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LAKE MICHIGAN TROUT AND SALMON STOCKING LEVEL IN 2018 TOPIC OF COMMENT PERIOD

Contact(s): Brad Eggold, Bradley.Eggold@wisconsin.gov, 414-382-7921; Todd Kalish, Todd.Kalish@wisconsin.gov, 608-266-5285
September 5, 2017

Input sought on summer's fishing experiences, future stocking levels

CLEVELAND, Wis. - Anglers and others are invited to provide feedback on whether to raise, lower or keep Lake Michigan salmon and trout stocking numbers the same in 2018 and beyond. The comment period opens today and runs through Sept. 30.

"We are seeking general input about angler success in 2017 and whether anglers feel we have the appropriate number of salmon and trout stocked in the lake to provide a sustainable fishery into the future," says Brad Eggold, Great Lakes District fisheries supervisor.

As part of efforts to address lake-wide changes in the food web, DNR and natural resources managers in surrounding states have worked cooperatively to develop stocking strategies that support a balance in the ratio of predators to prey. DNR seeks to pursue an approach that maintains a diverse fishery and maximizes opportunities for anglers while adjusting stocking to account for lower levels of available prey species such as alewives.

DNR continues to work with regional clubs, recreational anglers, fishing tournament participants and charter captains to monitor their experiences with this year's catch and gather additional data to help set salmon and trout stocking numbers for 2018.

Anglers contacted by DNR creel clerks collecting information about the number, size and species of fish anglers were catching in 2017 on Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan reported that fishing for salmon and trout has been good for most of the summer.

"Anglers reported catching significant numbers of coho salmon early in the season, and significant success with some of the largest chinook salmon in the last several years being harvested," Eggold says.

Anglers and others attending an Aug. 30 Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum meeting had the chance to offer their feedback on how the summer's fishing went and provide input on Great Lakes trout and salmon stocking levels in 2018 and beyond. "This comment period is a good opportunity for anglers who weren't able to make that meeting to let us know how what they think," Eggold says.

Background information including a copy of the presentation at an August 30 Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum meeting can be found by visiting the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov and searching "Lake Michigan salmon and trout meetings 2017."

To provide comments on the information, send an email to: DNRLakeMichiganPlan@wisconsin.gov or by U.S. Postal Mail to: Bradley T. Eggold, Wisconsin DNR, UWM - GLRF - SFS, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204