Wisconsin officials have verified that a 41-pound, 8-ounce brown trout caught by Roger Hellen of Franksville, Wis., caught in Lake Michigan on July 16 is now a Wisconsin state record fish. And it may be a world record, too.
It smashed the old record by almost 5 pounds. The previous record was 36 pounds 8.9 ounces and 40.5 inches for a fish caught August 23, 2004, in Lake Michigan near Algoma.
Hellen’s is the ninth state record set this year, and the first for a fish caught by hook and line.
He caught the fish north of Racine while competing in a fishing tournament. The fish measured 40.6 inches long.
The fish is an ounce heavier than the 41-pound 7-ounce world record brown trout caught last year in the Big Manistee River in Michigan.
"It was very exciting - it was certainly the biggest trout or salmon I’ve ever seen," says Cheryl Peterson, DNR fisheries technician who weighted, measured and processed the fish at the tournament. "We knew as soon as it was on the scale it was going to be a new state record."
Here’s more from the DNR news release:
Chomping on round gobies
The brown trout fishery in Wisconsin’s Great Lakes waters, like the salmon fishery, is supported by stocking originally done to help control populations of alewife, an invasive fish species, but now done as well to support what’s become a popular fishery.
Now, the browns appear to be chomping on a newer invasive fish species - round gobies -- helping fueling good survival and fishing, says Brad Eggold, DNR fisheries supervisor for southern Lake Michigan.
"One of the things we’re finding is the trout species are less discriminating when it comes to food, compared to Chinook," he says.
"We know from stomach samples they really go after round gobies and we know there are a lot of gobies. That could be why we are seeing really good survival of the fish and good condition."
Alewives are key forage items for Chinook, and populations of the invasive species are at near-historic lows since they became ubiquitous in the lake in the 1950s.
"We’ve really seen an uptick in brown trout fishing probably in the last 10 years, primarily in bigger harbors like Milwaukee and Racine and Sheboygan," he says. Winter fishing in the mouths of harbors has been particularly popular, he says.
Lake Michigan fishing has been going strong this summer. "The numbers and variety of fish anglers have been catching, particularly in the last four weeks or so, has been excellent," Eggold says. "We’ve settled into a pretty good summer pattern. The warm weather and winds have pushed the warmer surface water out into the lake, bringing cooler water temperatures closer to shore and making it easier to catch salmon and trout."
The temperatures have really concentrated the fish in narrow bands, making them more accessible for anglers, especially those fishing from shore.
Weed explosion on Lake Winnebago frustrates home owners
Weed explosion on Lake Winnebago frustrates home owners By Laurie Ritger The Reporter
Lake breezes just aren’t what they used to be.
An explosion of dense lake weed growth is frustrating property owners along the southeast corner and other areas of Lake Winnebago.
A long-term solution, at this point, seems elusive.
“In 52 years (on the lake) I’ve never seen it like this,” said Paul Kottke, 435 Willow Drive. “What bothers me is, I don’t see why it pops up like this all of a sudden this year. Something is triggering the weed growth and algae growth.”
Billie Tighe lives on the lake off Winnebago Drive with her husband and children.
“It was terrible,” she said, describing how there has been no boating, jet skiing, swimming or even relaxing near the shore due to the thick weeds — weeds that stretched a quarter mile from shore.
In mid-June, ducks could be seen walking on the surface of the dense, tangled weeds.
After a recent strong storm, the Tighes found that some of the weeds had loosened and pushed to shore.
Tighe’s husband, Dean, spent four hours the next day netting and raking the weeds out of the lake. For the first time all season, they were able to get a boat out on the lake.
Billie Tighe said she believes the weeds were temporarily moved about by the storm.
“When it gets hot — I think we’ll be dealing with this all summer,” she said.
A woman who grew up on Lake Winnebago says the extreme number of weeds that appeared seems to be “killing off” the south shore.
“In the last 72 hours, I have seen the south end of the lake change from calm water to a quagmire of weeds,” Katherine Carter of Pickett said in a June 21 e-mail alerting The Reporter of the problem. “Weeds that are stopping jet skis and jet boats in their tracks. Weeds that are wrapping themselves around prop boats and bringing them to a crawl. Weed beds that are festering and starting to ooze that blue-green algae that normally does not appear until late July/August. Thick weed beds now occupy space from east of the Lakeside Park Marina all the way to Sandy Beach at the very southeast end of the lake.”
