On hiatus.

Sorry, I have suspended this blog.  I hope to start it up again in the future if my schedule allows.  Thanks for visiting my site.

Pacific salmon or native fishes? The future of the Lake Michigan fishery

          The recently released plan to reduce Chinook salmon stocking in Lake Michigan is another, all too familiar, case of bureaucrats kicking the can down the road.  It was fisheries managers’ version of the fiscal cliff compromise.  They’re putting off tough decisions today only to make tougher decisions tomorrow.  In Washington, our leaders turned the fiscal cliff into a debate over tax rates instead of debating the country’s long-term financial solvency.  Lake Michigan fisheries managers are focusing on stocking levels when they need to make a decision regarding overall ecological fate of the lake.  An article in the November issue of Fisheries highlighted the decision needed to be made by Lake Michigan fisheries managers.

            In their article, Dettmers et al. (2012) first summarize the history of fisheries in the Great Lakes and then focus on the problem facing fishery managers today.  The authors begin their summary in the late 1800’s when overfishing became an issue with the decline of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescans and some coregonine populations.  In the early 1900’s, alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus began their invasions.  By 1960, overfishing and sea lamprey predation had caused the disappearance of lake trout from all lakes but Lake Superior.  It was also at this time that sea lamprey control efforts had had their effect and the population was reduced to 10% of its previous high. In 1965, alewife were the dominant portion of biomass in Lake Michigan, Huron and Ontario and was having strong negative impacts on native fishes.  It was around this time that massive die-offs of alewife on Lake Michigan led to political pressure to control the alewife population.   This led to the development of the commercial trawl fishery and the stocking of Coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in 1966 and Chinook salmon O. tschawytscha in 1967.  By the late 1970’s, the popularity of the salmon fishery and the resulting economic return had led to the stocking of rainbow trout O. mykiss and brown trout S. trutta.  In 1984, the biomass of alewife was less than 20% of what it had been in 1967.  Over the next decade, the decline in alewife led to improvements in native fish populations and a more diverse fish community. But the decline in alewife also caused a decrease in the size of Chinook salmon and die-offs due to a bacterial kidney disease.  Finally, during the 1980’s and 90s, more invasive species began to appear in the Great Lakes, causing another shift in the fish community.

Dettmers at al. (2012) assert that managers must make a decision to manage for economic returns and continue to support the Pacific salmon fishery or manage for ecosystem sustainability and support rehabilitation of native fishes.  The authors offer a short list of factors contributing to this dilemma.  One, alewife suppress lake trout and other native fishes (see my earlier blog post on the effects of alewife).  Two, the invasion of zebra and quagga mussels Dreissena sp. has led to a decline in the zooplankton that support alewife populations.  Three, the invasion of zebra and quagga mussels has left the resources that support benthic-oriented native fishes intact.  So overall, the ecosystem is shifting from a state that is good for the salmon fishery to a state that is good for native fishes.  But the fourth factor is the political power of recreational anglers.  The popularity and economic value (estimated at $7 billion annually) of the salmon fishery has given recreational anglers, who demand maintenance of the alewife population to support the salmon fishery, strong political influence.  Dettmers et al. (2012) argue that because it is hard to balance alewife production and predatory demand of salmon in a constantly shifting ecosystem, managers might increase emphasis on rehabilitation of native stocks.  The authors admit this is speculation and it is unknown how fishery managers will act in the future.  However, they do suggest that ongoing changes to the ecosystem may make the decision for managers.   

Implications for anglers

Fishery managers are in a bind, and instead of making a tough choice over two options they are trying to do both: maintain the Pacific salmon fishery while attempting to restore native fish populations.  However, there is already evidence that local experts are leaning towards making a change in the Lake Michigan fishery.  A recent article in the Journal Sentinel highlighted a presentation by UW-Milwaukee professor of fisheries ecology John Janssen called “A new paradigm for the Lake Michigan fishery” at the Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum.  In the presentation, Janssen suggested that anglers should start to give consideration to fishing for native species.  Also, in a Fox11 news report in June, U.S. Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologists saw evidence of natural reproduction during a lake trout survey off of Sheboygan.  So, with lake trout poised for a comeback and fisheries experts beginning to suggest a change in fisheries management, it would appear that the Lake Michigan fishery might change from Pacific salmon to native fishes such as lake trout, yellow perch perca flavescens, lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis and cisco Coregonus artedi.  However, one of the first lessons for fisheries students is that fisheries management isn’t about managing fish, it’s about managing people.  As long as people, and their dollars, continue to demand a Pacific salmon fishery, management is not likely to make any drastic changes to the fishery.

