New Regulations for Walleye Fishing in Northern Wisconsin Lakes

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) There are new rules in place when it comes to fishing for walleye on some northern Wisconsin lakes.

DNR Fisheries Research Team Leader Greg Sass tells WXPR in Rhinelander that the new rules will better protect reproducing female fish. "These regulations are aimed to slightly reduce exploitation on our walleye populations."

Starting this May, anglers on a number of lakes in Price, Iron, and Vilas Counties can keep a daily bag limit of three walleye. But the fish must be between 15 and 20 inches long.

Sass tells WXPR that climate change has been putting pressure on cold-water fish like walleyes. "We’re seeing increases in our warm water fish over time, species like largemouth bass, black crappie, and bullheads in some places."

The change in rules should help protect older, larger walleyes which are usually reproducing female fish. You can find the new regulations online at D N R dot W I dot Gov.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.