lake Delta and data suggests the largemouth bass population is abundant with quality-sized fish. A total of 109 largemouth were captured during the survey equating to a relative abundance of 24 fish/mile, which is higher than 70% of other northern Wisconsin lakes of the same lake class surveyed since 2010. Several good-sized fish were handled as well with 22% greater than 15”. Current regulation: Fishing regulations are a 14” minimum length limit and a five fish bag limit. Access information: There is one public access boat launch and a county campground on Lake Delta.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL 5

Buffalo County

Species population information: The 2023 fall electrofishing survey showed good numbers above and below the 14” length limit. Overall, 294 adult and juvenile largemouth bass were captured per hour of electrofishing. Nearly

An angler poses with a southeastern Wisconsin smallmouth bass before a successful release. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

40% of surveyed largemouth bass were greater than 12”, while nearly three in ten were greater than the 14” length limit. The average length of a legal-sized largemouth bass was nearly 16”, while the largest specimen was just over 19”. Current regulation: 14” minimum length; five in total with smallmouth bass. Access information: Check the DNR website for access locations. Something of interest: The number of largemouth bass has trended higher during the last 20 years on the Mississippi River. Our 2023 survey showed another good year for survival of young largemouth bass and signals good fishing into the foreseeable future.

POTTER FLOWAGE

Jackson County

Lake size: 255 acres, max depth of 24 feet. Species population information: A 2023 fisheries assessment of Potter Flowage documented a quality largemouth bass fishery with multiple bass over 20”. A total of 147 largemouth bass were sampled, 21% were 18” or greater with the largest measuring 21.2”. Current regulation: The statewide standard harvest regulation of five fish per day with a minimum length of 14” applies. Access information: Public boat launches can be found at Merlin Lambert County Park and at the end of Larb Lane. Camping is available at the County Park.Zach Woiak, DNR fisheries biologist, Black River Falls Area

regulation: General inland regulations apply for largemouth bass. Access information: A public boat launch is located at the end of Island Road on the south end of the lake. A public beach is located on the west shore of the lake. Something of interest: 26% of largemouth bass collect-

DNR fisheries technician Samir Shaikh with a nice-sized largemouth bass captured during an electrofishing survey of Lake Delta, Bayfield County in spring of 2023. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

ed during spring electrofishing were 12” or larger. The exact same number of largemouth bass (177) were collected during spring fyke netting. The length range was 4.5 to 20.3” and an average of 10”. 29% of largemouth bass collected during spring fyke netting were 12” or larger.

LAKE RIPLEY

Jefferson County

Lake size: 420 acres. Species population information: At total of 177 largemouth bass were collected during spring electrofishing for a catch per unit effort of 44.25 bass per mile. The length range was 4.3 to 16.5” with an average length of 10.7”. Current

SAWYER LAKE

Langlade County

Lake size: 149 acres. Species population information: 2023 fyke netting and electrofishing surveys found a high quality largemouth bass population. We captured 133 largies at or over 8” and 74% of them were 12”+, 59% were 14”+, 14% were 16”+ and 4% were 18”+; they looked healthy

too! Current regulation: Sawyer Lake has a 12-15.9” protected slot on bass with a daily limit of five bass allowed. Access information: The U.S. Forest Service owns and maintains the boat landing on the western shoreline and owns a small portion of lake frontage on the eastern shoreline where the inlet creek from Jessie Lake enters Sawyer Lake. The U.S. Forest Service owns both shorelines of the inlet creek from Jessie Lake which is navigable (go slow!), and about one-third of the Jessie Lake shoreline. Jessie Lake is a beautiful, small spring lake with limited development and has two primitive Forest Service campsites which can also be accessed off of Sawyer Lake Road. - Dave Seibel, DNR fisheries biologist, Antigo

LONG LAKE Manitowoc County

Lake size: 119 acres. Species population information: A total of 72 largemouth bass were captured in a spring 2022 electrofishing survey for a catch rate of 29.6 largemouth bass per mile of shoreline. A catch rate of 29.6 largemouth bass per mile of shoreline ranks in the 72nd percentile for lakes in Wisconsin, indicating moderate-high densities of largemouth bass can be found in Long Lake. The average length of largemouth bass captured in the spring electrofishing survey was 13.9” with largemouth bass ranging from 6.9 – 19.4” being captured. Long Lake provides plenty of opportunities to catch legal-sized largemouth bass as 50% (i.e., 36) of the largemouth bass captured in the spring elec-

trofishing survey were ≥14”. The catch rate of largemouth bass ≥14” in the spring electrofishing survey was 14.4 largemouth bass per mile of electrofishing, which ranks in the 93rd percentile for lakes in Wisconsin. Current regulation: Five largemouth bass or smallmouth bass in combination may be kept and they must be at least 14”. 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. Something of interest: Both the DNR and private clubs stock walleyes in Long Lake. Since 2010, 1,772 large fingerling (average length of 7”) and 25,533 small fingerling (average length of 2”) walleyes have been stocked in Long Lake.

PERCH LAKE

Monroe County

Lake size: 38 acres. Species population information: Perch Lake is a small impoundment on the La Crosse River in the city of Sparta. Though shallow with excessive weed growth by late summer, fishing for bluegill, yellow perch and largemouth bass can be good from winter to early summer. Relative density of largemouth bass was in the top 25th percentile compared to similar lakes across the state in 2023. Over half of all largemouth bass captured in 2023 were greater than 15” and some exceeded 17”. In addition to opportunities for panfish and largemouth bass, the lake is seasonally home to a few very large northern pike that can exceed 40”. Current regulation: Refer to the fishing regulations pamphlet for statewide regulations. Access information: Improved boat landing located off of Park Drive in the city of Sparta. Something of interest:

Brown trout, which naturally reproduce on the La Crosse River upstream of the lake, are occasionally found in Perch Lake in winter and spring.

PAYA LAKE Oconto County

Lake size: 121 acres. Species popuation information: The 2023 fish survey showed that largemouth bass size structure and abundance is good. The current fishing regulation is designed to increase largemouth bass abundance. There is no early catch-and-release season for largemouth bass even though Paya Lake is within the northern bass zone. Current regulation: There is a 14 to 18” protected slot with a five fish per day limit (only one largemouth bass over 18” allowed). Access information: A single boat landing is located on the south side of the lake. Something of interest: A fish habitat project was completed several years ago whereby dozes of trees were placed in the water at 17 locations around the lake. View

the map: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/ doclink/lakes_maps/0425600a. pdf

KATHERINE LAKE Oneida County

Lake size: 524 acres. Species population information: An action bass fishery was found in Katherine Lake during the 2023 survey. High abundances of largemouth bass (3.9/acre) and smallmouth bass (4.6/acre) were found. Total length of largemouth bass varied between 3” to 17”. Total length of smallmouth bass varied between 2” to 19”. Current regulation: There is currently no minimum length limit on bass and the daily bag limit is five on Katherine Lake. Access information: Katherine Lake has a public ramp with ample parking on the west side of the lake off Oneida Street near Hwy. 51.

NELSON LAKE Sawyer County

Lake size: 2,716 acres. This lake offers everything a largemouth bass angler could want for a fun day on the water. Nelson is an impoundment with extensive bays and a large central island. Anglers can target largemouth in stumpy bays, expansive lily pad flats or the old river channel. Additionally, over 1,000 trees have been added to shorelines around the lake by the DNR and the Nelson Lake Association. Species population information: Size of largemouth is excellent at this point in time. A 2023 survey found nearly half of the largemouth population to be over

An impressive Lake Ripley, Jefferson County bucketmouth collected in a 2023 sampling effort Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

15“. Smallmouth bass are also present but are considerably more rare. Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit for largemouth bass and some degree of harvest of smaller bass appears to be helpful in maintaining better size structure for this population. Access information: Anglers can access the lake from one of three public boat launches. There are ample shore fishing opportunities as well, with much of the land surrounding the northern half of the lake and most of the “big island” in county or state ownership.

BRANDY LAKE

Vilas County

Lake size: 110 acres. Species population information: Brandy Lake supports a plentiful largemouth bass population for anglers to enjoy. A one-night bass/panfish electrofishing survey was conducted in 2023 and largemouth were caught at a high rate during that survey. Size structure was a bit on the low side with bass averaging 12.2”. However, 26% were

over 14” and the largest captured was 17.9”. Current regulation: 14” minimum length limit, five daily bag. Access information: There is a landing along the southeast shore of Brandy Lake, right in the heart of the town of Woodruff. Something of interest: Brandy Park is located along the shores of the lake and has a swimming beach, many different ball fields/ courts and disc golf course for those seeking to take a break from catching bass. — Eric Wegleitner, DNR fisheries biologist, Vilas County

OKAUCHEE LAKE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 1,257 surface acres, maximum depth = 92 feet. Species population information: Largemouth bass have excellent size structure in Okauchee Lake. Electrofishing surveys have consistently revealed above average catch rates indicating above average abundance. Average length was 14”. Current regulation: 14” minimum length

limit and daily bag limit of five. 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 Lacy Lane north of East Wisconsin Avenue. Something of interest: Okauchee Lake has a plethora of healthy aquatic plants, woody structure, deep water and a diversity of forage.

LTE fisheries technician Ryan Olson holds a hefty northern pike captured during a fyke netting survey on Perch Lake, Monroe County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

NORTHERN PIKE

LOON LAKE

Ashland County

Lake size: 32 acres. Species population information: Loon Lake provides an easily accessible action northern pike opportunity nestled within Copper Falls State Park, located just outside of Mellen. Results from a 2023 spring electrofishing survey suggest that northern pike are present in good numbers. Northern pike were sampled at a moderate rate of 16.8/mile and ranged in length from 10.4” to 21.3”, with an average length of 18.3”. Access information: Anglers can access Loon Lake via foot off Highway 169 or the public boat launch at Copper Falls State Park.

LAKE WISCONSIN

Columbia And Sauk Counties

Lake size: 7,200 acres. Species population information: Northern pike were abundant in the 2023 survey of Lake Wisconsin. The fyke net catch rate was 4.4 fish/net night which was above the 75th percentile for similar lakes (large river impoundments) across Wisconsin. Pike ranged from 10-41” with an average length of 22.6”. For pike older than age one, 36% were larger than the minimum length limit of 26”, and 13% were larger than 32”. Lake Wisconsin offers a great combination of fishing action, opportunity to keep northern pike to eat and a trophy fishing opportunity. The ice fishing season is a popular time to target northern pike in Lake Wisconsin. Current regulation: 26” minimum length limit, two fish daily bag limit. Access information: County Highway V at Whalen’s Grade,

DNR boat landings at Okee (Old Sauk Road and State Road 113), Sunset Bay (State Road 188 south of the ferry landing), and Moon Valley (State Road 78 near Merrimac). Something of interest: All fish populations in Lake Wisconsin except for muskellunge are fully self-sustaining and do not require stocking.

