No Trolling Rule For Wisconsin Fishing Opener
A proposed rule to allow motor trolling on all inland Wisconsin waters is unlikely to be in place for the opening of the regular fishing season on May 2, officials from the Wisconsin DNR said Tuesday.
The rule, which has been approved by Gov. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, must still undergo legislative review. Currently, trolling is allowed on one or more waters in 63 counties statewide and the proposed rule is meant to reduce confusion by extending the opportunity to all waters, said Tim Simonson, a DNR fisheries management specialist.
Trolling means fishing by trailing any lure, bait or similar device that may be used to attract or catch fish from a boat propelled by means other than drifting or rowing. Drifting or “row trolling” is allowed on all waters statewide.
In addition to simplifying the fishing regulations and bringing more consistency to statewide waters, Simonson said the proposed rule would reduce confusion that may occur when a technique called “position fishing” is used. Position fishing involves fishing from a boat with a line that extends vertically into the water while the boat is maneuvered with a motor.
Simonson said analysis of available data indicates no difference between casting and trolling as measured by the angling success or “catch rate” for muskellunge, walleye and northern pike. However, many anglers have expressed interest in having the trolling option more widely available.
The proposed rule, which includes a three-year sunset that expires on May 4, 2018, would allow anglers to trail at least one sucker, minnow or other bait or lure behind a moving motor boat, regardless of whether the occupants are casting other lures. It also would provide additional fishing opportunities for anglers who may have difficulty fishing by other methods and would eliminate the need for disabled anglers to apply for trolling permits.
Citizens who would like to be notified of future fishing regulations changes, including possible implementation of the proposed trolling rule, are encouraged to sign up for email updates by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “fishing regulations.” Clicking the mail icon on the right hand side of the page allows visitors to sign up for email updates on trolling and other fishing regulation topics.
