Skip navigation Wisconsin State Legislature
This is the preview version of the Wisconsin State Legislature site.
Please see http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov for the production version.
Up
The regulation proposals included in this rule are based on biological surveys and analyses conducted by fisheries biologists and input from local stakeholders and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. All proposals are peer-reviewed for justification, enforceability, and completeness by department Bureaus of Fisheries Management, Law Enforcement, and Legal Services.
Based on the management goals for individual waters and species, the department strives to provide:
consumptive opportunities where anglers can fish for a meal from a self-sustained, slow-growing fish population;
quality and memorable opportunities where anglers can catch large fish and the density of adult fish in the populations are sustained or increased; and
trophy opportunities where anglers can catch large trophy-size fish and the survival of older and larger fish is increased.
Most recreational fishing regulation changes are updated in Administrative Code every two years. Forestalling the proposed rule changes would result in less than optimal management of fish populations in waters of the state and reduced fishing opportunities for resident and visiting anglers. However, existing regulations would remain in place to provide some level of continued protection of fish resources.
9. Analysis and Supporting Documents Used to Determine the Effect on Small Business or in Preparation of an Economic Impact Report:
The department does not expect any economic impact or change directly related to these rule changes (Governor’s Executive Order 50, level 3 economic impact analysis of minimal to no economic impact less than $50,000). The proposed rule will primarily affect recreational anglers. Fishing regulations are already in place for waters of the state, and this rule is intended to continue protection and enhancement of the state’s fish resources by adjusting regulations on select waters where there is a management need. One purpose of the rule is to help maintain the general, beneficial economic impact of fishing throughout Wisconsin.
The department prepared an economic impact analysis, which was posted for public comment in March 2019 to determine if any individuals, businesses, local governments, or other entities expect to be adversely affected economically by the rule. No comments were received on the economic impact analysis.
10. Effect on Small Business (initial regulatory flexibility analysis):
The proposed rule would not impose any reporting requirements on small businesses, nor are any design or operational standards contained in the rule. The rule would not allow for the potential to establish a reduced fine for small businesses, nor would it establish “alternative enforcement mechanisms” for “minor violations” of administrative rules made by small businesses.
11. Agency Contact Person: Meredith Penthorn, 101 S. Webster St., PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707; 608-316-0080; Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov
12. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings, by regular mail, fax or email to:
Meredith Penthorn
Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov
Written comments may also be submitted to the Department at DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov.
Public hearings will be held on April 12, 2021. The deadline for submittal of comments is April 15, 2021.
RULE TEXT
Section 1   NR 20.16 (1) (a) 3., 4., 5., 7., 12. and 15. are amended to read:
NR 20.16 (1) (a) 3. ‘Florence county.’ Pine river, Popple river in its entirety.
4. ‘Forest county.’ Peshtigo river downstream from U.S. highway 8, Pine river downstream from STH 55, Popple river in its entirety, and Rat river downstream from Scattered Rice lake.
5. ‘Langlade county.’ Wolf river, main stem of the Plover river upstream of STH 153, excluding tributaries and off-channel springs.
7. ‘Marathon county.’ Black creek (mouth at T27N R7E S4), Black creek (T30N,R3E), Grass creek, McGinnes creek, Fourmile creek, Noisy creek, and Plover river from STH 29 downstream to STH 153, main stem of the Plover river upstream of STH 153, excluding tributaries and off-channel springs.
12. ‘Portage county.’ Ditches 1 through 6 downstream from Townline road and, Tomorrow river from Amherst downstream to Durant road, and Waupaca (Tomorrow) river from Durant road downstream.
15. ‘Waupaca county.’ North branch Little Wolf river from CTH P to CTH J, south branch Little Wolf river, and Waupaca river from Frost Valley road to STH 54, and Waupaca (Tomorrow) river from Frost Valley road upstream.