            Should managers find an opening to make the switch to native fishes, I don’t think it will be all that bad.  Lake trout, if given the chance, can get as big as Chinook salmon.  The influx of invasive species and competitors has just prevented them from doing so.  Once the alewife and the salmon are gone, anglers looking to catch big fish will find lake trout that meet their desire.  Anglers looking for fish to eat will still have all the native fishes they’ve always enjoyed, no salmon though.  And I’m not convinced that salmon will disappear once they are no longer stocked into Lake Michigan.  There is evidence of salmon naturally reproducing in the lake (in its tributaries, actually), stocking is just needed to make these populations viable fisheries.  And the alewife isn’t going away, so there will always be food for these fish.  So small salmon populations will continue to exists, but catches will be rare.  Anglers will have to think of the salmon fishery like the musky fishery.  One benefit of a native fishes-based fishery is that the fishery will be more stable, as native fishes will be more resilient to ecological changes over time.  So you will no longer have the boom and bust cycles currently seen in the salmon fishery.  Another benefit is that it will be cheaper to maintain a native fish-based fishery.  There will no longer be the need to stock fish, one of the biggest costs of managing the fishery, so the cost of a fishing license could go down and there would be no need for stamps.  And finally, as the fishery transition from Pacific salmon to native fishes, changes in the economic model will occur.  But a fishery will comeback and those savvy enough to adapt to the changes will be in good position to make money exploiting the fisheries of Lake Michigan.  There will be a hiccup in the economic benefits the lake gives to the area, but those benefits will return and be more stable. 

Dettmers, J.M., C.I. Goddard, K.D. Smith.  2012. Management of alewife using Pacific salmon in the Great Lakes: Whether to manage for economics or the ecosystem.  Fisheries. 37:495-501.

Selected definitions

Coregonine- fish of the freshwater whitefish subfamily

Benthic- the ecological zone at the lowest level of a body of water

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR collecting Chinook salmon heads

Milwaukee man takes grand prize at Salmon-a-rama

Asian carp threaten to shut down fish passage

Images from a recent WDNR survey on Lake Superior

Anglers caught cheating at Kewanee/Doory County salmon derby

WDNR outdoor report

National
Leading scientists support US FDA's regulation of genetically-modified animals
US and Canadian seafood firms create Sea Pact

International
Former Somali pirates providing protection to illegal fishing boats

Fisheries events

August 3 and 4- Lions Club Fishing Derby in Port Washington

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR upgrades four trout streams and downgrades a fifth

Public meeting on walleye regulations for Silver Lake

Minnesota man jailed for fishing with borrowed license

Vermont winning the battle against sea lamprey

WDNR outdoor report

National
National Parks Service and Wal-mart refuse to buy Alaskan salmon
International
Japan outraged by Australia's comments on whaling

Fisheries events

Meetings

July 22- Public meeting regarding Silver Lake walleye regulation at the Barron County Government Center at 7 p.m.

July 23- Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Casting Clinic at the southwest corner of Greenfield Park from 6 to 8 p.m.  www.sewtu.org

July 27- Learn to Fish Rodeo at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier in Campbellsport from 1 to 4 p.m.

Fishing

July 20 to 28- Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament

July 26 to 29- Cleveland Fishing Derby

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Dumper Dan charter lands possible state record lake whitefish

Study finds anglers change fishing habits in response to consumption advisories

Study suggests fishing regulations don't match-up with angler behavior

Hot new insights into sea lamprey reproduction

Great Lakes Sports Fishermen take vets fishing

WDNR outdoor report

National
NOAA to introduce data system to track illegal, unreported and unregulated fishery products

Fisheries events

Meetings

July 16- Presentation on finesse fishing for bass by Dan Brovarney at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 92nd street in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members).  www.ofcfish.com

July 20- Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Parson’s Creek workday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. www.sewtu.org

July 21- Intermediate fly fishing class at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg ($40 for non-members, pre-registration required).

Fishing

July 13 to 21- Salmon-a-rama in Racine.

July 17- Powder Puff Derby in Sheboygan.

Jul7 19 to 21- Two Rivers Kiwanis Fishing Derby

July 20 to 28- Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament

Fisheries events

Fishing

July 11 and 15- Volunteer electrofishing survey on the Milwaukee River at Fireman’s Park in Newburg (July 11) and River Barn Park in Mequon (July 15) with Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department’s Fish Passage Program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/on-the-trail-b9939479z1-212649251.html

July 13 to 17- Salmon-a-rama in Racine.

July 13 and 14- Kewaunee Trout Festival Offshore Challenge

July 14- Intermediate fly fishing class at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg ($40 for non-members, pre-registration required).