LAKE EAU GALLE

Dunn County

Lake size: 351 acres. Species population information: Northern pike were in moderate abundance in the 2023 survey of Lake Eau Galle and catch rates resulted in 4.34/net night which is in the 75th percentile for similar lakes across the state. Pike ranged from 10-43” with an average of 25”. The average length of pike was in the 99th percentile for similar lakes. A total of 21% of pike were larger than 30”. This lake offers a great trophy opportunity for pike! The lake also contains a high quality largemouth bass population. Current regulation: Five fish per day. Access information: A county -owned and operated park and

boat ramp is located on the southeast side of the lake off of 290th St. Shorefishing is allowed within the county park. A county owned public fishing pier is also located at the south end of the lake within the town of Eau Galle. Something of interest: Northern pike were stocked in Lake Eau Galle until 2018. The 2023 survey documented natural reproduction of pike and multiple year classes indicating stocking is no longer needed to maintain the fishery.

BLACKHAWK LAKE

Iowa County

Lake size: 212 acres. Species population information: Northern pike abundance is moderate in Blackhawk Lake and the population is estimated at 1.1 fish per acre. During spring netting surveys in 2021, 183 northern pike were sampled (1.2/net night) ranging from 11.2 to 42.3” with an average of 24.2”. These fish had good condition overall and growth rates that were above statewide averages. DNR staff also collected genetic information on this population and it was determined that 85% of the fish are being contributed

DNR fisheries technician Brandon Rotolo with a 38.2 inch female northern pike from Green Bay that was estimated as 8 years old. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

through natural reproduction, suggesting that this population is not reliant on stocking for success. Therefore, anglers can expect a productive northern pike population in the years to come. Current regulation: Minimum length limit of 26” with a daily bag limit of two. Access information: An access fee to the recreational area is required and one public boat launch is available. Motors are permitted, although slow no wake rules are in effect at all times. Accessible fishing piers and shore fishing opportunities are also available. Something of interest: Blackhawk Lake is located within the Blackhawk Lake Recreational Area. Camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and biking are permitted in the recreational area and a public beach and picnic area are provided. Boat, canoe and pontoon rentals are also available. — Justin Haglund, DNR fisheries biologist, Dodgeville

and are found in a relatively high abundance. During spring surveys a total of 111 fish were handled with 16% over 26”. The largest fish measured was a 38” female. Current regulation: The northern pike southern zone regulation of a two fish daily bag limit and a 26” minimum length applies. Access information: A public boat launch is located in the village park on Beach Drive on the northeast shoreline of the lake.

— Zach Woiak, DNR fisheries biologist, Black River Falls Area

SILVER LAKE

Manitowoc County

Lake size: 73 acres. Species population information: A total of 265 northern pike were captured in a spring 2023 fyke netting survey for a catch rate of 8.8 northern pike per net night. A catch rate of 8.8 northern pike per net night ranks in the 89th percentile for lakes in Wisconsin, indicating

TROW LAKE

Jackson County

Lake size: 38 acres, max depth 9 feet. Species population information: Northern pike are the dominant game fish in Trow Lake

high densities of northern pike can be found in Long Lake. The average length of northern pike captured in the fyke netting survey was 24.6” with northern pike ranging from 13.0 – 23.4” being captured. Silver Lake provides an opportunity to catch both good

numbers of northern pike as well as some quality-sized fish over 30 inches. Current regulation: Only one northern pike may be kept, and it must be at least 32”. 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 with two fishing piers on Silver Lake, as well as access to Silver Creek.

Something of interest: About 20 years ago, Silver Creek was rerouted so that it no longer flowed into Silver Lake to reduce nutrient loading in Silver Lake. Shortly after Silver Creek was rerouted, Silver Lake was treated with rotenone to remove large numbers of rough fish (e.g., common carp and gizzard shad) that were degrading water quality and fish habitat in the lake. Since 2004, 64,525 northern pike, 28,941 largemouth bass, 25,189 walleye, 20,033 bluegill, 4,986 yellow perch, 149,925 fathead minnows and 829 white suckers have been stocked into Silver Lake to reestablish the fishery following the large rotenone treatment and a winterkill that took place in 2015.

GREEN BAY AND TRIBUTARIES

Marinette, Oconto, Brown And Door Counties

Species population information: DNR conducted a northern pike netting survey on the west shores of Green Bay in spring of 2023. A total of 787 pike were sampled. Male pike averaged 21.5”, while females averaged 28.1”. Northern pike inhabiting the productive waters of Green Bay have a wide variety of forage to grow quickly. As a result, growth rates are generally faster than inland lakes with some female pike on Green Bay reaching 40” in eight years. The largest pike sampled in the survey was a 42.5” female that was estimated at 9 years old. Current regulation for Green Bay and major tributaries: Open all year. Daily limit is five. No length minimum. Current regulation for all other Green Bay tributaries:

A hefty northern pike is proudly displayed by a young angler on a recent trip to Chequamegon Bay. Photo Credit: Chris Zunker

Open first Saturday in May to first Sunday in March. The daily bag limit is five. No minimum length. 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/

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

Something of interest: For the past few years, county land conservation departments along the west shore of Green Bay have been assessing pike spawning runs in ditches and wetlands using modified fyke nets. Angler returns from those floy-tagged fish suggest that pike tend to spend the remainder of the year in the Bay within 5 miles of the location where they were tagged during spawning. A two-year UW-Green Bay graduate student telemetry project on pike will help shed some additional light on movement and habitat use of adult pike in Green Bay.

TOWNSEND FLOWAGE

Oconto County

Lake size: 476 acres. Species population information: The 2023 survey indicated an abundant pike population with fish averaging 22”. Pike over 30” were collected. This is a popular winter fishing spot because it’s one of the first local lakes to freeze. Current regulation: No minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of five fish. Access information: There are 2 public boat landings (and several private landings) around the flowage. Map Link: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/doclink/ lakes_maps/0465000a.pdf

THUNDER LAKE

Oneida County

Lake size: 1,794 acres. Species population information: A high-density northern pike fishery (5.7 per acre) was found

A stout, 38” northern pike taken from the ice on a Waukesha County lake this past winter. Photo Credit: Angler submitted

in Thunder Lake during the 2023 survey. Get your pickling recipes ready, as lengths varied between 8” to 36”, with the typical length around 18”. Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is five for northern pike on Thunder Lake. Access information: Thunder Lake can be accessed from the north off Dynamite Landing Road and from the south off Panfish Landing.

ISLAND CHAIN OF LAKES Rusk And Chippewa Counties

Lake size: 1,222 acres. Species population information: Though walleyes were our primary target, the incidental catch of northern pike in nine days of fyke netting revealed that, together, the four lakes of the Island Chain of Lakes supported an estimated 2,367 pike or 1.9 adults per acre. The population’s better-than-average size structure should appeal to anglers seeking a meal of midsize fish and to those pursuing larger pike. Among 883 pike captured in fyke nets, 72% were quality-size fish 21” or longer, and 14% were preferred-size pike at least 28”. Nearly 7.5% exceeded 32”, and 2.6% were memorable-size pike that grew beyond 34”. Current regulation: Anglers may keep a daily bag limit of five northern pike of any length from the four lakes combined. Access information: The Island Chain is adjacent to state Hwy. 40 about 11 miles south of Bruce. Boaters can launch from several public access sites on Island, Clear and McCann lakes. Chain Lake has no developed public boat launch, but it is easily accessible by water. Several resorts also have boat ramps. Something of interest: Management strategies intended to rehabilitate the Island Chain’s walleye population had marginal success. Special fishing regulations have protected adult walleye and allowed liberal bass harvest since 2011, and the Island Chain has received nearly 50,000 walleyes stocked as large fingerlings since 2015. Coarse estimates in spring 2023 showed that intensive stocking has produced 1.8 adults per acre in Island Lake and 2.4 adults per acre in Chain Lake. However, we found no evidence of natural recruitment to the Island Chain’s walleye population since 2002. Jeff Scheirer, DNR fisheries biologist, Park Falls

NAGAWICKA LAKE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 970 surface acres with a maximum depth of 90 feet. Species population information: Average length was 24.6” with a population estimate of 0.5 adults per surface acre and an excellent size structure. White suckers and panfish are the primary forage base. Current regulation: 26” minimum length and a daily bag

limit of two. Access information: The public boat launch is located on the lakes’ east side off of Mariner Drive in Naga-Waukee county park. A public fishing pier is found in Saint John’s Park in the city of Delafield Park near Nagawicka Dam.

PETENWELL LAKE

Wood, Adams And Juneau Counties

Water size: 23,178 acres. Species population information: Petenwell Lake offers anglers an opportunity to catch big northern pike. A 2023 spring fyke-netting survey took place on Petenwell Lake that targeted northern pike.

518 northern pike were caught and the catch per effort (CPE) was 2.2 fish per net-night. This CPE is greater than the 2016 survey of 0.53 fish per net-night and is above the median CPE for Complex Warm Dark lakes like Petenwell Lake. Petenwell Lake was at least five feet low during the 2023 survey, potentially causing northern pike to concentrate in the backwaters on the upper part of the lake because the lower backwaters were dry. Size structure has improved over the years with a greater percentage of preferred size (PSD-P, % of fish ≥28”) and memorable size (PSD-M, % of fish ≥34”) northern pike, where PSD-P has increased from 9% to 22%, PSD-M has increased from 4% to 6%. In addition, maximum length of pike has increased for males and females; the maximum length of a male northern pike was 33.4” and the maximum female length was 43.6”. The average length of male northern pike was 21.6” and 27.3” for females. 9% of the northern pike were 32” or greater. Current regulation: 32” minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of one, open all year. Access information: There are ample public boat launch and shore fishing access opportunities. Popular boat launches include Jim Freeman Memorial Launch (Nekoosa City Launch), Plank Hill Boat Launch, Chester Creek Boat Launch, Petenwell Park and Wilderness Park. Shore fishing is available at many of the public boat launch sites and on the Domtar shoreline in the city of Nekoosa. Check out the DNR’s Boat and Shore Fishing Access website for more information: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/ boataccess/

PANFISH

PIKE CHAIN OF LAKES

Bayfield County

Lake size: 713 acres. Species population information: The Pike Chain of Lakes supports a robust bluegill population. A recent spring electrofishing survey yielded 186 fish/mile, which is a higher bluegill density than 75% of other northern Wisconsin lakes of the same lake class surveyed since 2010. Anglers on the Pike Chain have an opportunity of catching a good amount of decent-sized bluegills, as 54% of the fish captured in the survey were at or above 6”. Current regulation: Panfish regulations are a 25 fish bag limit. Access information: There are two public boat launches on the Pike Chain along with a county campground. Something of interest: Other species present in the Pike Chain are largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, black crappie and yellow perch, offering anglers the opportunity for a multispecies trip.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOL 5

Buffalo County

Species population information: 2023 fall electrofishing surveys showed a healthy bluegill fishery. Overall, 245 adult and juvenile bluegill were captured per electrofishing hour. 30% of surveyed bluegill were greater than 6”, while 1 in 10 were greater than 7”. Surveyed bluegill topped out near 8.5”. Current regulation: Daily limit 15 in total for bluegill and pumpkinseed (sunfish). Access information: Check the DNR website for access locations.

