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Board approves permanent Lake Superior cisco and lake trout rules, including quota methodology and gear changes
Summary
The Natural Resources Board approved permanent rules (FH‑12‑23) for Lake Superior that set a quota‑setting methodology for lake trout, adjust cisco season dates to Jan. 1–Dec. 31, and add gear regulations (minimum mesh size and gill‑net tagging) to reduce bycatch and maintain multi‑use fisheries.
The Natural Resources Board voted Dec. 11 to adopt permanent rules affecting chapters NR‑20 and NR‑25 to manage Lake Superior cisco and lake trout fisheries. Brad Ray, northern fisheries supervisor, told the board the package replaces emergency rules and establishes four key components: a quota‑setting methodology for lake trout; a calendar year quota season for cisco (Jan. 1–Dec. 31); minimum mesh sizes for trap nets to reduce incidental whitefish harvest; and tagging requirements for gill nets consistent with earlier emergency provisions.
"There's basically four components of this rule. One is the main component is lake trout quota setting methodology for the future," Ray said, describing the shift from hard numbers to a methodological approach that the board will approve. He also noted a small wording change to tag requirements made in response to public comments and consultations with the Lake Superior commercial fishing board and law enforcement.
Board members had no questions and approved the permanent rule package by voice vote. Ray said the department will return to update quota values for 2026 and continue coordination with enforcement and commercial fishing stakeholders to manage the multi‑use fishery.
The board's action replaces emergency provisions that had been in place and moves the rules into permanent code.
