Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Meeting To Consider Minocqua Chain Walleye Season Emergency Rule

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that a new walleye regulation emergency rule will be considered by the Natural Resources Board at a special virtual meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

The Board will act on items 1-2 as listed on the agenda.

If approved, the emergency rule would replace the current walleye catch and release regulation on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County, including Jerome, Kawaguesaga, Little Tomahawk, Mid, Minocqua, Mud and Tomahawk lakes, the Minocqua and Tomahawk thoroughfares and connecting waters. The proposed emergency rule is a daily bag limit of one walleye that is at least 18 inches in length, but fish between 22 and 28 inches cannot be kept.

This regulation will allow a moderate level of walleye harvest while preserving the quality-size fish that were built up during the past nine years of harvest closure and will promote fair and equitable use of the walleye resource during the 2024 fishing season.

The public is encouraged to watch this special board meeting on the DNR’s YouTube channel.

The deadline to register for remote testimony from the public via Zoom and/or submit written comments is 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1. 

In addition to the upcoming meeting, there are opportunities for the public to testify and to submit written comments about future issues that come before the NRB. More information regarding public participation at Board meetings is available on the DNR website.