Questions about the upcoming fishing opener?

BY JIM JUNG
DNR Conservation Warden

Question: For the upcoming fish opener in 2018, I understand that there are some changes in the trolling rules within Oneida County. Can you explain those rule changes?

Answer: The motor trolling rules within Oneida County will now be consistent for all waters effective April 1, 2018. The change affects these five water bodies: Columbus Lake, Rainbow Flowage, Sugar Camp Lake, Thunder Lake and the Willow Flowage. This change restricts motor trolling to no more than one line per person, no more than one hook, bait, or lure per line and no more than a total of three lines used for trolling per boat.

Additional changes for 2018 within Oneida County include the following:
• 10-fish bag limit on pan fish for Big Bearskin Lake.
• Increased bag limit on bass for Oneida Lake from three to five fish. (no minimum length with a 14”-18” protected slot and one fish over 18” allowed).
• Increase the minimum length limit of muskellunge on Katherine Lake and the Willow Flowage to 50” minimum.

Anglers can review the WI DNR 2018-2019 fishing regulation pamphlets on-line or in print to review these rule changes.