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NEW TOOLS CAN HELP MAKE 2012 FISHING EASIER, MORE FUN

March 13, 2012

Fishing forecasts and downloadable calendar online

MADISON - Anglers planning their Wisconsin fishing trips for 2012 in Wisconsin can reel in two new free resources to help put them on to more fishing fun this summer, state fisheries officials say.

flathead catfish
Get tips and tactics for catching catfish, like this 65.5-pound and 49.5-inch flathead captured by DNR fish crews in fall 2011 on the Lower Wisconsin River.
WDNR Photo

The 2012 Wisconsin Fishing Report is a 16-page compilation of fishing forecasts submitted by DNR fisheries biologists for many popular waters statewide. The forecasts share information about the number and sizes of fish state fish crews found on the particular waters, as well as habitat improvement and access projects that help make it easer to fish in those areas. The report is available on the DNR website (search keywords "fishing report") and printed copies of the report are available at DNR service centers statewide.

2012 Wisconsin Fish Calendar

And, new this year anglers can download and print off a color calendar with photographs of Wisconsin fish species, important fishing dates; moon phases; game fish identification tips; and monthly forecasts. The calendar is available on the DNR website (search keyword "fishing" and then click on the "plan your trip" button on the right).

"Wisconsin's a great place to fish, whether you're looking to stay local or travel," says Karl Scheidegger, fisheries outreach leader for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "These are resources that can make your fishing easier by helping you find the areas you might want to fish and when to fish them."

Scheidegger notes that the fishing report, produced every year by DNR's fisheries and communication staff for the last decade or so, contains forecasts for more areas than ever, as well as a special focus on fishing for catfish, including tips on what gear to use, how to use it, and when and where to find the fish.

"Based on the feedback we've gotten over the years on the fishing report, we've tried to provide more of the forecasts so people have the opportunity to learn more about other places to fish, and we are concentrating each year on either a geographic region or a fish species, and this year, the cats get their due."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Scheidegger - 608-267-9426 or Lisa Gaumnitz - 608-264-8942

Last Revised: Tuesday, March 13, 2012





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