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Some sturgeon spearing license applications due August 1st

Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin donate $30,000 to raise muskies

Fish kill on Chetek chain of lakes in Barron county

Seeforellen brown trout stocked in Lake Superior

Lake Superior fisheries improving one year after strong storm

WDNR outdoor report
National
Anglers top list of lightning-related deaths during leisure activity

Leading tuna researchers dispute fact sheet by Pew Charitable Trusts

International
It's safe to urinate in the Amazon River

Fisheries events

Meetings

July 2- Presentation on fishing the Winnebago chain of lakes at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 92nd Street in West Allis ($5 for non-members). www.ofcfish.com

Fishing

July 5-7- Ozaukee chapter of Great Lakes Sports Fishermen Public Fishing Derby in Port Washington.

July 5-7- Northeastern Wisconsin chapter of Great Lakes Sports Fishermen Salmon Derby in Manitowoc.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Study suggests Milwaukee River suitable for Asian carp

FIB to attempt to break record for fish caught in 24 hours

Minnesota man gets a week in jail for cheating in fishing derby

Wild Rose Hatchery trying manufactured food for muskies

WDNR speeding up permit process to remove dead fish from shorelines
International Aquaponics Conference comes to Stevens Point

Fish kill of common carp on Ludden Lake

Fisheries management plan working in Yellowstone Lake

WDNR outdoor report

Fisheries Events

June 26- Volunteer electrofishing survey on the Milwaukee River downstream of Cedar Creek in Grafton with Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department’s Fish Passage Program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/on-the-trail-b9939479z1-212649251.html

June 29- Junior Coho Derby at the Wharf in Sheboygan

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR urban fishing program expanding to Rock County

Lake Michigan tributary to be treated for sea lamprey larvae

WDNR research vessel helps migratory birds through the fog

Lake trout population finally showing signs of life

WDNR outdoor report

National
Facial recognition technology could be used to identify seafood

International
The Asian answer to Asian carp

Aquaculture production beats beef production for first time

Fisheries events

Regulations

June 15- Large and smallmouth bass northern zone harvest season opens

June 16- Yellow perch season opens on Lake Michigan and tributaries.

Meetings

June 11- Public meeting with WDNR walleye management team to discuss walleye stocking initiative and preliminary planning for evaluation effectiveness at the Portage Count Library in Stevens Point from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

June 12- Public meeting with WDNR panfish team at the Portage County Library in Stevens Point from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

June 12- Presentation on patterns and techniques for fish Winnebago at the Walleyes Unlimited meeting at Root River Lanes in Franklin at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). www.walleyesunlimitedusa.org

June 16- Fly fishing for beginners class at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg ($30 for non-members).

Fishing

June 14-15- Child’s Wish Fishing Outing host by the Ozaukee chapter of the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen Club. www.glsfclub.com

June 14-16- Kenosha Coho Classic

June 15- 39^th annual Southeast Wisconsin Open on Pewaukee Lake.

June 15- Sturgeon Bay Salmon Shootout

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Good news from WDNR sturgeon spawning report

Walker's Wisconsin Walleye Initiative passes Joint Finances Committee

Various studies look at the function of the adipose fin

Blogger reports result of WDNR survey of anglers leaving fishery

WDNR outdoor report

National
Fifty nine US grocers vowing not to sell genetically engineered salmon

Scientists monitor whale entangled in fishing line

Fisheries events

Meetings

June 4- Presentation on bass fishing area lakes by Chris Terry at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 92nd Street in West Allis ($5 for non-members). www.ofcfish.com

June 8 and 9- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Fishing

June7-9- Sheboygan Salmon Cup

June 9^th- 2^nd annual Take a Vet Fishing Outing at Babcock Park in McFarland. www.takeavetfishing.com

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR asking for comments on Lake Michigan Integrated Fisheries Management Plan

UWM fisheries biologist suggests shifting Lake Michigan strategy

Walker's Wisconsin Walleye Initiative aims to increase hatchery production

Study shows climate a change has mixed effects on Lake Superior fish

Couple caught hundreds over legal limit of panfish in Iowa

Tribes miss walleye target, bag limits increased

WDNR outdoor report

National
NOAA updates fish stock sustainability index

Fisheries events

Regulations

June 1 and 2- Free fishing weekend

Meetings

May 28- Presentation on Pewaukee and Okauchee Lake by Ben Heussner, WDNR fisheries biologists, at the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. meeting at the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400 at 7:30 p.m. www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com

June 1- Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. muskie collection from Amron pond for transport to Pewaukee Lake.  www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com

June 1- Learn to fish rodeo at Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit- Long Lake Recreation Area in Cascade from 1 to 4 p.m.