A future fish fry? A netful of yellow perch are handled from a 2023 Lake Winnebago trawlsurvey. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MINERVA CHAIN OF LAKES

Burnett County

Lake sizes: Minerva Lake (222 acres), Love Lake (207 acres), Falk Lake (76 acres) and Gull Lake (178 acres). Species population information: The Minerva Chain of Lakes offers excellent bluegill fishing. Bluegill were collected from 2” to 8”, with 53% being greater than 6”. These lakes also have high numbers of largemouth bass offering a great fishing opportunity for kids and family. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, 25 fish daily bag limit. Access information: Boat landings exist off Flowage Rd. and CCC Rd. Something of interest: We sampled four of the lakes within the Minerva Chain. The complete chain is made up of nine small lakes with Loon Creek flowing through the chain.

WINNEBAGO SYSTEM

Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Shawano, Waushara, Waupaca And Winnebago Counties

Lake size: The Winnebago system contains approximately 167,000 acres of open water. Species population information: The 2023 Lake Winnebago trawl survey recorded high catch rates for both young of year (YOY) and adult yellow perch. Elevated catch rates for yellow perch in the Winnebago trawl have been consistently observed over the last six years. The Winnebago trawl survey has been conducted since 1986, providing 38 years of trend data. Out of the 38 years of observation, the three highest catch rates for YOY yellow perch were recorded within the last four surveys (2020, 2022 and 2023). Adult yellow perch catch has shown similar trends, indicating good recruitment of these recent strong year classes. Adult (age 1+) yellow perch captured in 2023

ranged from 3.1 to 12.2” with an average of 6.9”. The most prevalent size class in the survey was 4-6.5”, accounting for 57% of fish captured. Catch rates for larger fish were relatively high. Catch per effort (CPE) for yellow perch over 9” showed a record high in 2023. Overall, survey results indicate an abundant population with plenty of opportunity for fish of preferred size. Trawl survey results have been well reflected in angler experiences around the system with both good numbers and size reported. Looking forward, anglers should anticipate excellent opportunity for yellow perch in Lake Winnebago. — Angelo Cozzola, DNR fisheries biologist, Oshkosh

that has been known to produce quality panfish for decades. Marsh-Miller Lake’s complex habitat, where fish can feed, seek refuge and spawn, is one reason why it consistently has a quality fishery. Species population information: A spring 2023 fisheries survey found good numbers of quality-sized bluegill. Bluegill catch rates were high and 18% of the bluegill caught were over 7”. Marsh-Miller Lake typically experiences low dissolved oxygen levels late in the winter, so panfish may become lethargic and are generally found in the upper few feet of the water column. Current regulation: 25 fish bag limit and no minimum length limit. Access information: Two boat landings. — Joseph Gerbyshak, DNR fisheries biologist, Eau Claire

TURTLE-FLAMBEAU FLOWAGE Iron County

MARSH-MILLER LAKE

Chippewa County

Lake size: 441 acres. Marsh-Miller Lake, an impoundment of O’Neil Creek, is a productive system

Lake size: 13,545 acres. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage has a lot to offer anglers: vast expanses of habitat types, plenty of room to get away from other boats, a scenic wilderness experience, 66 remote campsites accessible via water only and an impressive panfishing opportunity. Species population information: Results from a 2023 fyke-netting survey suggest that panfish are present in quality numbers and the fish available are of impressive sizes. Bluegills ranged from 4” to 9”, 21% of which were larger than 8”. Black crappies ranged from 4.7” to 14.1”, 51% of which were larger than 10”. Current regulation: Anglers should note the 10” minimum length limit on black crappies and the 10-fish daily bag limit for panfish on the TFF. Access information: There is good access from six different public boat landings, as well as many other private resort access points.

DNR fisheries technician Kyle Olsen with a nice-sized yellow perch captured in the 2023 Lake Winnebago trawl survey.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

LAKE RIPLEY

Jefferson County

Lake size: 420 acres. Species population information: 7,691 bluegill were captured during spring fyke netting for a catch per effort of 43.70 bluegill per net night. Bluegill measured ranged from 2.6 to 10.0” and an average of 5.1”. Current regulation: General inland regulations apply for bluegill. Access information: A public boat launch is located at the end of Island Road on the

ranged between 1.25 million and 2.3 million fish. Open water harvest of yellow perch, as estimated through creel surveys (March 21 to Nov. 15) in 2022, was 151,037 fish. The majority of the open water harvest was by boat anglers launching at ramps in Door and Kewaunee counties (29%), Brown County (28%) and Oconto County (21%). A majority of the open water harvested fish were age-2 (2020 year class; 37%), age3 (2019 year class; 22%) or age-4 (2018 year class; 26%), but ages from 1-6 were also present. The mean length of open water harvested yellow perch was 9.5”. Current regulation: Open May 20 to March 15. Daily limit is 15 yellow perch. No minimum length limit. 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.

to 14” with a mean length of 9”. Crappie were in moderate abundance relative to other lakes in Oneida county. Total lengths of bluegill varied between 2” to 10.” with a mean length of 6.6”. Bluegill were in moderate abundance relative to other lakes in Oneida county. Total lengths of pumpkinseed varied between 4” to 10” with a mean length of 7”. Pumpkinseed were in moderate abundance relative to other lakes in Oneida county. Total lengths of yellow perch varied between 2” to 11” with a mean length of 7”. Perch were in low to moderate abundance relative to other lakes in Oneida county. Current regulation: There is currently no minimum length limit on panfish. There is a 15 daily bag limit (with no more than five of any one species) during May and June and a 25 daily bag limit the rest of the year. Access information: The BoomRhinelander Chain of Lakes can be access by one of nine public ramps spread across the system.

STEVENS POINT FLOWAGE

Portage County

south end of the lake. A public beach is located on the west shore of the lake. Something of interest: 23% of bluegill captured were 6” or larger.

GREEN BAY

Marinette, Oconto, Door And Brown Counties

Species population information: Data collected in 2022 was incorporated into the statistical catch-at-age model for yellow perch in the Wisconsin waters of Green Bay. Outputs of the model estimate that the adult (ages-1 and older) yellow perch population in 2022 was 2.6 million fish. This is an improvement from the 1.3 million ages-1 and older yellow perch estimated in 2021. Past estimates (2013 to 2021) have

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

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

BOOM RHINELANDER CHAIN OF LAKES

Oneida County

Lake size: 2,231 acres (all five waterbodies). Species population information: Boom-Rhinelander Chain of Lakes includes Lake Creek, Thunder Lake, Boom Lake, Bass Lake and the Rhinelander Flowage. Desirable lengths and abundances of panfish species were found in the Boom-Rhinelander Chain of Lakes during the 2023 survey. Total lengths of black crappie varied between 1”

Lake size: 2,776 acres + 5 river miles. Downstream boundary: downtown Stevens Point Dam Upstream boundary: Lake DuBay Dam. Species population information: During the 2023 comprehensive survey 13,484 bluegill, 2,210 black crappie and 2,085 yellow perch were captured. Their relative abundances in 2023 were between 4-34 times higher than all past surveys completed on the Stevens Point Flowage. Bluegill ranged from 3.3-9.6”, with an average of 6.3”. Black crappie ranged from 3.0-15.7”, with an average of 9”. Yellow perch ranged from 3.1-13.2”, with an average of 7.7”. Current regulation: Open all year; no minimum length limit; daily bag limit of 25. Access information: Boat access: Franklin Street boat launch, Bukolt Park boat landing, Old U.S. 10 boat landing, New U.S. 10 boat landing (River Road) and

DNR fisheries biologist Lucas Koenig with a slab black crappie from the Stevens Point Flowage. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

DuBay Dam boat landing. Shore access: Green Circle Trail, Admiral A.W. Grant Park, Pfiffner Pioneer Park, Mead Park, Bukolt Park Red Bridge (Walkush Road), The Pipes (Granite Ridge Road), River Road (lots of access along this road), Bahamas On The River, Bullheads Bar & Grill, Wisconsin River Recreational Area (east side below DuBay Dam) and DuBay Dam boat landing (Dam Roadwest side below DuBay Dam). Something of interest: Capture of bluegill during the spring fyke netting survey was so high we stopped counting halfway through the survey. For example, one fyke net captured over 2,500 bluegills in 24 hours.

SHAWANO LAKE

Shawano County

Lake size: 6,215 acres. Species population information: The Shawano Lake panfish population was sampled in 2023 as part of a comprehensive survey, which also connects other waterbodies.

Electrofishing surveys resulted in a total 217 bluegill and 24 black crappie for catch rates of 108.5 and 12.0 per mile respectively. Catch rates rank in the 58th percentile for bluegill and 69th percentile for black crappie when compared statewide. Bluegills ranged from 1.7 – 7.8” with an average of 5.2” while black crappie lengths ranged from 5.6 – 9.7” with an average of 7.3”. Shawano Lake 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 have excellent action with the chance to catch some harvestable-sized fish. Current regulation: 25 bag limit.

Access Information: There are several public boat landings located around Shawano Lake, with a few shoreline fishing opportunities near several of the boat landings. Something of interest: There is an ongoing PIT tag array study taking place on Shawano Lake and connected waterbodies. The goal of the project is to look at fish movement, particularly

indicated a quality population of bluegill and black crappie. The average length of bluegill captured during surveys was 6.3”, the largest collected was 8.3” and 32% of bluegill were 7” or larger. Black crappie were on average 8.3”, the largest was 12.4” and 23% were 10” or larger. Current regulation: Season open all year with a bag limit of 25 panfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, crappie and yellow perch) in total. Access information: Upper Gresham has a great boat landing located on the northeast side of the lake off Hwy. H. The landing has plenty of parking, vault toilets and an ADA-designated fishing pier and is adjacent to an NHAL campground. The campground has 25 reservable campsites with many located lakeside. — Eric Wegleitner, DNR fisheries biologist, Vilas County

LAUDERDALE LAKES Walworth County

A Shawano Lake, Shawano County bluegill before being released. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

during spawning periods. The study is focusing on northern pike, walleye and muskellunge to see movement between waterbodies and spawning areas to focus future habitat and management decisions.

UPPER GRESHAM LAKE Vilas County

Lake size: 366 acres. Species population information: Upper Gresham Lake is a fine place to visit for panfish anglers looking to wet a line. In 2023, data collected during spring surveys

Lake size: 841 acres. Species population information: 2023 spring surveys yielded an average length of 5.5” and a maximum length of 8.9”. 34% of the bluegill measured were 6” or larger. Overall, the 2023 survey data indicates quality size structure and above average abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag of 25, no minimum length limit. Access information: The town of La Grange manages two boat launches on Lauderdale Lakes. One is on Westshore Drive on Green Lake. The other is on Sterlingworth Court on Mill Lake. Something of interest: Since 2015, Lauderdale Lakes have been stocked with large fingerling walleye through the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative. Just under 16,000 walleye that average around 7” are stocked every other year!