A Department of Natural Resources water resource specialist based in Oshkosh, said he is praying there is not a big bloom this summer of the dangerous blue-green algae.
Chuck Fitzgibbon, whose specialty is aquatic plant management, has been bombarded with calls about weeds.
He was in Fond du Lac on June 23 checking on the quantity of weeds in Lake Winnebago. He spoke with at least one south shore resident and noted that an entire cove was filled with weeds. The tangle of weeds stretched about 1¾-miles long and a mile from shore.
Fitzgibbon said a pelican estimated to weigh about 20 pounds was standing on the surface.
The next day, he returned to the area in a plane.
“When I went by the area by the Yacht Club, I thought, ‘I don’t believe what I’m seeing,’” he recalled. The weeds all dropped to the bottom or broke up.
But then he heard a couple days later that the weeds had returned — with a vengeance.
Early start
Continued clear water conditions and a warm, early spring — with temperatures reaching the 90s in May— jump-started the growth of lake weeds. Sunshine was hitting the plants and they shot above the surface, it seems, in no time, Fitzgibbon said.
He said Lake Winnebago is a shallow 137,000-acre lake that has a zebra mussel population that has “leveled off.”
Bob Langjahr, owner of Aquatic Biologists south of Fond du Lac, has had many clients on Lake Winnebago.
“The DNR allows us to do navigational lanes with herbicide and harvesting,” he said. “ (But) rain events and wind events can change day to day.”
Langjahr said he believes a plan should be developed addressing large-scale weed problems. Sometimes, he said, harvesting can make things worse, because certain plants propagate with even tiny fragments.
In general, he said, people are leery about chemical treatment.
“With aquatic herbicide, we can target individual plant species,” he said, adding that work is done with DNR permits.
Manual removal can be effective, but it’s a lot of work.
He said his company took out 13 hay-wagons full of weeds from one property owner he worked with in Fond du Lac County.
Tom Beltz, owner of Clarence’s Harbor, N7288 Winnebago Drive, said no one liked the “green pea soup” quality of water in years past.
“(Now) the water’s clear and sunlight penetrates better,” he said.
Beltz, who has lived and worked on the lake his entire life, said weeds have become an issue that has “gotten worse” each year. Underwater weed beds have evolved to weeds that are growing out of seven feet of water.
He said there also are weed problems on the west shore, from Fond du Lac north almost to Wendt’s on the Lake.
So what can be done?
“This is too big a lake for chemicals and it would be awfully expensive,” he said. “Getting a weed cutter seems to be the most practical. There are a lot of weeds, but you gotta’ start somewhere.”
Whose problem?
Control of weeds in Lake Winnebago would be costly, whether through chemical means or with a harvesting device.
Tim Lakin, Fond du Lac City Council vice president, said he has been contacted by a number of residents who are alarmed about the weed problem.
“I’ve lived on the lake most of my life and never seen anything like this before,” Lakin said.
During a cruise on the Lakeside Spirit boat last week, Lakin said ship’s captain had to reverse the engine just to get the weeds off. He said he’s heard that this weed problem is a problem in many parts of the lake.
Lakin said the city has no jurisdiction over the lake and doesn’t have funds to devote to the problem.
“Even if we did, I’m not sure it’s the City of Fond du Lac’s place to be harvesting weeds,” he said, adding that he sympathizes with property owners.
Lakin believes lake weeds could get worse with increased regulations on chemicals and runoff.
“It’s a catch-22,” he said.
The Oshkosh Common Council will be considering options for controlling nuisance aquatic plants.
Waterways management consultants Onterra LLC recommends chemical treatment of the Millers Bay navigation lanes, shores and the mooring plugs through 2013, in order to give the city time to finance and staff a weed-harvester for long-term control of native species like coontail and invasive species like Eurasian water milfoil, a story June 26 in the Oshkosh Northwestern said.
Onterra’s report indicates doing nothing will only hurt revenue streams and clog up navigation lanes.
The report in Oshkosh said it would cost about $27,000 each year to treat the bay with chemicals. Early estimates for operating a weed harvester would include cost to purchase the equipment at about $115,000 and about $32,800 annually to operate it.
Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel hadn’t heard about the weed problem until he was contacted by The Reporter.