Fishing

June 1- The 2^nd annual Legacy Fishing Classic on Pewaukee Lake at The Sports Dock. http://tmore.org/alumni/legacy-fishing-classic/

June 1- Cash for Carp at Riverside Park in Watertown from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Sheboygan charter boat captains to give free boat rides

Aerator limits fish kill on Big Eau Pleine Reservoir

Journal Sentinel summary of spawning habits of Wisconsin fish species

Fish for free June 1-2

WDNR outdoor report

National
Fishing derby in New Hampshire to use lie-detectors

International
Study indicates fish species moving north

Fisheries events

Regulations

May 25- Muskellunge season opens north of State Highway 10.

Meetings

May 21- Presentation on Door County monster smallies in spring at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 92^nd St. in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members) www.ofcfish.com

May 21- 9^th annual Ride with a Charter Boat Day hosted by the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen’s Club at The Wharf at 6 p.m. www.sheboyganfishingclub.com

May 21- Members’ travelogues at the Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited meeting at the Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7 p.m. www.sewtu.org

May 25 and 26- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Free fishing weekend scheduled for June 1st

WDNR annual spring fish survey off to a late start

Efforts to find Asian carp in Illinois waterways to intensify

Registration for Walleye Weekend events opens

WDNR outdoor report

National
Natural resource management generates $1.7 trillion economy

Science-based management rebuilds stocks and ends overfishing

Fisheries events

Meetings

May 13- Presentation on fishing local lakes for panfish by Tom Newbauer at the Wisconsin Fishing Club meeting at Graingers Southern Grill in Greenfield at 7:00 p.m. ($5 for non-members). www.wisconsinfishingclub.com

May 14- Presentation by Captain Josh Keeran of Proposition Charter of Racine at the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen of Milwaukee meeting at the Greendale American Legion Post 416 at 7 p.m. www.glsfclub.com

May 15- Deadline to register for WDNR basic angler education workshop at Shorewood High School.

May 18- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

May 19- Fly fishing for beginners class at Riveredge Nature Center in New burg from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. ($30 for non-members).

Fishing

May 18- 2013 Fox River Spring Walleye Classic.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Some northern lakes not stocked for opener

Wardens rescue stranded sturgeon

Northern pike rescued from ditches and wetlands near Green Bay

Gov. Walker misses snowy Governor's Fishing Opener

Intense sturgeon spawning last week

WDNR seeking comments on long-term Lake Michigan fisheries management plan

Study suggests lake trout in Lake Michigan reproducing naturally

Smelt run in north shore streams delayed

WDNR outdoor report
National
US and Russia sign joint statement on enhanced fisheries cooperation

Fisheries Events

Meetings

May 7- Presentation on details for success on Green Bay tributaries at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall on 92nd street in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). www.ofcfish.com/

May 8- Presentation on spring patterns on Pewaukee Lake by Mike Koepp at the Muskellunge Club of Wisconsin meeting at Thunder Bay Grill in Pewaukee at 7:30 p.m. ($5 for non-members).  www.muskiewi.org/

May 8- Presentation on bass fishing lakes in southeastern Wisconsin by Joe Reznack at the Walleyes Unlimited meeting at Root River Lanes in Franklin at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). www.walleyesunlimitedusa.org/

May 11- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Fishing

May 11- 29th annual Pewaukee Muskie Classic hosted by the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Okauchee, Oconomowoc and Pewaukee Lakes.

www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com/

Southeast Wisconsin votes with rest of state at WDNR Spring Rules Hearings, mostly

Last month the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources held their Spring Rules Hearings in each county across the state.  The hearings gave the public a chance to cast a vote in questions regarding management of a variety of natural resources.  I have looked at the data to see how southeast Wisconsin voted on fisheries issues in comparison to the rest of the state.  The five counties (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Racine), typically voted the same way as the rest of state.  On the most hyped question of the ballot, voters said no to allowing trolling statewide.  The narrow margin of victory for no voters was represented in the southeast by split in the countywide votes, with Kenosha, Racine and Waukesha voting yes and Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Sheboygan voting no.  In another close result, the majority statewide said yes to a lead tackle restriction on Enscanaba, Nebish and Pallette lakes in Vilas County.  All the counties in the southeast, except Milwaukee, voted no.