BIG CEDAR LAKE

Washington County

Lake size: 937 acres. Species population information: 2023 spring surveys yielded an average length of 6.4” and a maximum length of 9.7”. 62% of the bluegill measured were 6” or larger. Overall, the 2023 survey data indicates high quality size structure and above average abundance. Current regulation: Daily bag limit 25 panfish but only 10 of any one species. No minimum length limit. Access information: A public boat launch is located at the end of Gonring Drive in West Bend. Something of interest: Big Cedar Lake has a maximum depth of 105 feet and approximately 10 miles of shoreline.

PINE LAKE

Waukesha County

Lake size: 703 surface acres. Species population information: Average length was 10”. Current regulation: No minimum length, daily bag limit of 25. Access information: The public boat launch is located on the north end of the lake off Hwy. K. Rocky substrate, deep drop offs and woody structure provides excellent habitat for black crappies on Pine Lake. Pine Lake also has excellent angling opportunities for northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and bluegill. —

Ben Heussner, DNR fisheries biologist, Eagle

CATFISH

UPPER FOX RIVER

Marquette, Green Lake And Winnebago Counties

Species population information: Recent hoopnet surveys conducted on the Upper Fox River indicate good numbers of channel catfish, capturing 8.8 per net night. Channel catfish collected had an average length of 24.4”, with the largest fish sampled at 32.4”. Flathead catfish captured in the hoop netting survey showed moderate numbers, with 66% of the captured fish over 30”. The average length of flathead catfish in the sample was 33”. The largest fish was a 44.7” male weighing 46 pounds. During our low pulse electrofishing surveys, 661 flatheads were collected over the 19.8 miles of river sampled. This equates to an abundance of 33.4 flatheads per mile of river. Current regulation: Channel catfish: 25 in total, open year round Flathead catfish: Daily bag limit of one fish; only flatheads from 30 to 36” or over 42” may be possessed. Season opens first Saturday in May through Sept. 30. Access Information: Multiple public and private boat landings are located throughout the Upper Fox River from Princeton downstream to Omro. Good shore fishing opportunities can be found at these accesses but can get busy when the fishing is good. Old lock and dam access areas are particularly good fishing locations. Something of interest: Flathead catfish are extremely slow growing fish and growth rates really vary depending on the specific fish and its sex. We know from years of tagging that these fish can take anywhere from 10 to almost 20 years to reach the legal length of 30 inches. Our oldest fish we

A future fisheries biologist? A young volunteer proudly displays a white crappie taken from the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

have aged on the Upper Fox River was at least 39 years old and measured just over 48”. Flathead catfish are an opportunistic top predator with a diet consisting of just about anything that will fit in their mouths including other top predators, such as northern pike.

WOLF RIVER Shawano, Outagamie And Waupaca Counties

Species population information: Recent hoopnet surveys conducted on the Wolf River indicate above average numbers of channel catfish, capturing 14.5 per net night, with 26% of the catch greater the 24”. Channel catfish sampled had an average length of 22.7”, with the largest fish sampled at 32.7”. Flathead catfish captured in the hoop -netting survey showed moderate numbers, while 77% of the captured fish were over 30”. Average size of flathead catfish sampled was 34.1” and the largest fish was 43.4”. During our low pulse electrofishing surveys 16.6 flatheads per mile of stream were sampled, which is an increase compared to last several surveys done on the Wolf River. Current regulation: Channel catfish: 25 in total, open all year. Flathead catfish: Daily bag limit of one fish and only flatheads from 30 to 36” or over 42” may be possessed. Season opens the first Saturday in May thru Sept. 30. Access information: Multiple public and private boat accesses are located throughout the Wolf River from Fremont upstream to Shawano. Good shore fishing areas are found at public accesses in Fremont, Gills Landing, New London and at multiple properties in the Lower Wolf River bottoms state lands. Something of interest: Catfish are known to be nocturnal feeders and anglers tend to have better angling success by targeting these fish during early evening and night-time hours. Channel catfish are fairly opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of food items, includ-

ing nightcrawlers, cut-bait and smaller live bait, while flathead catfish almost exclusively target larger live fish presentations. Catfish populations in the Wolf River exhibit high seasonal movement during spring warm-up with fish traveling many miles from wintering sites in the lower river and Upriver lakes to over-summer habitat throughout the upper river. Recent radio telemetry studies in the Wolf River indicate most flathead catfish prefer habitat associated with large wood structure.

PETENWELL LAKE

Wood, Adams And Juneau Counties

Lake size: 23,178 acres. Species population information: Channel catfish were sampled in 2023 by spring fyke nets in Petenwell Lake that targeted gamefish, and by summer hoop-nets set in the Wisconsin River portion of Petenwell Lake. During spring fyke-netting, we handled 1,915 channel catfish for a catch per effort (CPE) of 8.2 per net-night. This CPE is

less than what was observed in 2011 (28.3 per net-night) and 2010 (16.2 per net-night), yet channel catfish are still abundant. Channel catfish ranged from 16.2 to 28” with an average of 22.7”. 18.2% of the channel catfish were 20” or smaller. A total of 116 channel catfish were caught during the summer unbaited hoop-net survey, two channel catfish per net-night. These channel catfish ranged from 10.3 to 29.4” with an average of 20.5”. Hoop-nets sampled a greater proportion of smaller channel catfish and 42.2% of the catch was 20” or less. Current regulation: The daily bag limit is 10 fish in aggregate, as flathead catfish are also in Petenwell Lake. The season is open all year. It is not advised to eat channel catfish if they are larger than 20” due to pollutants (dioxin, PCB, mercury and PFOS). Otherwise for women, children and men, one meal per month of channel catfish 20” or smaller. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ Fishing/consumption Access information: There are ample public boat launch and shore fishing access opportunities. Popular boat launches include

DNR fisheries technician Steven Hass with a channel catfish caught during a hoop-net survey on the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Jim Freeman Memorial Launch (aka Nekoosa City Launch), Plank Hill boat launch, Chester Creek Boat Launch, Petenwell Park and Wilderness Park. Shore fishing is available at many of the public boat launch sites and on the Domtar shoreline in the city of Nekoosa. Check out the DNR’s Boat and Shore Fishing Access website for more information: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess.html

ture was present in the South Fork of the Hay River. During 2023. Brook trout catch-per-unit effort was 816 fish per mile and offers anglers a quality opportunity to catch and harvest trout. Current regulation: No minimum length limit, five daily bag limit. Access information: There are multiple access locations at road crossings.

INLAND TROUT

SOUTH FORK HAY RIVER

Barron County

Species population Information: A moderate density brook trout population with good size struc-

SWINNS VALLEY CREEK

Buffalo County

Water size: 8.49 miles of Class II trout stream. Species population information: Swinns Valley Creek offers a brown trout action fishery with moderate size structure for the area. The 2023 survey results documented 145 brown trout 12” or greater per mile. The largest measured was 17”. Current regulation: The fishing regulation is a five trout daily bag limit with no minimum length. Access information: There is good access through local club fishing easements, which can be found on

the Buffalo County website www. buffalocountywi.gov (search trout stream field guide). — Zach Woiak, DNR fisheries biologist, Black River Falls Area

ASH CREEK

Iowa County

Water size: 9.85 miles. Species population Information: Ash Creek in Richland County contains a mixed population of trout. The entire stream is listed as Class I trout water. A stream survey conducted upstream of STH 80 produced a relative abundance of 247 brook trout per mile and 1,380 brown trout per mile. Average length for brook trout was 8.8” with a maximum of 11.9” and average length of brown trout was 7.7” with a maximum of 16.6”. Ash Creek contains over 1.7 miles of public access, thanks to DNR fee title property and Richland County Parks property. Current regulation: Five trout in total; all brook trout caught must be immediately released; brown and rainbow trout – no minimum length limit. Access information: DNR state owned land and Richland County Parks property. — Justin Haglund, DNR fisheries biologist, Dodgeville

HARKER CREEK

Iowa County

Water size: 6.15 miles. Species population information: Harker Creek in Iowa County contains a mixed population of trout but is dominated by brown trout in the lower reaches. The upper 5 miles is listed as Class I trout water and the lower mile is listed as Class II water. A stream survey conducted at Mount Hope Road during the summer of 2022 produced a relative abundance of 708 brown trout per mile (near the Driftless Area median of 730 brown trout per mile). Average length was 9.2” with a maximum of 14.8”. Harker Creek contains over 1.5 miles of public access, thanks to stream-

A face only a mother could love? A large flathead catfish comes aboard from a 2023 survey of the lower Wisconsin River. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

bank easements.

Current regulation: Five trout in total; all brook trout must be immediately released; brown and rainbow trout – no minimum length. Access information: DNR streambank easements. — Justin Haglund, DNR fisheries biologist, Dodgeville

BOSTWICK COULEE CREEK La Crosse County

Water size: 12.5 miles of Class I and II trout water. Species population information: Bostwick Coulee Creek supports a solid population of naturally reproducing brown trout, with several DNR fisheries easements providing excellent access. Recent habitat work completed in collaboration with La Crosse County Conservation has greatly improved fishing opportunities on the upper portion of Bostwick Coulee Creek. Electrofishing surveys in 2023 found an average of 1,392 catchable-size brown trout per mile, with 28 per mile exceeding 12”.

Current regulation: Five trout in total daily bag limit, no minimum length limit. Harvest season begins first Saturday in May and ends on Oct. 15. Catch and release season begins first Saturday in January and ends on Oct. 15. Access information: To view the locations of public streambank easements in Wisconsin, go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/Fishing/trout/TROUT. Something of interest: Recent habitat work has been completed upstream of Drogseth Road, Filter Road and Larson Road. Brown

trout numbers in both areas are excellent.

STOCKED TROUT LAKES

Langlade And Lincoln Counties

The following lakes, not to be confused with spring ponds which contain wild trout, are stocked annually with domestic strain trout. Yearling trout are stocked in the spring in these lakes managed for trout fishing, 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 with a daily bag limit of five trout. An inland trout stamp is required for all anglers aged 16 and above.

Langlade County:

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

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

• Pence Lake – 26 acres; Boat landing; Stocked with large fingerling brown trout.

• Rogers Lake – 14 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling brown trout.

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

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

Lincoln County:

• 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; Walkin access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout.

• Tahoe Lake – 7 acres; Walk-in access; Stocked with yearling rainbow trout. — Dave Seibel, fisheries biologist, Antigo

WOLF RIVER

Langlade County

Water size: 34.5 miles and approximately 736 acres of cascading trout water in a wilderness setting. Species population information: The upper Wolf River in Langlade County is stocked annually with 15,000 brown trout and 5,000 rainbow trout large fingerlings. Native brook trout are also present and are mainly associated with the smaller trout stream tributaries and where these streams and other springs dump cold water into the Wolf. We have trail cameras at several access points to help us gather angler use information and we may do an angler creel survey on the upper Wolf in the future (mail in cards, on-line reporting, angler diaries, etc.) so be on the lookout for that. If you would like to share your trout fishing experiences on the upper Wolf River in Langlade County, please get in touch with the DNR fisheries staff in Antigo. Something of interest: The Wolf River in Langlade County has 23 named rapids ranging from Class I to II on the International Scale of River Difficulty whitewater classification system. Many anglers consider the Wolf similar to an “out West” trout fishing experience due to its large size and its ample casting and backcasting in open spaces. — Dave Seibel, DNR fisheries biologist, Antigo

A Spring Brook, Marathon County brook trout. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

NORTH BRANCH BEAVER CREEK

Marinette County

SPRING BROOK

Marathon And Langlade Counties

Water size: 19.4 river miles (surveyed 320 meters at Tobias Road).