“If it becomes an issue that impacts tourism or recreational boating to the extent it hurts business here — we have a very large boat engine manufacturer (Mercury Marine) here — then we certainly have to take a look at that,” he said.
Buechel said some research on the issue will be needed and there are no plans to tackle the weed problem this year.
“I’m not going to say ‘never,’” he said, “just not now.”
June a great time to take kids, other novices fishing
June a great time to take kids, other novices fishing
MADISON – There’s no better time to introduce kids and adults to fish and fishing than the month of June.
The panfish are biting and catchable trout have been stocked in dozens of urban ponds, greatly increasing the chances that novice anglers will land their first fish, says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank.
And fishing is free for everyone that first weekend, June 5 and 6, making it a great opportunity to get everyone outside fishing, even those individuals you normally might not want to gamble on buying a license for.
What you need to know about Free Fishing Weekend, June 5-6
Kids 15 and under fish free every day, but on Free Fishing Weekend, June 5-6, residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps). All waters of the state are open, including Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and rivers bordering Wisconsin. However, all other fishing regulations apply, including how many fish anglers can keep and limits on the minimum size of fish they can keep.
More than two dozen free fishing clinics are scheduled across the state, and more listings are being posted all the time. Check for one near your area on the Free Fishing Weekend page of the DNR website.
Tips on how to fish for bluegill
Catching bluegills in June is easy and fun. Terry Margenau photo
June is a great time to fish for bluegill (bluegill factsheet; pdf), which are done spawning and are ready to feed, says Karl Scheidegger, a DNR fish biologist who leads fisheries outreach efforts.
“Bluegill fishing provides a great opportunity to get a youngster hooked on fishing. Bluegills are fun to catch and fun to eat,” he says. “You don’t need elaborate gear to fish bluegills. Keep it simple. Fishing rod, bobber, hook and worm.”
The list of waters stocked with catchable size trout has been updated since it was first posted online http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/trout/catchable_trout.htm] in late April and can steer you to waters where it’s easier to catch a keeper. But hurry up – these fish can go fast.
Saturday and Sunday, June 5th-6th, 2010 Free Fishing Weekend
Free Fishing Weekend events are a great opportunity for children to learn how to fish.
Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June is designated as Free Fishing Weekend throughout the state of Wisconsin. All the waters of the state are open, including state waters of the Great Lakes and rivers bordering Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (or trout or salmon stamps) over these two days. However, all other fishing regulations (length limits, bag limits, etc.) apply.
Pack up the family or call your friends and head to the water. Fishing clinics and special activities are planned at state and local parks throughout Wisconsin. No fishing pole? No worries! Contact a Tackle Loaner site at one of several state parks and DNR regional offices to borrow one.
Because children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish on any day of the year, the motto for Free Fishing Weekend could be, "Take a grown-up fishing!"
Interested in hosting your own Free Fishing Weekend event?
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Voyaguer Park, De Pere. Across from ShopKo in East De Pere on the lower part of the Fox River. This is the 15th annual "Bring a Kid Fishing" and the 1st Annual "Bring a Kid Cycling" event. No fishing or cycling experience necessary (cycling is from 10am – 12pm). Fish from the shores of Voyageur Park for carp, sheephead, catfish, walleye, and bass. Prizes for longest AND shortest fish. Cycle along the Fox River Trail; there will be convenient rest stops and patrol personnel to assist with any problems. Target age: all ages. Contact: Brian McGinley [exit DNR], (920) 366-0278.
Dane County
Viking County Park, Yahara River
June 5, 2010, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Viking County Park, Yahara River. Adaptive Fishing Day: Taking people with disabilities fishing on the Yahara River south of Lake Kegonsa. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by City of Stoughton Recreation Department. Contact: Dan Glynn [exit DNR], (608) 873-6746.
Winnequah Park Lagoon, Monona
June 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Winnequah Park Lagoon, Monona. Take Me Fishing Day is an event for families to get together and discover how much fun you can have fishing! Loaner fishing poles will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-register for a chance to be entered into a drawing for a free fishing pole. Target age: all ages. Contact: Kaili Tews [exit DNR], (608) 222-4167.
Dodge County
Edgewater Park, Beaver Dam
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Edgewater Park, Beaver Dam. Must register by May 28 to ensure a free rod & reel. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. Come on out to the 8th Annual Kids Fish-N-Fun Day. There will be seminars on boat safety, fishing techniques, fish ID, etc. Lunch will be provided. Rods and reels are available. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association & Beaver Dam Conservation Club. Contact: Nancy Schraufnagel [exit DNR], (920) 386-2531.