Some counties also had one or two votes that didn’t go along with the statewide majority.  Except for the two questions above, Racine, Sheboygan and Waukesha voted with the statewide majority on every fisheries-related question.  Kenosha said no to allowing panfish bag limits split by species and allowing alternating length and bag limits under certain conditions, contrary to the majority.  Ozaukee was undecided about the latter question as their vote was tied on that one.  Ozaukee also voted down length and bag limits for walleye on Silver Lake in Barron Country.  If anybody knows why Ozaukee residents care so much about a lake on the other side of the state, please let me know.  Finally, Milwaukee voted no on eliminating Inland Trout and Great Lakes Stamps for 16-17 year old youth.  I think voters must have been confused by the wording of this question because it was a close vote statewide and I don’t see why anybody would vote no on eliminating the stamp requirement for 16-17 year old youth and save young anglers some money.

Fisheries event: WDNR online chat

The WDNR is hosting a series of online chats with department experts, the topic this week is springtime fishing.  The chat is on May 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Use the following link to connect: http://dnr.wi.gov/chat/expert.html

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Walleye bag limits in Ceded Territory posted at boat landings and online

Sturgeon spawning run held up by cold weather

Natural Resources Board makes moves to increase transparency and public participation
WDNR outdoor report

National
Obama administration releases implementation plan for National Ocean Policy

National Fisheries Institute accuses Greenpeace of lying about seafood sustainability

Congress may ban genetically modified salmon

International
Killer whales preying on humpback whales caught on camera

Fisheries events

Regulations

April 28- Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait only.

April 30- The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.

May 4-General inland waters game fish opener (trout, walleye, northern pike, bass in the southern zone).

May4- Catch and release only bass season opens through June 17 in the northern zone.

May 4-Muskellunge season in waters south of State Highway 10 opens.

May 4-From Sept. 15 through the first Saturday in May, hook and line fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in all Lake Michigan tributaries except the Oconto River and its tributaries and the downstream portion of the Peshtigo River.

Meetings

April 30- Presentation by Matt Wagner, owner of The Driftless Angler fly shop, at the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting at the Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7 p.m. www.sewtu.org

May 4- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Fisheries Events

Regulations

April 24- Presentation by Great Lakes fisheries scientist Bill Horns to the Natural Resources Board on harvest limits for commercial species in Wisconsin waters at the Natural Resources Board meeting in the State Natural Resources Building in Madison at 8:30 a.m.. http://dnr.wi.gov/about/nrb/

April 28- Early catch-and-release only trout season closes at midnight. Season is artificial bait only.

April 30- The yellow perch season closes on Lake Michigan and tributaries. The season reopens June 16.

Meetings

April 23- Presentation by Mike Mordas of Muskie Train at the Muskies Inc. meeting at the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400 Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com/

April 27- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

April 30- Presentation by Matt Wagner of the Driftless Angler at the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting at the Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7 p.m. www.sewtu.org/

Fishing

April 27- The 2013 Greater Milwaukee Shore Fishing Club Spring Perch and Trout Tournament at McKinley Marina.

April 27- Rock River Gold Walleye Tournament at Anchor Inn Landing in Newville from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 28- Rock River Team Bass Tournament at Wootan Park in Beloit.

Fisheries events

Meetings

April 16- Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen meeting at the Sheboygan Outboard Club at 7 p.m. www.sheboyganfishingclub.com

April 16- Presentation on fly fishing for musky, salmon and rainbow trout at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). www.ofcfish.com

April 20- Milwaukee Riverkeepers Spring River Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon.

April 20- Seminar on fly fishing for beginners at the Bong State Recreation Area visitor center from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

April 20- Fly fishing 101 clinic at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Fishing

April 19-21- 25^th annual Bailey’s Harbor Brown Trout Tournament

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Voters say no to statewide trolling

330,000 trout stocked in Wisconsin inland waters

Great Lakes to get new research vessel

WDNR keeping an eye on Vern Wolf Lake Dam in Kenosha County

WDNR outdoor report

International
Australia and Japan going to UN court over whaling

Scientists object to 'sustainable' label from Marine Stewardship Council

Fisheries events

April 2- Panel on salmon and trout fishing in 2013 hosted by the Great Lakes Sport Fishermen Ozaukee chapter at Railroad Station Hall in Saukville at 7 p.m.

April 2- Presentation on battery maintenance by Mark Mysinksi of Remy Battery at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Allis at 7 p.m. ( $5 for non-members).  http://www.ofcfish.com/

April 6- Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum at Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI from 8:30 to 3 p.m.

April 7- Seminar on spring steelhead fishing at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 1 to 2 p.m.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Statewide fish and wildlife rules hearings and Conservation Congress meetings schedule for April 8th

Statewide trolling on the ballot at fish and wildlife rules hearings

Bill to control sea lamprey likely to be introduced

Free fishing clinics for youth anglers scheduled for April 13th

Weeds and boat access top issues at public hearings on Winnebago waterways

Aquaponics part of indoor mega farm in Chicago suburb

WDNR outdoor report

National
Obama administration releases the national fish, wildlife and plants climate adaptation strategy

International
Nations adopt guidelines on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

Fisheries events

Regulation

March 30- Trout season opens on designated sections of some Lake Superior tributaries.