Species population information: A very high-density brook trout population with poor size structure is present in Spring Brook and offers anglers an action fishery with harvest opportunity. During the 2023 electrofishing survey, brook trout relative abundance was 3,942 fish/mile, which has steadily increased since 2019. Length ranged from 3.0-14.3” with an average of 5.9”. Current regulation: Five trout in total daily bag limit, brown and rainbow trout have no length limits and brook trout must be under 9”. Access information: Bridge/road crossings, Stream wading. Something of interest: Spring Brook has not been stocked since 1999 and the brook trout population has been entirely through natural reproduction since.

Species population information: Sampling in July and August 2023 produced good numbers of brown trout greater than 15” and brook trout over 8”. Catch rates for both brook and brown trout were higher than in any year surveyed since 2009. Current regulation: Three fish daily bag limit with an 8” minimum length limit for brook trout and 12” minimum length limit for brown trout. Access information: In addition to road/stream crossings, parking areas are available at 21st Road, 25th Road, 33rd Road and 37th Road. Something of interest: Extensive streambank brushing has been completed throughout the North Branch Beaver Creek Fishery Area.

BIG CREEK

Monroe County

Water size: 5.75 miles of Class II trout water. Species population information: Solid numbers of naturally reproducing brook trout were found throughout Big Creek in 2023. Average electrofishing catch rate in 2023 was 727 brook trout per mile. Anglers can expect a unique experience here. Unlike most Driftless streams, the stream and its tributaries run primarily through forest, including a few nice stands of white pine and mixed hardwoods. The stream bottom is primarily sand, but wherever trees have fallen in, deep scour

pools make great habitat for trout and are a good place for anglers to target. Current regulation: Five trout total bag limit and no minimum length limit. Harvest season begins first Saturday in May and ends on Oct. 15. Catch and release season begins first Saturday in January and ends on Oct. 15. Access information: The DNR holds several parcels along the length of Big Creek. To view access points and locations of these lands go to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/trout/ TROUT. Something of interest: All of Big Creek’s tributaries also support native brook trout.

NOISY CREEK

Oneida County

Water size: 3.7 miles. Species population information: Noisy Creek has portions of Class II and Class III trout waters. Electrofishing surveys found 545 brook trout per mile in Noisy Creek during 2023. The total length of brook trout ranged from 4” to 10”. Current regulation: Trout regulation

Kirk Olson, DNR senior fisheries biologist, holds a nice brown trout captured in the Bostwick Creek Watershed. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

DNR fisheries biologist Kasey Lallaly holds an impressive brown trout from Plum Creek, Pierce County. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

is 8” minimum length limit with a daily bag of three fish. Access information: Noisy creek can be accessed off Shingle Mill Road, Camp Six Road, Bowman Road or Pommerening Road road crossings.

PLUM CREEK

Pierce County

Water size: 12 miles of Class I trout water. Species population information: Plum Creek is a moderate to large Class I trout stream in southeastern Pierce County. Plum Creek contains a high density brown trout population with the potential for trophy size fish as well. Brown trout abundance during 2023 surveys resulted in 722-2,225 fish per mile with 595-1,749 of those fish being adult fish, which is in the 85th-95th percentiles for Class I brown trout streams throughout the state. Brown trout larger than 12” averaged 164 brown trout per mile larger throughout all stations surveyed and several fish larger than 20” were captured. Because of the high densities of brown trout, harvesting fish is highly encouraged! Brook trout can be found throughout the stream as well in relatively lower densities south of Plum City. Current regulation: Three in total; The minimum length for brown trout is 12” and 8” for brook trout. Access information: There are several bridge access points off of CTH U and SS and one DNR parking lot along Plum Creek near the intersection of CTH U and 145th Avenue. Several miles of DNR Streambank easements exist along CTH U with a walkin access location off of 190th Avenue. A city park in the town of Plum City offers great access and fishing opportunities as well. Something of interest: One of the largest continuous streambank easements exists on Plum Creek (over 10,000 feet!) and is located 3 miles south of Plum City off of CTH U. Trout habitat improvement work was completed on the entire section of this easement

in 2020 and this location offers exceptional access and fly-fishing opportunities.

HONEY CREEK

Sauk County

Water size: Approximately 2.7 stream miles from the crossing of State Road 23 downstream to the crossing of Leland Road. Species population information: Brown trout were abundant in Honey Creek in 2023. Electrofishing surveys in three improved segments found an average of 1,550 brown trout/mile, which was above the 90th percentile for streams in the Driftless region. Abundance of adult trout over 8” averaged 445 fish/mile, and abundance of trout over 12” averaged 94 fish/mile. Both adult abundance metrics were between the 50th and 75th percentiles for the region. Honey Creek offers a great combination of fishing action and the opportunity to keep brown trout to eat. Current regulation: 8” minimum length limit and three fish daily bag limit. Access information: DNR streambank easements offer parking and fishing access where

Honey Creek crosses Valley View Road, Hickory Road, and Leland Road, all of which intersect State Road 23 north of the Village of Plain. Trout habitat improvement projects have been completed at all three locations. Something of interest: Trout habitat improvement projects completed between 2004 and 2010 contributed to sufficient increases in natural reproduction and recruitment to end the need for trout stocking in Honey Creek.

BRUNET RIVER

Sawyer County

The Winter area of Sawyer County has a lot of excellent fishing opportunities to offer anglers, from sturgeon to musky, bass and walleye. Anglers can also find excellent stream trout fishing opportunities if they know where to look. The Brunet River flows southwest through Winter, providing the water for the Loretta and Winter flowages. Much of the river is warm and supports species like smallmouth bass, northern pike and muskellunge. However, some stretches of the

DNR fisheries biologist Tommy Hill holds a large spawning female brown trout captured during a survey on Timber Coulee in fall of 2023. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

river run cold enough to support a native population of brook trout. Anglers searching for trout in the Brunet should focus on the area between the Loretta Flowage and Lake Winter. In this stretch, groundwater inputs cool the stream and the deeper runs hold “brookies”. Species population information: A 2023 fisheries survey confirmed the health of

vey had a catch rate of 352 trout/ mile, which ranks it around the 65th percentile when compared with other all other Class II brown trout waters statewide. Overall, the 2023 survey data indicates quality size structure and above average abundance for a Class II brown trout stream. Current regulation: Daily bag limit of three fish, a minimum length limit of 8”

ONION RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES

Sheboygan County

the Brunet River trout population. Brook trout were abundant at several sites, with trout up to almost 14” being captured. This is an entirely self-sustaining population of brook trout, with no stocking. Current regulation: The angling regulation is three trout per day with an 8” minimum length limit. Access information: Anglers can access the river at one of several road crossings and will find pleasant wading in this hard-bottomed stream.

MULLET RIVER

Sheboygan County

Water size: 5.9 miles of Class II brown trout waters. Species population information: A 2023 survey yielded an average length of 6.5” and a maximum length of 15.4”. 23% of the brown trout measured were above the 8” minimum length limit. That 2023 sur-

and no gear restrictions. Access information: The best access is from the bridges at Hwy. 67 or CTH J near Woodside Lane, north of Plymouth. There is also access via Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit property near Glenbeulah. Something of interest: The Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit offers year-round recreation among world-famous glacial landforms. Visitors can swim at three beaches, enjoy challenging mountain biking trails or groomed ski trails, hike the Ice Age Trail, take in a nature program or just escape among 30,000 acres of rolling, wooded hills and prairies. The Ice Age Visitor Center is open all year. The forest has over 350 campsites, including family, group, equestrian and backpack opportunities.

Water segment length: 10 miles of Class I brown trout waters. Species population information: 2023 surveys yielded an average length of 8.8”, with a maximum length of 18.4”. A survey at one popular access site had a catch rate of 422.6 fish/mile, which ranks it around the 50th percentile when compared with other all other Class I brown trout waters statewide. Overall, 2023 survey data indicate quality size structure and average abundance for a Class I brown trout stream. Current regulation: Upstream of CTH E, there is a daily bag limit of two, a 12” minimum length limit and only artificial lure can be used. Downstream of CTH E, there is a daily bag limit of three, an 8” minimum length limit, and no gear restrictions. Access information: The best access is from the bridge at CTH E and a number of points along CTH U just southwest of Plymouth. Something of interest: Cooperative efforts that began in the early 1990s between DNR, the Lakeshore Chapter of Trout Unlimited and numerous other groups continue to maintain and improve trout habitat and angler access throughout the Onion River Fishery Area and Stream Bank Protection Area (SBPA). The DNR currently owns 1,071 acres plus 50 acres in easements in the SBPA and 49 acres in the fishery area. In addition to fishing, the property provides opportunities for hunting, trapping, nature appreciation, hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing and photography.

COON CREEK WATERSHED

Vernon, La Crosse And Monroe Counties

Waters: 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

DNR fisheries technicians Evan Sniadajewski, Ryan Olson and Trevor Raatz hold brook trout surveyed in the Big Creek Watershed. Photo Credit Wisconsin DNR.

known for the long history of DNR trout habitat restoration and some of the best trout fishing in the state. Since the historic 2018 flood, the DNR has completed over 4 miles of habitat restoration on streams in the Upper Coon Creek Watershed. This work, and natural recovery of other areas with dense streamside vegetation, has resulted in great improvements in adult trout habitat since the flood and this recovery has not been hampered by several smaller floods that have occurred since 2018. Electrofishing surveys on Timber Coulee in 2023 found more than 2,000 catchable brown trout per mile with 90 per mile exceeding 12” in length. 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/ Fishing/trout/TROUT Something 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.

upstream to its confluence with Bluff Creek is approximately 0.75 miles. Bluff Creek adds

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. Something 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 also available. There are three family campgrounds, a horseriders camp, two group camps and remote backpack shelters on the Ice Age Trail.

WAUPACA RIVER

Waupaca County

WHITEWATER CREEK Walworth County

Water size: From Millis Road

another 2 miles of Class I and II trout waters. Species population information: A 2023 survey yielded an average length of 11.2”, with a maximum length of 18.5”. The catch rate from that survey was 551.7 fish/mile which ranks it around the 75th percentile when compared with other all other Class II brown trout waters statewide. Overall, the 2023 survey data indicates high quality size structure and above average abundance for a Class II brown trout stream.Current regulation: Both Bluff and Whitewater Creeks have a daily bag limit of two fish, a minimum length limit of 12” and no gear restrictions. Access information: The majority of Whitewater Creek from Millis Road upstream to its confluence with Bluff Creek is encompassed

Species population information: Brown trout were found at above average densities in 2023, and total brown trout captured were 540 per mile, which is above the 76th percentile when compared to other trout streams throughout the state. Electrofishing surveys indicated fish >12” were found at 104 per mile, which was above the 93rd percentile when compared to other trout streams in the state. The average length of brown trout in the Waupaca River was 8.6” with a range of 2.1 -17.8”. Current regulation: 18” minimum length for brown trout and 12” minimum length for brook trout and rainbow trout with a one fish daily bag limit; artificial lures only from River Rd upstream to Durant Road in Portage County. 8” minimum and three daily bag limit for all water downstream of River Rd. Access information: Riverview and Riverside Park in the city of Waupaca have great access. A fishing trail for physically challenged anglers is located upstream of the Water Street bridge that has a hard service for easy access and several spurs to access the stream. The Waupaca River Fishery Area comprises DNR-managed lands

A netful of brook trout from a 2023 survey ready to be recorded on the data sheets. Photo Credit Wisconsin DNR.

off County Hwy. Q and Foley Rd. Something of interest: The downstream reach of trout water on the Waupaca River is managed primarily as a put and take fishery with annual stocking of harvestable-sized rainbow trout. Anglers looking for good action early in the season may want to try this water.

ROUGH FISH

LOWER WISCONSIN RIVER

Grant, Crawford, Richland, Columbia, Dane, Iowa And Sauk Counties

Water size: 92 miles from the confluence with the Mississippi River to the upstream boundary of the Prairie Du Sac Dam. Freshwater drum, or sheepshead, can be considered a walleye alternative. Species population information: Moderate to moderately high abundance is the best descriptor of their density in the lower Wisconsin River. Summer Large River Index of Biotic Integrity surveys showed trends to show some general increase in electrofishing catch-rates over time. Specifically, during 2007-2015, sheepshead catch rates averaged 3.7 fish/ hour, and then increased to an average of 6.4 fish/hour during 2016-2023. This may not seem like a lot, but compared to other desired riverine fishes, it is considerable. Based on a creel survey of the Lower Wisconsin river in 2021, freshwater drum was the fourth highest reported species in the creel and accounted for 8.7% of the total reported catch. Most anglers that catch and harvest freshwater drum tend to generalize their targeted effort or focus on other species to target. Depending on if anglers are

targeting drum or treating them as bycatch, around 18-56% of freshwater drum caught are harvested. Current regulation: The season on the Wisconsin River is year-round. There is no minimum length limit or daily bag limit for hook and line fishing. Access information: Throughout the entire length of the Lower Wisconsin River, there is a high proportion of shoreline fishing access opportunities since the lower Wisconsin riverway provides significant access in riparian areas. What is not in the riverway can be accessed through municipal or village parks for shoreline access. There are numerous boat launches throughout the Lower Wisconsin, but the most popular are in Prairie Du Sac, Sauk City, Mazomanie, Muscoda, Bridgeport, Orion, Gotham and near Wyalusing. Something of interest: Freshwater drum are entirely sustained through natural reproduction and are often a very delicious substitute for walleye, smallmouth or largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill or crappie. They can be caught and harvested yearround, but many tend to harvest during spring or fall for the most

A large freshwater drum collected from a lower Wisconsin River survey in 2023. Photo Credit Wisconsin DNR.

consistent fillets. More often than not, anglers targeting walleye or white bass will harvest a drum because they are the ultimate substitute for their actual target. In fact, many anglers pull the old “switcheroo” where anglers claim the fried fillets were walleye or white bass to the unsuspecting consumer, but they were actually drum. It’s too bad that folks place this stigma on freshwater drum because they are darn delicious. Give ‘em a try.

MINOCQUA CHAIN OF LAKES

Oneida County

Lake size: 5,841 acres (all six waterbodies). Species population information: The Minocqua Chain of Lakes includes Little Tomahawk, Mud, Tomahawk, Mid, Minocqua, and Kawaguesaga lakes. Individuals desiring to add to their fish life list or a hard fighting fish could target bowfin across the Minocqua Chain of Lakes. A netting survey during 2021 found increases in bowfin relative abundance from half of fish per net night in 2015 to one fish per net night in 2021. Desirable sizes of catchable bowfin were found in 2023 electrofishing survey with lengths ranging between 15” to 27”. Current regulation: There is no minimum length limit or daily bag limit for bowfin. Access information: Nine public ramps across the Minocqua Chain of lakes provides access to the system.

STURGEON

ST. CROIX RIVER

Polk, St. Croix And Pierce Counties

Water size: 52 river miles from St. Croix Falls Dam to Prescott, WI.

Species population information: The lake sturgeon population in the St. Croix River is sustained by natural reproduction and catch

A young lake sturgeon displays particularly sharp defensive scutes. These armored plates wear down and become less prominent as the fish grow, but are an important defense against predation when they are young. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

rates by both anglers and DNR staff have increased over the past few decades. Catch rates in DNR surveys in 2023 were higher than they have been in the past seven years and captured fish ranged in length from 14 to 59” with an average length of 34”, but fish larger than 70” are present. Current regulation: Catch and release from June 16-Sept. 1 and Oct. 1-March 1. One lake sturgeon larger than 60” may be kept from Sept. 2 to Sept. 30 with a mandatory harvest tag. Access information: Boat ramps exist at Hudson, WI, Stillwater, MN, Somerset, WI, Osceola, WI and Interstate State Park. Much of the shoreline is owned by the National Park Service, providing ample shore fishing and camping opportunities. There are several canoe/kayak rental companies in St. Croix Falls and Osceola. The river offers a gorgeous and scenic float. Something of interest: Lake sturgeon are highly migratory and Minnesota DNR and Wisconsin DNR staff tag lake sturgeon annually with internal and external tags in an effort to track fish movements, growth rates and understand population connectivity. Anglers are encouraged to report tagged fish.

LOWER CHIPPEWA RIVER Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn And Pepin Counties

The Lower Chippewa River (Lake

Holcombe downstream to the Mississippi River) offers anglers an opportunity to harvest a lake sturgeon greater than 60” during the hook-and-line season, which runs from the first Saturday in September though the end of the month. If an angler intends to harvest a fish, they must first purchase a harvest tag and, if successful, register their catch. Species population information: Twenty lake sturgeon were harvested in the 2023 season, which is slightly above the longterm average of 13 since the 60” minimum length limit has been in place. The majority of the harvest occurred downstream of the last two dams on the lower Chippewa River. Anglers also reported catching numerous sublegal fish. Night crawlers, or cut bait, presented in deep holes of the river is a good combination for a successful sturgeon fishing trip. Anglers are asked to report tagged sturgeon to the local DNR fisheries staff, which helps to better manage this species. — Joseph Gerbyshak, DNR fisheries biologist, Eau Claire

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOLS 5-9 Buffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse And Vernon Counties

Species population information: Lake sturgeon – Despite not directly targeting lake sturgeon during 2023 sampling season,

Bowfin, often called dogfish, can be a challenge at the end of a fishing line. They are a fish native to Wisconsin and are often a very hard fighting species. Photo Credit Wisconsin DNR.

Mississippi River crews still encountered 66 fish while performing various surveys. These fish ranged in length from 12.4 – 62.0” and averaged 34.5”. Most fish captured were juveniles with 68% being 36” or less. This high abundance of small fish is a promising sign that the lake sturgeon population in the Mississippi River is healthy. All sturgeon captured were given Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to individually identify them in future encounters. Most (63) sturgeon captured were new fish; however, three had been previously tagged and provide direct evidence to the extensive distance these fish travel. All three fish were recaptured on Pool 5A below lock and dam 5 near Whitman, MN, but were all tagged in different

places. One came downstream 68 miles from the Red Cedar River Dam (tributary of the Chippewa River), one upstream 58 miles from Pool 9 and initially tagged in 2008 and the other all the way from the Prairie Du Sac Dam on the Wisconsin River 196 miles away! Current regulation: The Mississippi River provides a unique opportunity to target these fish with a catch-and-release season open 10 months of the year. The season is closed from April 15 – June 15 to protect spawning fish. In the Mississippi River, from the Red Wing dam downstream, it is catch-and-release only (0 daily bag) from June 16 – April 14. Species population information: Shovelnose sturgeon – Mississippi River DNR crews conducted trammel netting surveys targeting shovelnose sturgeon on six days during the summer of 2023. Three locations in the tailwaters of Locks and Dams 4, 6 and 8 were sampled. In total, 354 shovelnose sturgeon ranging from 18.1 to 31.4” and averaging 25” were captured. Genetics samples in the form of a fin clip were taken from 100 individuals and all shovelnose were given a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag that will allow for future evaluations of growth and movement. Shovelnose sturgeon have a much smaller maximum size and shorter lifespan than lake sturgeon with the largest individuals reaching 36” and 20+ years old. Shovelnose

prefer sandy substrates in areas of high flow and are best targeted with a nightcrawler on the bottom. Current regulation: In the Mississippi River, from the Red Wing dam downstream, there is a daily bag limit of three fish with no length limit and a continuous open season.

WHITEFISH

GREEN BAY WATERS

Door, Kewaunee And Brown Counties

Lake whitefish continue to provide much of the action for ice anglers on Green Bay since their major entry into the sport fishery over 15 years ago. The bulk of

the fishing takes place along the east shore at locations between Dyckesville and Sturgeon Bay, although areas along the west shore provide action as well. Species population information: Lake whitefish harvest and catch rates have been considerably lower over the last five years compared to levels observed earlier in the history of this phenomenal fishery. However, the population is still considered robust, and anglers will likely see considerable numbers of fish from the record high 2015

La Crosse fisheries biologist Kristina Pechacek with a shovelnose sturgeon captured trammel netting on Mississippi River, Pool 7. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Prairie Du Chien fisheries technician

Jessica Westhoff with a 52” lake sturgeon captured trammel netting on Pool 5. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

A whitefish on the ice on Green Bay. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

year class. Current regulation: The bag limit for lake whitefish is 10 fish with no length limit. Access information: There are a number of access points between Dyckesville and Sturgeon Bay. Anglers can refer to a map of the area for boat launch sites or go to: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ lands/boataccess for a listing of some of the launches in the area. Anglers are advised to check ahead locally for ice conditions before venturing out. Something of interest: Lake whitefish are actually a member of the salmon and trout family, Salmonidae. Therefore, they share spawning characteristics similar to some salmon species where spawning takes place in the fall, eggs incubate during the winter and hatch in early spring. However, unlike most salmon species that die after spawning, lake whitefish will spawn multiple times throughout their lifetime.

