EmR2406 Rule Text

The prohibition of harvesting walleyes will sunset automatically in 2025. Because a sunset is already established in administrative code, it will not be necessary to promulgate a permanent rule or prepare an economic impact analysis.

11. Effect on Small Business (initial regulatory flexibility analysis):

Any impacts from implementing this rule will be positive, as this rule will allow for limited angler harvest of walleye rather than anglers remaining limited to catch-and-release fishing for walleye. Small businesses that guide anglers in fishing for walleye may benefit for similar reasons.

12. Agency Contact Person: Scott Loomans, 101 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, [e-mail]

13. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:

Comments may be submitted to the department contact person listed above or to [e-mail] until the deadline given in an upcoming notice of public hearing which will be held within 45 days of adoption of this emergency rule. The notice of public hearing and deadline for submitting comments will be published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register and on the department’s website, at https://dnr.wi.gov/calendar/hearings/. Comments may also be submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Website at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/emergency_rules/active.

RULE TEXT

Section 1.   NR 20.20 (44) (g) 3. 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)

(44) ONEIDA

(g) Walleye, sauger and hybrids

3. Clear lake, Katherine lake, Minocqua chain (Jerome lake, Kawaguesaga lake, Mid lake, Minocqua lake, Mud lake, Minocqua thoroughfare, Tomahawk thoroughfare, Little Tomahawk lake, Tomahawk lake, and connecting waters combined)

a. Hook and line

First Saturday in May to the first Sunday in March

0, catch and release only, until April 1, 2025, when it becomes 1 in total

On April 1, 2025, the size limit becomes 18 except the possession of fish between from 22 and to 28 is prohibited

Section 2.   NR 20.20 (44) (g) 6. is repealed.

Section 3. Statement of Emergency. The department finds that an emergency rule is necessary to preserve the general public welfare and peace by allowing state anglers to fully participate in the shared walleye fishery on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County. Pursuant to treaties signed between the six Wisconsin bands of Lake Superior Ojibwe and the United States and affirmed by Lac Courte Oreilles v Voigt, 700 F. 2d 341 (7th Cir. 1983), the bands have the right to harvest fish from off-reservation waters, including the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, using efficient methods such as spearing and netting. The Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Ojibwe may declare its intent to permit members to harvest walleyes on the Minocqua Chain in 2024. In the event that tribal take occurs, allowing a limited state harvest as well will promote fair and equitable use of the walleye resource during the 2024 fishing season.

Section 4. Effective Date. This rule takes effect upon publication in the official state newspaper, as provided in s. 227.24(1)(c), Stats.

Section 5. Board adoption. This rule was approved and adopted by the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on May 2, 2024.

Dated at Madison, Wisconsin _____________________________.

          STATE OF WISCONSIN    

          DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES    

          BY ______________________________________

            Steven Little, Deputy Secretary