March 31- Hunting, fishing, sports and conservation patron licenses expire.

Meetings

March 25- Presentation on fishing the Winnebago system for walleyes at the Wisconsin Fishing Club meeting at Graingers Southern Grill in Greenfield at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). http://wisconsinfishingclub.com/

March 26- Presentation on trout angling in Wisconsin by Scot Stewart at the Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited meeting at the Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7 p.m.  http://www.sewtu.org/

March 26- Public meeting on improving fishing access management of state lands in the Driftless Area in Belmont at the Belmont Inn from 4 to 7 p.m.

March 27- Public meeting on improving fishing access management of state lands in the Driftless Area in Dodgeville at Folklore Village from 4 to 7 p.m.

March 28- Public meeting on improving fishing access management of state lands in the Driftless Area in Fitchburg at City Hall from 4 to 7 p.m.

March 31- Seminar on spring steelhead fish at the Milwaukee Orvis store in Glendale from 1 to 2 p.m.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Walleye bag limits cut in response to Chippewa spearing plans 

WDNR recognizes four groups for commitment to fishing

Wisconsin Conservation Congress to hold public meetings in April

Public meetings scheduled to address Winnebago waterways

WDNR panfish meetings underway

WDNR outdoor report

Michigan's commercial fishing license sales bring in $4 million

National
Scientists map the sea lamprey genome

International
Sea Shepherds claim victory in the Southern Ocean

Sea Shepherds file complaint against Japanese whaling vessel for ramming

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Lac de Flambeau Band planning to end limit on spearing walleye

WI assembly introduces bill to change bass fishing rule

WDNR expecting fish kill on Big Eau Pleine reservoir

WDNR outdoor report

National
Michigan Rep. talks Great Lakes issues with President Obama

Anglers criticize NOAA report on fishing industry

Wisconsin part of nationwide dam removal effort

Fisheries events

Regulations

March 19- Public meeting on improving fishing access and management of Driftless Area at the Waukesha State Office Building from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meetings

March 18- Basic angler education instructor certification workshop hosted the Badger Fisherman’s League at the Knights of Columbus hall in West Allis from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

March 19- Presentation by Lynn Niklasch on early season river systems at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members).  http://www.ofcfish.com

March 19- Presentation by Dale Allen from Kitchen Pass Charters with fishing tricks tips and information at the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Fishermen meeting at the Sheboygan Outboard Club at 7 p.m. http://www.sheboyganfishingclub.com/

Fisheries events

Regulations

March 15- Yellow perch season closes on Green Bay and its tributaries and the Fox River from the mouth up to the De Pere Dam

Meetings

March 12- Presentation by Brad Eggold, WDNR Southern Lake Michigan Fisheries Manager, at the Great Lakes Sports Fishermen of Milwaukee meeting at the Greendale American Legion Post at 7 p.m.  http://www.glsfclub.com/

March 13- Presentation on rigging options for early walleyes on the Mississippi River by Eric Olson at the Walleyes Unlimited meeting at Root River Lanes in Franklin at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members). http://www.walleyesunlimitedusa.org/

March 13- Presentation on perch fishing on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee and Waukegan at the Wisconsin Fishing Club meeting at Graingers Southern Grill in Greenfield at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members).   http://wisconsinfishingclub.com/

March 13- Presentation on hot patterns for Okauchee Lake at the Muskellunge Club of Wisconsin meeting Thunder Bay Grille in Pewaukee at 7:30 p.m. http://www.muskiewi.org/

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR working to protect surplus bass production from manure runoff

Preliminary results suggest spread of invasive species limited in Wisconsin

WDNR hosting public meetings on Driftless Area

Less ice cover could hurt fish populations

WDNR outdoor report

National
Salt water fisheries have increases in landings and value in 2011

SAFE Seafood Act aims to fight fraud

Fisheries events

Regulations

March 6- 2013-2014 fishing licenses go on sale.

March 7- Public panfish meeting at Fisherman’s Road Fishing Club Headquarters in Fon du Lac at 7 p.m.

Meetings

March 5- Presentation by Dave Duwe called “A Guide’s Secrets to Catching Fish” at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members).