BOIS BRULE RIVER

Douglas County

Water size: Downstream (north) of U.S. Highway 2 (24.5 miles); Total river length: 44 miles. Species population information: The 2023 Bois Brule River fall steelhead assessment was conducted in mid-November this year. Adult and juvenile steelhead lengths and weights ranged from 10.4 to 31.3” and 0.2 to 10.1 pounds, respectively, across 162 recorded fish. Females comprised 61% of the fish surveyed, followed by 39% males, and 0.1% unknown. Over 25% of recorded fish were greater than 26”, which is the

minimum legal length limit on steelhead in the Bois Brule River. The length of steelhead appeared slightly above average when compared to previous years. The data from this survey are applied to the spring and fall fish counts at the Brule River barrier/fishway to better understand the trout and salmon stocks within the Bois Brule River. Current regulation: Daily bag limit is five trout or salmon in total and only two may be brown trout over 15” and only one may be a rainbow trout. Minimum length limits include brook trout 8”, brown trout 10”, salmon species 12” and rainbow trout 26”. Each year, the lower river (Highway 2 to mouth) season opens March 25 through Nov. 15, and the upper river (upstream of Highway 2) season opens May 1 to Sept. 30. Access information: There are over 20 access points consisting of canoe launches and/or foot paths throughout the Brule River watershed. Check out https://dnr. wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/bruleriver/maps for details. Something of interest: Steelhead stocking in the Bois Brule River has not occurred since 2002 due to a sustainable level of natural reproduction. After hatching, juvenile steelhead typically reside within the river and become catchable-sized “smolts” before migrating to Lake Superior. Once

they enter Lake Superior, it may ake one to four years before they return to the Bois Brule River to spawn. These steelhead are the lake-run form of rainbow trout. So, whether you are looking for ‘smolts’ or ‘lake-run’ steelhead, this self-sustaining population of fish provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Additionally, due to the recent railroad grade and culvert removal on a tributary to the Brule River (Nebagamon Creek), steelhead may migrate to Lake Nebagamon; their habitat in Nebagamon Creek is no longer susceptible to the sediment risk once posed by the failing railroad grade.

GREEN BAY AND TRIBUTARIES Marinette, Oconto And Door Counties

BROWN TROUT

Species population information: Brown trout stocked into the productive waters of Green Bay grow quickly, with a 2-year-old brown trout typically in the low-20” length range. Harvest estimates for brown trout in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan in 2022 were 9,013 fish, with 24% being harvested in Green Bay waters and 34% harvested in Milwaukee. Current regulation: Open all year. The daily limit is five trout or salmon in total. The minimum length limit is 10”. 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 website 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. Detailed tributary access information: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/ lakemichigan/TributaryAccess. html. Something of interest: Wisconsin stocks Seeforellen

GL SALMON & TROUT

DNR fisheries biologist Logan Cutler holding a 26” steelhead from the Bois Brule River during a recent survey.

Photo Credit: Sam Peterson

(German) strain brown trout into lakes Superior and Michigan. This strain of brown trout originated in the alpine lakes in Germany. Wisconsin first obtained eggs from the state of New York in the early 1990s and has been propagating the seeforellen strain for over 30 years. Each fall, crews collect a sample of adult brown trout from the Kewaunee, Root and Milwaukee rivers. Fish are brought to the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility in Kewaunee, where eggs are collected weekly in November and early December when the fish are ripe.

LAKE MICHIGAN AND TRIBUTARIES

Wisconsin Waters Of Lake Michigan

COHO SALMON

Species population information: The coho salmon fishing season typically starts 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. 2023 was a decent year for coho that started quickly producing quality numbers, but fishing declined throughout the summer. 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 2023, over 2,300 coho were captured at the RRSF and BAFF. Eggs were collected at both facilities, and those fish will be raised in DNR hatcheries for future stocking in Lake Michigan. Alewife recruitment was detected in fall 2023 surveys. If there were quality alewife recruitment in 2023, then coho fishing should improve for the 2024 season. Current regulation: Open all year. FThere is a five fish daily bag limit (total trout and salmon)

and a 10” minimum length limit. Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available at:

• 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_StockingSummary2023. pdf

LAKE TROUT

Species population information: Lake Michigan provides fantastic fishing opportunities for lake trout, supported by stocking and natural reproduction. A total of 23,067 lake trout were harvested in 2022 lake-wide. Anglers from Kenosha to Sheboygan reported high catches of lake trout, accounting for 89% of the total lake trout harvest for Wisconsin in Lake Michigan for 2022. The average length of a lake trout caught by anglers was 25”. Every fall, the DNR conducts a lake trout spawning survey on two

nearshore reefs near Milwaukee. In 2022, the average lake trout caught in these surveys was 29”. Current regulation: The lake trout season on Lake Michigan and tributaries is open year-round with a daily bag limit of five in total with other trout and salmon and a minimum length of 10”. 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/

• 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_StockingSummary2023. pdf

LAKE MICHIGAN AND TRIBUTARIES

CHINOOK SALMON

Species population information: There is no time like now to target Chinook salmon (aka king salmon) on Lake Michigan. Chinook salmon are among the largest and most popular salmonid targeted by Lake Michigan anglers. In 2023, Chinook salmon fishing in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan was great with respectable-sized fish from early May through October. With very little natural reproduction in Wisconsin tributaries, Wisconsin’s Chinook salmon fishery relies on stocking and contributions from neighboring states. The number of Chinook salmon stocked by Wisconsin DNR increased from 810,000 in 2019 to 1.2 million annually

DNR fisheries technician Ryan Zernach with a large male Seeforellen brown trout on the lower Kewaunee River. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

from 2020-2022 and 1.3 million in 2023. Several factors influence fish size, including abundance of predators (stocked and wild), prey biomass and the overall predator/prey balance. During the 2023 fall sampling, nearly 3,500 Chinook were measured at Strawberry Creek Salmon Spawning Facility in Sturgeon Bay. The sampled Chinooks ranged in age from 1-4 years, in length from 11.1 to 42.8” (average of 32.8”) and in weight from 0.6 to 29.5 pounds (average of 12.8 pounds). The average weight of age-3 female Chinooks in 2023 was 18.0 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 (2016-2023), 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 a 10” minimum length limit. Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available at:

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

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

— Logan Sikora, DNR fisheries biologist, Sturgeon Bay

STEELHEAD

and remained relatively large but decreased to 18.0 pounds in 2023 (19.6 pounds in 2022). 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 and most delicious fish in the state. Current regulation: Open all year. There is a five fish daily bag limit (total trout and salmon)

Species population information: Steelhead offer anglers a hard fighting, high flying and delicious fish that can be targeted from a boat or shore on Lake Michigan or fishing in the tributaries during spring spawning runs. Steelhead are rainbow trout that reside and live their adult life in Lake Michigan but migrate upstream into tributaries to spawn. Wisconsin tributaries contribute little steelhead natural reproduction, so the steelhead fishery is aided by stocking and some contributions from neighboring states. The total numbers of steelhead stocked by the Wisconsin DNR increased from 350,000 in 2019 to 460,000 annually for 20202022 and nearly 520,000 in 2023. 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 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, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023 had an adipose fin clip and were tagged internally with a tiny 1-mm coded wire tag as part of a cooperative and lakewide 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, the 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 of trout and salmon in total with a 10” minimum length limit. Access information: Many boat and shore access locations are available at:

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

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

LAKE SUPERIOR Waters Of Lake Superior

BROWN TROUT

Species population information: Brown trout provide outstanding spring and fall trolling and ice fishing opportunities in shallow, near-shore waters of Lake Superior. The goal of this fishery is to provide both trophy and harvest opportunities that are easily accessible to more anglers by small

DNR fisheries biologist Laura Schmidt with a lake trout caught during the annual fall spawning survey on the R/V Coregonus. Photo Credit: Dray Carl

watercraft, by shore or by nearshore ice fishing areas. The recent success of this fishery can be attributed to a DNR spring-scattered-yearling stocking program. Hatchery staff hold and grow fish longer and fish are stocked in the lake in their second spring (i.e., ~18 months old) when food availability is increasing (helping survival). In addition, Lake Superior fisheries management staff assist with spring stocking by scattering fish with the R/V Hack Noyes in many locations around the Lake Superior shoreline not accessible to a stocking truck and away from many predators. Since fully implementing this stocking strategy in 2011, we have observed much greater returns of brown trout and a large increase in angler effort in the shallow-water ice fishery. Seeforellen strain brown trout are stocked from most major Wisconsin ports (Superior, Little Sand Bay, Chequamegon Bay area and Saxon Harbor). Seeforellens are a strain collected from Lake Michigan and have prospered in the big lake environment, growing bigger and living longer than other naturalized strains in Lake Superior. Since 2011, annual harvest of brown trout in the DNR creel survey has more than doubled, and on average, about 60% of harvested brown trout originated from DNR stocking. Seeforellen brown trout can attain trophy

sizes in Lake Superior (many observed with lengths in mid-30”) but can also make excellent table fare to harvest and bring home to the grill. The mean length of a harvested brown trout in the 2023 sport fishery was 21.8”. However, we expect brown trout to be bigger on average this upcoming year because of a large supply of juvenile cisco prey this past year. The alure of a trophy brown trout should continue to attract many anglers to the Chequamegon Bay region. Current regulation: Five bag limit in total and 15” minimum length limit. 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, DNR fisheries biologist, Bayfield

COHO SALMON

Species population information: Coho salmon are a popular species targeted by anglers throughout Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior from Superior to Saxon Harbor. Coho salmon in Lake Superior are sustained by naturally reproducing stocks that spawn in the fall in many of the South Shore streams. Most cold-water tributaries to Lake Superior support coho salmon, from the large Brule River system to much smaller streams such as the Onion River or Fish Creek.

The DNR has not stocked coho salmon in Lake Superior in almost 50 years, but these streams still support a great fishery. Most coho salmon are harvested by anglers trolling in the spring and fall when water temperatures are colder and isothermic and salmon move toward nearshore habitats. In summer, coho salmon spread out in more offshore waters chasing pelagic prey and are more difficult to target. Throughout the entire year, Lake Superior coho salmon will generally measure an average of 16.5” (about 1.5 pounds) in May and around 20” (about 2.5 pounds) in September. However, in 2023 the cohos were much larger, averaging 18.5” in May (about 2 pounds) and 25.5” (about 5 pounds) by September. Several fish in the 28-30” range were also observed in the creel survey. We attribute the great growth to a large 2022 year-class of cisco (lake herring), which provided an abundance of small pelagic prey the past couple years. In 2024, we expect coho salmon sizes to be larger than average, although probably not as big as 2023. The cisco grow quickly and soon become too big to be easily captured by most salmon. However, the survival of last year’s young coho salmon was likely high due to the greater food availability, so we expect the numbers of salmon to be above average. Current regulation: Five salmon in total bag limit with no minimum length limit. 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, DNR fisheries biologist, Bayfield

LAKE TROUT

Species population information: Lake trout is the most popular species that anglers target in the Apostle Islands region of Lake Superior. 2023 was an overall good year for lake trout fishing, although angler effort was lower than what we’ve observed over the past couple years. In

DNR fisheries biologist Logan Sikora with a nice steelhead caught trolling near Sturgeon Bay. Photo Credit: Angler Submitted

WI-2 (Apostle Islands Region) poorer ice conditions resulted in ice harvest lower than average. Catch and harvest picked up in the open-water season as anglers found success trolling in spring and summer. Sport fishing harvest remained below the WI-2 sport fishing quota, so no early closure was needed in 2023. 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. 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. We use the best data and science available to our team to set harvest limits for the fishery (includes sport, commercial and tribal harvest). The 2024 lake trout quota in both WI-1 will remain the same as previous seasons, but the sport fishing allotment of the WI-2 quota is proposed to increase 18% for the

2024-2026 fishing seasons. Abundance of lake trout in the Apostle Islands region has increased steadily over the past few years. The total lake trout biomass and spawning stock biomass declined abruptly from 2007 to 2014, causing state and tribal authorities to collectively reduce quotas considerably starting in 2015 to help reverse the trend and rebuild the stock. Estimated annual mortality rates have consistently remained below the recommended maximum since 2015, and the cooperative efforts of all parties have helped the lake trout stock rebound from its modern-day low. The average length of harvested lake trout in Lake Superior is generally around 22” due to size regulations outlined below, but 35 and 40” trophy lake trout are often caught and released in Lake Superior. July and August are the most popular months to troll for lake trout. 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 hundreds of lake trout each year during surveys on the R/V Hack Noyes. 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. Current regulation: The lake trout season is open from Dec. 1 through Sept. 30. TThere is a 15” minimum length limit and a limit of one over 25”. West of Bark Point (WI-1), there is a bag limit of three and east of Bark Point (WI-2), there’s a bag limit of two. 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, Wisconsin.

