The tribal spearfishing season in northern Wisconsin appears to be finished. Under treaty rights, Wisconsin's six Chippewa bands reserve walleye for their harvest in the ceded territory, roughly the northern third of the state. Bag limits for sport anglers are reduced to ensure the fishery is not overharvested. The DNR's Laurel Steffes says the Chippewa speared 27, 856 walleye this spring, which is slightly above their ten year average. Now, Steffes says possible bag limit adjustments can be considered. The Chippewa spearfishing season was unusually late this year, as chilly conditions delayed the start of spawning by walleye in northern lakes.
AUDIO: John Burton reports (:55 MP3)