Douglas County
Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule. From US 2, go south on Ranger Road, then east on Hatchery Road ½ mile. From WI-27, go west on Hatchery Road ½ mile. Come on out for a day of fun! This Family Fun Day consists of fly-tying, kids' fishing clinics, t-shirt printing, an electrofishing demo, a canoe trip, turkey calling, fire control, kids' archery (tentative), raffle prizes and bags for all kids. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Brule Fish Hatchery, Brule State Forest, Brule River Sportsman's Club, Wild Rivers TU, Hess Video Productions, Brule Canoe Rental, and WI Wildlife Federation. Contact: Bill Gobin, (715) 372-4820.
Eau Claire County
Fairchild Pond, Fairchild
June 5, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Fairchild Pond, Fairchild. Take HWY 10 to CTH-H, go north to Pond Road, turn right on Pond Road. Fishing clinics and prizes throughout day; lunch provided for all kids! Target age: under 16. Sponsored by Fairchild Rod & Gun Club, Fairchild Lions Club, and Quad County ATV Club. Contact: Doreen Kuberra [exit DNR], (715) 334-3002.
Fond du Lac County
Long Lake Recreation Area Fishing Pier, Campbellsport
June 5, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Long Lake Fishing Pier, Campbellsport (off Division Drive north of Hwy F near Dundee). Let the fishing fun begin! The rodeo includes Backyard Bass casting, Fill the tackle box, fishing regulations quiz, avoiding hazards, just not "knots," name the fish, and baiting a hook. After completing the rodeo, experienced anglers on the pier will help hone your newly aquired skills. Special surprises and prizes await all who participate. Bring your own equipment. Fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. Target age: age 6 and up. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Iowa County
Blackhawk Lake, Cobb
June 5, 2010, times: TBD; Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area, between Cobb and Highland. Fishing skills will be taught by area fishermen. Target age: 4-12; but anyone welcome. Sponsored by Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area. Contact: Dave Fritz [exit DNR], (608) 943-8454.
Oneida County
Hodag Park, Rhinelander
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Hodag Park, Rhinelander. Learn to tie a fishing knot and identify fish and the critters they eat. Compete in a friendly casting competition and enjoy the Pine Lake Fire Department water display. Prizes for all school-age youth. See flyer [PDF 1MB] for more details. Target age: all ages and families welcome. Sponsored by WDNR, Oneida County 4-H and Walmart. Contact: Nick or Jason at Walmart, (715) 362-8550.
But that's not all! Adults can attend an angler education instructor certification workshop. Please bring a lunch to this workshop or plan to visit the park concession stand.
Place: Hodag Park Shelter, Rhinelander Contact: Contact: Jim Winkler,(715) 365-2750
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Bukolt Park, Stevens Point (just north of the boat landing). Please register prior to event date (include name, contact information, number of attendees, equipment needed, and t-shirt size for children). Come on out to this unique fishing event called Cops-n-Bobbers. Children will enjoy a day of fishing with their parents & local law enforcement officers. Bait and some equipment will be available to use. Please bring your own equipment if you can. A catch and release event will be held all day; prizes will be given from 12:00-1:00 pm.. Target age: 6-13. Sponsored by Portage County Law Enforcement. Contact: Deputy Eric Koepsell [exit DNR], (715) 346-1400.
Richland County
Avoca Lake, Avoca
June 5, 2010, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Avoca Lake, Avoca. Kids' Fishing Tournament. Contact Helen for more details. Target age: 18 and under. Sponsored by Avoca American Legion. Contact: Helen Yourchuck [exit DNR], (608) 604-4578.
North Park Pond, Richland Center
June 5, 2010, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; North Park Pond, Richland Center. Please register prior to event date. Each participant should bring his or her own fishing tackle and bait. There will be contests and prizes awarded all day. Catch & release is encouraged. Target age: 5-14. Sponsored by Richland Center Parks & Recreation Department. Contact: Shane Stibbe [exit DNR], (608) 647-8108.
Sheboygan County
River Park, Sheboygan Falls
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; River Park, Sheboygan Falls; north side of Sheboygan River (north of CTH PP). Fish will be stocked in the lagoon; poles and bait will be provided. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by Sheboygan County Conservation Association and Camp Y-Koda. Contact: Michael Clutter, Conservation Warden, (920) 892-8756.
