DNR To Consider Extending Lake Superior Trout Limits

The state limited the number of lake trout anglers could take from Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands this year. That rule is set to expire soon, but the state says limits are still needed to protect lake trout.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources estimated trout numbers to be around 200,000 in the region and set an overall harvest of 50,000 this season. Lake Superior fisheries manager Terry Margenau said one season is not enough to bring the fishery into balance. He said the agency plans to propose several options for harvesting lake trout next year to sustain their numbers. But, he said there’s a lot of frustration among anglers.

“Because one group wants something and the other group wants something. There’s always give and take in a shared fishery,” Margenau said.

Lake trout harvests are split 50-50 between the state and two Lake Superior tribes under a 10-year agreement. But the state portion is divvied up further between commercial fishermen, sports anglers and the DNR. The state is holding public meetings next week and aims to have a new rule in place by January.