SOUTH SHORE TRIBUTARIES

Bayfield, Douglas And Iron Counties

Species population information: Most electrofishing surveys are predetermined for each stream depending on if a stream station is classified as a trend (every year) or rotation (every 3,6 or 12 years) site. This year, the Superior office surveyed 20 sites throughout 10 south shore tributaries. A total of 2,573 fish were measured across 25 different species. Of the 340 brook trout caught, lengths ranged from 1.4 to 11.5”. Over 399 brown trout were also 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.

Photo Credit: iStock/LaSalle-Photo

with lengths from 1.5 to 16.5”. Additionally, 456 rainbow trout had lengths of 1.2 to 9.9”. We found that 52% of all trout and salmon species collected were newly hatched “young of year” fish. Other highlighted species include coho salmon (235), creek chub (112) and white sucker (73).

A DNR fisheries technician with a large coho salmon caught and released while running up the Sioux River. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Fisheries biologist Sam Peterson and LTE fisheries technician Reed Kostelny holding a brook trout and brown trout, respectively. Photo Credit: Paul Piszczek

Current regulation: Lake Superior streams are generally open from May 4 at 5 a.m. to Sept. 30 unless otherwise specified in the “Specific Waters Listed by County” section on this website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/

Fishing/regulations/troutregs. html. Daily limit is five trout or salmon in total, only two may be brown trout over 15” and only one may be a rainbow trout. Minimum length limits include brook trout 8”, brown trout 10”, salmon

species 12” and rainbow trout 26”. Access information: There are a variety of canoe launches and public access points across the south shore of Lake Superior. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/bruleriver/maps for details. For detailed south shore tributary access information, visit: https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/topic/Lands/FisheriesAreas/2370southshorelakesuperior. html. Something of interest: The Superior office is responsible for managing 84 of Wisconsin’s south shore tributaries to Lake Superior, which reach over 100 stream miles. These streams have consistently provided self-sustaining native and preferred non-native trout and salmon populations over the last few decades, requiring no additional stocking efforts of these cold-water species.

Cover Your Wall In Wisconsin Fishes

Would a mural of life-sized fish portraits ranging from the one-inch least darter to the 6-foot lake sturgeon make a cool wall? In all, 183 species (natives and exotics and, unfortunately some that are almost instinct) are portrayed on this 13-foot by 44” canvas poster available from the University of Wisconsin Zoological Museum. It’s perfect for a bedroom wall!

Ordering information: https://charge.wisc.edu/zoology/items

Getting Hooked On Wisconsin Fishing

Community/Urban Fishing Program Provides Access To Fishing Fun!

URBAN/COMMUNITY 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 69,097 rainbow trout were stocked across these ponds in 2023. The average length of a stocked fish was 8.5”.

Current regulation: Designated urban waters have a year-round season, no length limits and a special season (March 9 through April 26, 2024) for people 15 years of age and younger and certain disabled anglers. They also have a daily bag limit of three trout, one gamefish (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger and northern pike) and 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 414-2638494.

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 or gear? No problem! Fishing equipment is available at several DNR offices to 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.

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

Urban/Community fishing waters include the following:

Brown County: Manger Lagoon - City of Green Bay, Unnamed Fishing Pond - Village of Suamico

Kenosha County: Anderson Park, Bong Children’s Pond

Langlade County: Remington Lake

Lincoln County: Mirror Lake

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 and Wilson Park

Outagamie County: Appleton Memorial Pond

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

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

Rock County: Lions Park Pond

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

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

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

RESOURCES FOR WISCONSIN ANGLERS

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 2 1/2 pounds.

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

Threatened And Invasive Fish In Wisconsin

THREATENED

BLUE SUCKER

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOLS 5 AND 7, LOWER WISCONSIN RIVER AND LOWER ST. CROIX RIVER

Species population information: The blue sucker is a rare and unique fish found in Wisconsin in only the Mississippi drainage basin. Populations plummeted after the widespread construction of dams in the early 1900s, resulting in the blue sucker being listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin under the Endangered Species Act. The current status of the species in the Mississippi drainage basin is unclear because their short spawning period in the spring and their preference for fast-flowing, deep water make sampling difficult. The DNR capture of 124 individuals in 2023 hold promise that viable

populations still exist. Most captures (111) occurred on the lower Wisconsin River while electrofishing for shovelnose sturgeon. Ten were captured in the tailwaters of Lock and Dam 4 (Pool 5) near Alma, WI, two were caught below Lock and Dam 6 (Pool 7) near Trempealeau, WI, and one was caught on the lower St. Croix River. These blue suckers ranged from 13.4-31.2” and averaged 25.4”. It is unlawful to directly target blue suckers but impossible to prevent them biting certain bait types like nightcrawlers. If you unintentionally catch one, release the fish as quickly and carefully as you can. Species status: Threatened. Current regulation: No open season. Blue suckers are illegal to possess.

A closeup of the head of a male blue sucker showing the characteristic breeding tubercles.

Fisheries technicians Jessica Westhoff and Evan Sniadajewski with two large blue suckers captured trammel netting on the Mississippi River, Pool 5. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

INVASIVE

BIGHEAD, SILVER AND GRASS CARP

MISSISSIPPI RIVER POOLS 5-8

Buffalo, Trempealeau, La Crosse and Vernon counties

Species population information: Bighead, silver and grass carp are three species of invasive carp causing concern on the upper Mississippi River. First detected in the upper Mississippi River over 25 years ago, invasive carp abundance remained low through the late 2010s, but recent evidence shows that this may be beginning to change. Large flood events in the spring of 2019 and 2023 provided the appropriate conditions for invasive carp to make largescale migrations upstream. In late May of 2023, silver carp were observed by DNR officials jumping in large numbers below Lock and Dam (LD) 5 and were also reported below LD6 and LD7. Peak counts of jumping fish at LD5 were upwards of 30 per minute. While a joint effort between the Minnesota DNR, Wisconsin DNR, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Geological Survey was made to catch these fish, the area they occupied in the fastest, most turbulent water immediately below the dam made it especially difficult. In total, seven silver carp were captured by agency officials and tagged with Vemco acoustic transmitters and an additional two fish were snagged by anglers. These acoustic tagged fish have already proven to be valuable assets in understanding invasive carp behavior, movement and temporal habitat preferences. Acoustic tags are battery powered and emit sound waves encoded with the fish’s tag number every 60-90 seconds. These signals can be detected by hydrophone (up to a 1/2 mile away), allowing the fish to be tracked with mobile receivers or detected on a network of stationary receivers as they move past. This network of stationary receivers documented the upstream movement of invasive carp during the 2023 flood. Forty-eight acous-

tic-tagged invasive carp were detected migrating upstream from below LD15 over 200 miles in only 10 days until stopping below LD5 and LD7. After the flood, 25 turned back downstream but went only as far as Pools 11 and 12.

In fall of 2023, another invasive carp sampling effort was coordinated between the same agencies to continue testing new capture methods and gear. Two tagged invasive carp were tracked with their acoustic tags to a location near the spillway on lower Pool 8. Once located, multiple crews worked quickly to surround the fish with block nets and sinking and floating gill nets. When the gear was in place, electrofishing boats ran the interior of the nets and other crews drove boats around banging on the gunwales to make noise and drive the fish into the gill nets. While chaotic and likely comical to observe, the strategy resulted in the successful capture of five silver carp and one grass carp. These fish were surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters and released.

The biggest development of 2023 came in early December when Minnesota DNR and their contract commercial fisherman made the largest catch of invasive carp in Wisconsin/ Minnesota waters to date. After confirming the location of eight acoustic-tagged invasive carp tracked by the

Wisconsin DNR to an area above Johnson Island on Pool 6, Minnesota DNR crews and their contract commercial fisherman set to work seining the area. On Nov. 30, they successfully captured 323 invasive carp in a single seine pull and four days later another 77 fish. Of the captured fish, 358 were silver carp, 36 were grass carp and six were bighead carp. While this is certainly a concerning number of fish, it is also proof that they can be captured and eliminated. Another bright spot was that, although 400 invasive carp (3,300 - 4,000 pounds) were captured, they were only a small fraction (~2%) of the ~170,000 pounds of native fish species, mostly buffalo, also captured in the same hauls. Several factors in late fall/early winter contributed to these successful captures. Cold water temperatures dramatically reduce the activity level of invasive carp

The Mississippi River fisheries team with a 39” grass carp captured on lower Pool 8 (left to right: Trevor Raatz, Kristina Pechacek, Jessica Westhoff and Evan Sniadajewski. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

and they effectively stop jumping, making it possible to seine them. During warmer months, it can be next to impossible to prevent them from jumping out of the seine. Invasive carp and native species aggregate in large schools in winter, making them much more susceptible to being caught.

While complete eradication of invasive carp from the upper Mississippi River will likely never be possible, the population demographics of the invasive carp captured in 2023 provide hope that their abundance may be controllable. Most silver carp captured in 2023 were from a single year class hatched in 2016. At 7 years old, these fish are 32-36”. Currently, there has been no documented natural reproduction of invasive carp in the Upper Mississippi River. Female fish captured after the spring spawning period have been mostly found with their eggs intact and being re-absorbed.

If you catch an invasive carp on the Mississippi River, please contact either the Alma (Pools 4, 5 and 5A), La Crosse (Pools 6-8) or Prairie Du Chien (Pools 9-12) fisheries biologist.

Silver and grass carp captured by a commercial seine in December 2023 on lower Pool 6 of the Mississippi River.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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.

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

• 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

• 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