Taylor County
Escadore Lake, Medford
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Escadore Lake, Medford. Meet at boat landing near High View Inn; please register by 8:30 a.m. Kids will learn about basic boat safety, proper fishing techniques, catch & release, knot-tying, safety on the water, and keeping Wisconsin waters clean.. Target age: 3-12. Sponsored by Escadore Area Lake Association & Taylor County Sportsmens Club. Contact: Lori Brandt [exit DNR], (715) 785-7128.
Waukesha County
ADA Fishing Pier, City Park, Oconomowoc
June 6, 2010, City Park, Oconomowoc. Sponsored by Oconomowoc Recreation Department. Contact: Jennifer Froemming, (262) 569-2178.
Memorial Park, Oconomowoc
June 5, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Memorial Park, Oconomowoc. Workshop consisting of four educational stations, culminating with fishing time! Target age: 5 and up. Co-sponsored by Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation and WI DNR. Contact: Jennifer Froemming [exit DNR], (262) 569-2165.
Ottawa Lake, Eagle
June 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Ottawa Lake, Eagle (fishing pier near boat launch). Casting demonstrations and fishing techniques will be taught prior to fishing from the pier. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by Eagle Fish Educator and Kettle Moraine State Forest. Contact: Robert Wessberg, (262) 594-6200.
Saturday & Sunday Events, June 5 & 6
Calumet County
Calumet County Park, Stockbridge
June 5 & 6, 2010, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am; Calumet County Park, Stockbridge. Three 1-hour fishing clinics will be offered each morning. Those in attendance will learn fishing basics, fish ID, casting, safety, first aid, and regulations. Target age: adults who have never fished. Sponsored by Calumet County Park and WDNR Angler Education Instructors. Contact: Dani Long-Noriega [exit DNR], (920) 849-2709 (days).
Sunday Events, June 6
Bayfield County
Big Bay State Park, Bayfield
June 6, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Big Bay State Park, Bayfield (beach/day use area). Car ferry from Bayfield to Madeline Island for a Learn-to-Fish Workshop. Target age: all ages. Sponsored by WDNR & Big Bay State Park. Contact: James Enigl, (715) 747-6425.
Fond du Lac County
Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, Campbellsport
June 6, 2010, 10:30 a.m. –2:00 p.m.; Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit (off Hwy GGG between Hwy S near New Prospect). Journey out to Wisconsin’s State Park System Open House Day to the Spring Nature Fest. There will be something for all ages at four different activity stations. Learn about our fascinating fish, take flight with birds of a feather, defend against alien attacks and create your own nature print. Bring your own t-shirt or bandanna or purchase one that day. Target age: all ages. Contact: Jackie Scharfenberg, (920) 533-8322.
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park, Bagley
June 6, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Wyalusing State Park, Bagley (meet at Peterson Shelter). Free kids fishing clinic with instruction in fish identification, knot-tying, fly-tying, fish painting, casting, and water safety skills. A handful of mentors will be available to take kids and a parent out afterward for a fishing excursion on the Mississippi River. Call Chuck in advance to sign up for this event — space is limited. Target age: 6-12. Sponsored by Grant County Outdoor Sport Alliance and Wyalusing State Park. Contact: Chuck Horn, (608) 822-6574.
Kenosha County
Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville
June 6, 2010, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Richard Bong State Recreation Area (located in western Kenosha County on HWY 42). Drop in on walleyes Unlimited learn to fish day! Please bring your own equipment (some will be available). Learn new fishing skills or brush up on old skills.. Target age: all ages welcome. Sponsored by walleyes Unlimited. Contact: Elizabeth Goeppinger, (262) 878-5600.
More Fishing Opportunties
There are many free fishing clinics and other events that may interest you, some of which do not fall during free fishing weekend - Check out our Free Fishing Clinics for details.
Check back again for more events. We'll post them as we learn about them!
Grilled Walleye on the BBQ
GRILLED walleye IN FOIL 2 walleye fillets 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 green peppers, sliced 2 teaspoons salt 2 onions, sliced 1 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup butter melted dash of pepper Wash fish, pat dry with paper towel. Cut into serving-size portions. Cut pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, 12 X 12 inches each: grease lightly. Place portion of fish on foil: top with green peppers and onions. Combine remaining ingredients: pour sauce over fish. bring foil up over food: close all edges with tight double folds. Place packages on grill about 5" from moderately hot coals. Cook till flakes.
