Starting April 1, the DNR is putting experimental panfish regulations in place on 93 lakes in Wisconsin.
The regulations come on the heels of more than 3,500 survey responses, 30 public meetings, and questionnaires by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress then approved by the Natural Resources Board. Fisheries Biologist Max Wolter says the rules are part of a 10-year management plan working to improve habitats and panfish population while managing predators. He says there are three different bagging limits set to determine which is more effective in improving panfish size.
“…there’s one where it’s still 25 daily pan fish, but no more than 10 of one species, there’s another one where it’s 15 total panfish and no more than 5 of any one species, then there’s another one where we are looking to limit harvest when panfish are spawning, so it would be a reduced bag limit of 15 total and 5 of one species just during May and June.”
Wolter says after the spawning season, the limits would return to normal bagging regulations.
He says the DNR is posting signs at the boat landings of the affected lakes. Anglers can also check their fishing regulations guide when they get their fishing licenses or search the DNR website for a list of regulations and lakes.
