Great Lakes Fishing Guide Virtual Meeting Feb. 17

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 17 to gather input on the proposed new rules for guides operating on the Great Lakes.

Members of the public may access the meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. via Zoom or by dialing 1-929-205-6099 and using meeting ID: 85289533642#.

The DNR will discuss new rule developments to help clarify reporting requirements, including who must report and when reports need to be filed, as well as proposed changes to the reporting method.

“These data are vital to our management of the expanding lake whitefish fishery in Green Bay, of which both the recreational and the commercial fisheries are a key component,” said Scott Hansen, a DNR Fisheries Biologist who manages whitefish populations. “With the concurrent ongoing stakeholder engagement process working toward an expanded commercial fishery for whitefish in Green Bay, now is the time to complete our work with Great Lakes guides to ensure the sustainability of this important resource.”

Similar to charter reporting, guided trip information is an important supplement to creel survey data. Guided trip data are often difficult to capture with standard creel methods and guided trips generally have a greater success rate when compared to non-guided angler trips.

“We look forward to discussing this information with stakeholders and gathering their comments and suggestions to help us complete this important work,” said Tom Meronek, the DNR’s Northern Lake Michigan Fisheries Supervisor.

More information on guide reporting can be found on the DNR’s Green Bay Guide Page.