Reduced Walleye Limits Could Hurt Northern WI Tourism

Some in northern Wisconsin are worried that a reduction in walleye bag limits is going to hurt tourism and the fishing industry. The bag limits are being reduced to accommodate an expanded tribal spearing season.

Wisconsin’s Chippewa tribes have set their spring walleye spearing quota at near record levels. In total they plan to spear more than 59,000 walleyes in off-reservation lakes. Because of the larger than usual take, 197 lakes will have a walleye bag limit of one fish per day for anglers. Lac du Flambeau Tribal Chairman Tom Maulson has said the increased spearing level is meant to put more fish in members’ freezers during tough economic times. But Mike Bilodeau, who owns the Rod and Gun Shop in Chetek, says instituting a one-fish-per-day bag limit will hurt anglers and his shop.

“Historically in Wisconsin [during] the opener, to go out Walleye fishing was a big thing. Around here it’s not a big thing anymore – hardly anybody looks to do it – because it’s a lot of work to go out to catch one fish.”

In Washburn County, AAA Sports Shop co-owner Rick Anderson says fewer people will travel from Minnesota or Chicago because of the reduced walleye bag limits.

“They weren’t coming up because it got reduced from three to two. So, I can’t imagine anybody coming up here knowing that the bag limit is one, just to fish walleyes.”

Anderson says he respects the tribes’ right to spear fish but this new harvest quota isn’t right.

“All of our natural resources belong to everybody and need to be managed by everybody and when that type of quota is being put out there, I don’t think that’s managed correctly.”

DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp has criticized the tribes’ decision and says she will work with members to negotiate a more reasonable spearing level.