Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fisheries topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DNR adopts 2025 fisheries rules package; statewide muskie opener, panfish changes included
Summary
The Natural Resources Board adopted the department's 2025 fisheries spring hearing rules package, which includes a statewide muskie opener change and multiple waterbody-specific regulatory adjustments after public input and Conservation Congress support.
The Natural Resources Board voted to adopt board order FH 10-24, the Department of Natural Resources' 2025 fisheries management spring hearing rule, after department staff and Conservation Congress delegates voiced support.
Kari Lee Zimmerman, fisheries regulation policy specialist, reviewed the package, which included allowing motor trolling with up to three lures in specified counties, simplifying trout regulations to a uniform 5-fish total statewide opener (removing the 3-fish/8-inch alternative in some counties), closing certain Lower Wisconsin River areas to sturgeon harvest, aligning Saint Louis River walleye rules with Minnesota and a set of local panfish regulation changes following a decade-long panfish study. Zimmerman also said the package added a uniform statewide muskie opener (first Saturday in May) after renewed support through the Conservation Congress process.
Rob Bowman, chairman of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, told the board the WCC delegates supported the fisheries questions. Board member Patty Schachner moved to adopt the fisheries rule package and Deb Dassell seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.
The adopted rule will now proceed through the normal post-adoption steps required for administrative rules.
