(See PDF for image.)
In recent years, the Lake Michigan Committee has recommended and the states approved several chinook salmon stocking reductions to match predators with available prey (alewife). These reductions in 1998, 2006 and most recently in 2013 were mostly tied to Chinook salmon with no other species taking any appreciable reductions in stocking numbers. In 2016, the Lake Michigan Committee recommended another chinook salmon stocking reduction. In conjunction, this rule would allow increased harvest of lake trout, reducing the number of trout in the lake and decreasing the predation pressure on alewives. The changes to lake trout bag limits, season lengths and refuge areas would also provide more fishing opportunities and respond to angler desires. This rule focuses on lake trout in order to balance management options among species that prey on alewives.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
Section 29.014(1), Stats., directs the Department to establish and maintain any bag limits and conditions governing the taking of fish that will conserve the fish supply and ensure the citizens of this state continued opportunities for good fishing. Section 29.041, Stats., provides that the Department may regulate fishing on and in all interstate boundary waters and outlying waters. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
Employees will spend approximately 250 hours developing the rules.
6. List of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
• Recreational fishers on Lake Michigan
• Recreational fishing guides and charter fishing businesses
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
No federal regulations apply. None of the rule proposals violate or conflict with federal regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule:
Because of the increased bag limit, longer season, and additional areas that allow lake trout fishing, the rule is expected to have a positive economic impact on recreational angling businesses, including fishing guides and charter fishing businesses. (Governor’s Executive Order 50, none or minimal economic impact - less than $50,000) If a permanent rule is pursued, the Department will conduct an economic impact analysis to gather comments from any individuals, businesses, local governments, or other entities that expect to be affected economically by the rule change.
The rule is necessary in order to ensure a sustainable lake trout fishery over the long-term that provides an economic and natural resource benefit for all affected. The rule does not impose any compliance or reporting requirements nor would any design or operational standards be contained in the rule.
The Department recently concluded a series of three meetings in late June to inform stakeholders on stocking plans for chinook salmon. As part of these meetings, the Department engaged stakeholders on a variety of management options that could also be implemented to increase angler activity on Lake Michigan. Lake trout bag limits and seasons were discussed with them during the meetings. Many stakeholders at the meeting expressed interest in harvesting more lake trout immediately to reduce the number of trout in the lake, thereby decreasing the predation pressure on alewives. Comments received via email also were in favor of changing the regulations for lake trout. Since the stocking plans are slated to begin in 2017, the public believes that changes to lake trout regulations should change prior to the start of the 2017 fishing season. These rules changes would likely receive large support from stakeholders.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department will hold two public hearings (Green Bay and Milwaukee) within 45 days after the emergency rule is in effect to collect additional public input on the rule.
Contact Person: Bradley Eggold, Great Lakes District Fisheries Supervisor, 414-382-7921