Season flour with salt and pepper. Gently dredge fish in seasoned flour. Heat butter on medium in a skillet. Add fish. Brown a minute or two on each side. Remove fish to a pan and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes until fish is done. Meanwhile, add garlic to the butter you cooked the fish in. Cook for 30 seconds. Add parsley, wine, and lemon juice. Cook for another minute or two. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over hot fish and serve.
4 walleye fillets 2 c. light chicken bouillon 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 c. butter (1/2 stick) 3 tbsp. chopped onion 3 c. cooked wild rice, about 2/3 c. uncooked 1/3 c. chopped fresh dill
Poach the fillets in the chicken broth and lemon juice, cooking almost until flesh will flake on sides of fillets. With slotted spoon remove walleye to platter and keep warm. Melt the butter and saute the onion and wild rice briefly, just to soften onion and heat rice. Add 1/4 cup of the fish-chicken broth and dill weed. Divide the rice among 4 dinner plates and place fillet on rice.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 21:12
Sport Anglers Alarmed by Proposed Obama Policy
Sport Anglers Alarmed by Proposed Obama Policy
3/18/10
source:UsSportsmen.org
A controversy has erupted in the sport fishing community over a new federal management plan for oceans and Great Lakes waters. Recent opinion pieces circulating on the internet and reported on numerous radio stations have stoked the flames through revelations that the policy, if implemented, would prohibit recreational fishing within vast areas of public water.
It has also been reported that many organizations with a history of being against fishing access played large roles in its formation and that the plan could be finalized by the end of March with President Obama able to implement it through Executive Order.
Despite the firestorm, it should be pointed out that the plan is not currently finalized and, according to a Department of the Interior fact sheet, the Administration denies any intent to restrict fishing access. However, there remain causes for concern.
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) reported on the draft plan in October, 2009. At the time a combination of factors raised concern with the USSA and other pro-fishing organizations that plan could result in restrictions on sport anglers.
First, there was a lack of any reference in the report to the positive impact recreational anglers have on aquatic conservation. In turn, this raised an alarm as to what the framework for zoning in these waters will be when the final report is issued.
Other factors included a history of anti-fishing interests that have been pushing the creation of “Marine Protected Areas” where angling would be prevented. Several of these areas already exist off theCalifornia and Florida coasts.
Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, has also imposed restrictions on sport anglers in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic. Finally, there is a general concern related to some of the key anti-hunting regulatory appointees made by the Obama Administration such as Cass Sunstein.
When looked at comprehensively, these factors made it necessary that the USSA and other groups ensure that the voice of recreational anglers be heard by the Administration during the formation of its policy. According to several leading recreational fishing groups, this has not happened and those groups have urged supporters to make their concerns known to their members of Congress.
For example, the American Sportfishing Association has stated “It is important that the administration recognizes and promotes the economic and conservation contributions of outdoor recreation, including recreational fishing and boating.”
Jim Donofrio, the Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said in a recent press release that “I don't think this president would consider banning recreational fishing outright, but it's clear to us that the Obama Administration would like to severely restrict recreational fishing."
Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership, with the support of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, has also sent a letter to President Obama stating that recreational fishing deserves “full consideration and incorporation” in the proposed plan.
The USSA joins these pro-fishing organizations, legislators and others in urging sportsmen to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators about this proposed policy. It is essential that the Obama Administration appreciates the importance of recreational fishing to conservation and local economies.
“Recreational anglers provide the bulk of the funding for fisheries and aquatic conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “Their voice should be heard before any policy is enacted limiting access and causing a decline in resources for conservation, not to mention job losses in areas supported by fishing.”
Take Action! Sportsmen are urged to contact their U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and urge them to include recreational fishing protections in any federal management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes.
To find your members of Congress, visit the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
Top Wisconsin Destinations for Fishing
Wisconsin’s top 10 fished Waters Wisconsin statewide mail survey
1. Lake Michigan 2. Lake Winnebago 3. Mississippi River 4. Wisconsin River 5. Green Bay 6. Wolf River 7. Fox River 8. Rock River 9. Chippewa Flowage 10. Lake Waubesa
