Walleye fingerlings being released in Lake Shawano (Photo: WDNR)
An emergency rule will maintain a three walleye daily bag limit on most waters in the Ceded Territory of northern Wisconsin.
The Natural Resources Board approving the action on Wednesday. Department of Natural Resources fisheries management section chief Steve Hewitt said the rule was developed after listening to those who wanted more predictable, uniform angling regulations.
“There had been enough questions and comments over the past, that people wanted to have the simplicity of a three bag limit across the Ceded Territory waters,” said Hewitt.
The rule replaces annually adjusting bag limits with protective minimum length and slot limits in conjunction with the three walleye daily bag limit.
“We’re going to try to get the word out as best we can to anglers, and we’ll be working with law enforcement on a communication plan,” prior to the May 2 general angling opener, said Hewitt, adding that anglers should check signs at boat landings or with local tackle shops or DNR offices to confirm the minimum length restriction for walleye harvest on Ceded Territory waters before going fishing.
As part of a 1983 federal court decision affirming off-reservation rights, Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes.