Anglers Play A Key Role In Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Draining Water From Livewells And Tools Makes A Distinction

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Division of Pure Sources (DNR) urges anglers to assist forestall the unfold of aquatic invasive species by draining water from their boats and tools this fishing season.

The primary full weekend of June is all about fishing in Wisconsin, an ideal pairing for the DNR’s Free Enjoyable Weekend (June 7-8) and the Clear Boats, Clear Waters annual Drain Marketing campaign (June 6-8). The marketing campaign focuses on the significance of boaters and anglers draining water from their livewells, boats and tools earlier than leaving boat launches and fishing entry factors.

Sadly, a few of our Wisconsin lakes and rivers are identified to comprise aquatic illnesses or small invasive species like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae. Wisconsin has varied legal guidelines in place to stop the introduction and management the unfold of aquatic invasive species and illnesses in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin regulation requires boaters and anglers to empty livewells, motors and containers earlier than leaving a ship launch or fishing spot to stop the transport of illnesses and invasive species from one waterbody to the subsequent. Since water can’t be used to move fish away from the shore, it’s advisable to make use of ice as a substitute.

In case you are utilizing stay bait, Wisconsin fishing rules state that minnows can solely be bought from a licensed Wisconsin bait supplier, and not more than two gallons of water could also be used to move them. Minnows could solely be used on a special waterbody if no lake or river water or beforehand used minnows have been added to the container.

No different fish may be held within the minnow container, and useless bait should be preserved in methods that don’t require freezing or refrigeration. By no means eliminate undesirable bait in a lake or river. In case you have worms that you’ll not use earlier than they die, eliminate them in a closed container within the trash, by no means on the bottom.

Earlier than and after you forged your line, shield our fishing future by doing all your half to stop the unfold of aquatic invasive species. Keep in mind to:

Examine all fishing tools for hooked up aquatic vegetation, animals or mud.

Take away all hooked up vegetation or animals.

Drain all water from containers and tools (most of two gallons of water allowed for minnows).

By no means transfer stay fish away from a waterbody (fish out of water = useless).

Get rid of undesirable bait within the trash.

To be taught extra about Wisconsin bait fishing rules, go to the DNR web site.