Section 2   NR 20.20 (1) (d) 3. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(1)   ADAMS (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(d) Northern pike
3. Parker lake
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
5
None except the possession of fish from 25 to 35 is prohibited
Section 3   NR 20.20 (2) (h) 2. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(2)   ASHLAND (for species or waters not listed, including Lake Superior, see sub. (73))
(h) Walleye, sauger and hybrids
2. Butternut lake (on Price County border), North Fork Flambeau river from Upper Park Falls Flowage dam in Price County upstream to the Turtle-Flambeau flowage in Iron County and its tributaries upstream to the first lake, dam, or fish refuge, Mineral lake, Spillerberg lake
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
3 in total
None but only 1 may be longer than 14
Section 4   NR 20.20 (2) (h) 4. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(2)   ASHLAND (for species or waters not listed, including Lake Superior, see sub. (73))
(h) Walleye, sauger and hybrids
4. North Fork Flambeau river from Upper Park Falls Flowage dam in Price County upstream to the Turtle-Flambeau flowage in Iron County and its tributaries upstream to the first lake, dam, or fish refuge
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
3 in total
15 except the possession of fish from 20 to 24 is prohibited and only 1 fish may be longer than 24
Section 5   NR 20.20 (7) (bm) is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(7)   BURNETT (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(bm) Muskellunge
1. Namekagon river from the Trego dam to the confluence with the St. Croix river
a. Hook and line
Saturday nearest Memorial day to December 31 on open water
1 per season
50
Section 6   NR 20.20 (19) (g) 4. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(19)   FLORENCE (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(g) Trout and salmon
4. Popple river downstream from state highway 139
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
3 in total
8
a. Hook and line, only artificial lures may be used
October 16 to November 15
All trout caught shall be immediately released
--
Section 7   NR 20.20 (19) (g) 5m. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(19)   FLORENCE (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(g) Trout and salmon
5m. North branch Pemebonwon river
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
5 in total
None
Section 8   NR 20.20 (21) (b) 5. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(21)   FOREST (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(b) Largemouth and smallmouth bass
5. Butternut lake, Franklin lake
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to Friday preceding the third Saturday in June
0 for smallmouth bass, 5 for largemouth bass
None for largemouth bass only except the possession of fish from 14 to 18 is prohibited and only 1 fish may be longer than 18
Third Saturday in June to the first Sunday in March
5 in total
None except the possession of fish from 14 to 18 is prohibited and only 1 fish may be longer than 18
Monday following the first Sunday in March to Friday preceding the first Saturday in May
0
None
Section 9   NR 20.20 (21) (g) 4. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(21)   FOREST (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(g) Trout and salmon
4. Peshtigo river, Rat river
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
3 in total
8
b. Hook and line, only artificial lures may be used
October 16 to November 15
All trout caught shall be immediately released
--
Section 10   NR 20.20 (26) (h) 2. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(26)   IRON (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(h) Walleye, sauger and hybrids
2. Gile flowage, Island lake (connected to Montreal river), Pine lake, North Fork Flambeau river from Upper Park Falls Flowage dam in Price county upstream to the Turtle-Flambeau flowage in Iron county and its tributaries upstream to the first lake, dam, or fish refuge, West Branch Montreal river, Sherman lake
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
3 in total
None but only 1 may be longer than 14
Section 11   NR 20.20 (26) (h) 5. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(26)   IRON (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(h) Walleye, sauger and hybrids
5. North Fork Flambeau river from Upper Park Falls Flowage dam in Price county upstream to the Turtle-Flambeau flowage in Iron county and its tributaries upstream to the first lake, dam, or fish refuge
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
3 in total
15 except the possession of fish from 20 to 24 is prohibited and only 1 fish may be longer than 24
Section 12   NR 20.20 (37) (e) 4. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(37)   MARATHON (for species and waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(e) Panfish
4. Big Eau Pleine Reservoir
a. Hook and line
Continuous
10 in total
None
Section 13   NR 20.20 (37) (f) 2. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(37)   MARATHON (for species and waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(f) Trout and salmon
2. Comet creek, Embarrass river (south branch), Little Wolf river, Plover river
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
3 in total
12 for brown trout and rainbow trout, 8 for brook trout
Section 14   NR 20.20 (38) (d) 2. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(38)   MARINETTE (for species or waters not listed, including Green Bay and its tributaries, see sub. (73))
(d) Trout and salmon
2. Peshtigo river downstream from state highway 8 (in Forest county) to county highway C in Marinette county, Rat river
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
3 in total
8
b. Hook and line, only artificial lures may be used
October 16 to November 15
All trout caught shall be immediately released
—
Section 15   NR 20.20 (38) (d) 4. is created to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(38)   MARINETTE (for species or waters not listed, including Green Bay and its tributaries, see sub. (73))
(d) Trout and salmon
4. North branch Pemebonwon river, Wausaukee river from the dam in Wausaukee downstream to the confluence with the Menominee river, south branch Pike river from Brock pond downstream to the confluence with the north branch Pike river
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May at 5:00 a.m. to October 15
5 in total
None
Section 16   NR 20.20 (39) (d) 2. is amended to read:
COUNTY AND
SPECIES
WATERS
AUTHORIZED METHODS
OPEN SEASON
(both dates
inclusive)
DAILY BAG LIMIT
MINIMUM LENGTH OR OTHER SIZE RESTRICTIONS (INCHES)
(39)   MARQUETTE (for species or waters not listed, see sub. (73))
(d) Northern pike
2. Sharon lake, Tuttle Lake
a. Hook and line
First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March
5
None
Down
Loading...
Loading...
Links to Admin. Code and Statutes in this Register are to current versions, which may not be the version that was referred to in the original published document.