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

WDNR to investigate gill lice in brook trout

Sturgeon numbers low again but quality of fish was high

2013-14 hunting and fishing licenses available March 6th

WDNR looking for sturgeon guard volunteers

WDNR outdoor report

National
NOAA partners with INTERPOL in new initiative to fight fisheries crime

Renowned fisheries experts publicly debate major issue

International
Appeals court overturns previous ruling against Japanese whalers

Fisheries events

Regulations

March 1- Ice fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters.

March 1- Lake trout season opens on Lake Michigan, Green Bay & Lake Michigan tributaries through Oct. 31.

March 2- Early catch-and-release only trout season opens statewide, with exception of spring ponds and Great Lakes tributaries; artificial bait only, but barbless hooks no longer required. Season runs to midnight April 28.

March 3- The fishing season for all game species closes on inland waters that do not remain open all year. Check the current fishing regulations for waters that remain open to fishing.

March 3- The game fish season closes on tributary streams and ditches of Green Bay and the Fox River up to the first dam or lake (except yellow perch is open until March 15). There is an exception to this closure for portions of 9 major Green Bay Tributaries. Check the current fishing regulations for waters that remain open to fishing.

March 3- Ice fishing shelters must be removed from inland waters south of Highway 64 by the first Sunday following March 1.

Meetings

February 25- Wisconsin Fishing Club meeting at Graingers Southern Grill in Greenfield at 7:00 p.m. http://wisconsinfishingclub.com/

February 26- Presentation on the WDNR wild trout program by retired WDNR fisheries biologist Dave Vetrano at the Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited meeting at the Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7:00 p.m.  http://www.sewtu.org/

February 26- Presentation on catching musky in southern Wisconsin at the Milwaukee chapter of Muskies Inc. meeting at the Waukesha Elks Lodge at 7:30 p.m. http://www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com/

March 2-3- Lake Michigan Fishing Seminars and Tackle Show at Jalensky's in Kenosha.  http://www.jalenskys.com/

A gathering of Wisconsin's fisheries experts

           The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society held their 42^nd annual meeting a couple of weeks ago in Rothschild.  Each year, fisheries students and professionals get together to share information about current fisheries issues.  The gathering involves oral presentations, poster sessions, smaller meetings and socials.  The smaller meetings typically focus on the organizations internal affairs but this year there was a meeting of the WDNR Lake Michigan Team.  The bulk of the meeting is individuals giving oral presentations about ongoing or recently completed.  The poster sessions allows individuals to present their research in poster form.

            Most of the oral presentations were about studies on individual species.  The most reported on species was muskellunge, but there were also presentations on brook trout, common carp, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and zebra mussels.  The most common topic, not including individual species, was habitat studies, including a report on the Ozaukee fish passage program.  There were also two presentations on climate change, one on angler behavior and one on the effects of regulation.  The poster session, like the oral presentation, was dominated by studies on individual species.  There were also posters about studies on habitat, mercury and angler behavior, including a report on the fish consumption by older fishermen survey.

            Summaries of each presentation are available on the Wisconsin chapter of the American Fisheries Society website.

Presentations: http://www.wi-afs.org/Portals/0/PDF/Annual%20Meetings/Abstracts_WI-AFS_2013.pdf

Posters:   http://www.wi-afs.org/Portals/0/PDF/Annual%20Meetings/Poster_WI-AFS_2013.pdf

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Inland catch-and-release trout season opens March 2nd

WDNR to hold public meetings on fishing in the Driftless Area

WDNR outdoor report

National
Study finds multiple sources of carp DNA other than live fish

Fish fraud is commonplace

International
Russians win world ice fishing championship

Japanese whaling fleet and Sea Shepherds battling in the Southern Ocean

Fisheries Events

Regulations

February 20- Ice fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters.

February 24- Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing Season closes unless season closes early due to harvest caps being reached.

Meetings

February 18- Public hearing on the statewide panfish management plan at the WDNR Waukesha Service Center at 7 p.m.

February 19- Presentation by Joe Schmidt on ice fishing area lakes at the Okauchee Fishing Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Allis at 7 p.m. ($5 for non-members).

February 19- Presentation on fish plantings, conditions and forecasts by WDNR fisheries technician Cheryl Masterson at the Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen meeting at the Sheboygan Outboard Club at 7:00 p.m.

February 20- Fly tying class led by Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited at the Cabela’s in Richfield from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  www.sewtu.org/

February 23- Fly tying class at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fishing

February 23- The annual Cedar Lake Fishing Derby at Cedar’s Bar and Grill in Manitowoc County.

February 23- The annual Long Lake Fisheree sponsored by the Long Lake Fishing Club in Dundee from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  http://www.longlakefishingclub.com

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

First panfish hearing in southeast Wisconsin set for February 18th

Upriver sturgeon spearing season closes after three days

WDNR creating citizens trout management task force

WDNR issues 44 citations against commercial fishing company

WDNR outdoor report

National
Great Lakes senators request Hurricane Sandy relief

Senators introduce bills to protect US fishermen and seafood consumers

Fisheries events

Regulations

February 9- Lake Winnebago Sturgeon Spearing Season Opens

Meetings

February 6- World of Walleye Series (1 of 3), classes on the state of the Winnebago system.  www.fvtc.edu

February 6- Fly tying class led by Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited at the Cabela’s in Richfield from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  www.sewtu.org/

February 9- Fly tying class at the Milwaukee Orvis store from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fishing

February 9- Kids Ice Fishing Clinics at area parks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (free, ages 15 and under): 
Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave

McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., wheelchair accessible

McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51st St., wheelchair accessible

Scout Park, 5902 W. Loomis Road, wheelchair accessible (Walleyes Unlimited)

Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave. (Wisconsin Fishing Club)

Menomonee Park/Lannon Quarry, Townline Road, 1/2 mile north of Good Hope Road, Menomonee Falls

February 9- Golden Lake Pub 7^th annual Fisheree from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 9- 4^th annual UW-Whitewater Ice Jamboree at Double D’s Pub and Eatery in Mukwonago from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

February 10- The Suckers Fishing Club 38^th annual fishing derby at AJ’s Bar and Grill in Muskego from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Winnebago sturgeon spearing season opens February 9th

Wisconsin's new sturgeon specialist takes over at start of spearing season

WDNR announces web-based multi-media presentation dubbed 'Sturgeon Week'

Angler Education Workshops kick off on February 16th in Baraboo

WDNR to hold public meetings on panfish management

WDNR outdoor report

National
Map illustrates spread of Asian carp

International
Sea Shepherds recruit Japanese volunteers

Fisheries Events

Meetings

January 28- Wisconsin Fishing Club 2012 Fishing Contest Awards Night at Graingers Southern Grill at 7 p.m. in Greenfield. www.wisconsinfishingclub.com/

January 30- Fly tying classes led by Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited at the Cabela’s in Richfield from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  www.sewtu.org/

January 31- Public Hearing on revisions relating to housekeeping changes to fishing rules at the State Natural Resources Building in Madison at 2 p.m.  http://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/documents/FH1912PublicHearingNotice.pdf 

February 2- Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen award banquet at the Sheboygan Yacht Club at 5:30 p.m. www.sheboyganfishingclub.com/

February 2- Salmon School at R & R Sports Fishin’ Hole in Cudahy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($30).  www.reelsensation.com/lakeMichiganFIshingNews.asp?ID=35

Fishing

February 2- MSOE Fishing Team Ice Fishing Tournament from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Pike Lake   

February 2- Big Cedar Lake Fisheree

February 2- Bay View Rod and Gun Club 31^st annual Ice Fisheree from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Big Muskego Lake

February 2- Wind Lake Lions Club Ice Fishing Jamboree at Sportsman’s Landing

Fisheries news for southeast Wisconsin

Public hearings on fish and wildlife rules set for April 8th

WDNR job openings with recreational fishing survey

WDNR releases fishing season booklet and calender

WDNR outdoor report

National
Salmon exhibit decadal cycles in abundance

Angler in Minnesota caught with 228 sunfish

International
US to back new shark protections

Fisheries Events

Meetings

January 22- Presentation on fishing opportunities in southeast Wisconsin by Jared Ehlers at the Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited meeting at Charcoal Grill in New Berlin at 7 p.m.  www.sewtu.org/

January 22- Presentation on Trophy Muskie Patterns at the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc meeting at the Waukesha Elks Lodge at 7:30 p.m.  www.milwaukeemuskiesinc.com

January 23- Fly tying classes led by Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited at the Cabela’s in Richfield from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  www.sewtu.org/

Fishing

January 26- The Palmyra Lions Club 28th annual Fisheree on Lower Spring Lake from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

January 26- Bass Anglers ltd. 30th annual Ice Fishing Jamboree at Danny Haskell’s on Little and Big Muskego Lakes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

January 26- Crooked Lake Sportsman’s Club Fisheree at Monkey Business from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

January 26- Fish Lips Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Mary in Twin Lakes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

January 27- The Richfield Sportsmen’s Club 26th annual Ice Fisheree on Friess Lake in Hubertus from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

January 27- Pewaukee Lake Sportsman’s Club Winterfest ice fishing tournament.

January 27- Hartford Conservation and Gun Club 23rd annual Ice Fisheree on Pike Lake from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.