Lake Michigan whitefish management
Fishing Wisconsin
Management strategies are currently being considered to address changes in lake whitefish population abundance and distribution in Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
The lake whitefish population in Lake Michigan and Green Bay has changed considerably over the past 15 to 20 years. While the overall population appears to be stable, in recent years, fewer young fish are returning to spawning grounds in northern Lake Michigan. In contrast, whitefish populations in Green Bay have grown with documented recolonization of historical spawning grounds. Whitefish have historically been primarily pursued by commercial fishers. However, Green Bay has developed a strong recreational fishery over the past decade in Green Bay. Commercial harvest in Lower Green Bay (Commercial Fishing Zone 1) is currently limited to about 12.5% of the overall Wisconsin harvest limit (quota).
Results from stakeholder meetings held in 2016 and 2017 and subsequent comments collected by the department showed the need to gather more data on whitefish populations, explore the potential for new methods to monitor harvests and find ways to improve the dual use of waters where both sport and commercial fishers pursue whitefish. We began this effort in 2016 and hosted two public meetings, launched an online survey, and opened a public comment period (see below).
In addition, we recently created a scope statement to allow us to begin discussions with stakeholders on possible rule changes to help us manage this important fishery. This was the first step in that process and was approved by the Natural Resources Board. The next step is to hold an informational meeting so that stakeholders can see the latest information we have on various whitefish projects and provide comments and feedback on the information and future meeting logistics.
As of early 2021, we have held 5 public informational meetings and one preliminary hearing to provide stakeholders with valuable information concerning the sport and commercial fisheries for lake whitefish. These presentations have ranged from basic harvest statistics from both fisheries to in-depth model inputs and results that were used to develop the quotas. For more information on any of these topics and more, click on the presentations below. These presentations were recorded during our four Zoom meetings and represent the exact information presented during these meetings.
Public Meetings
May 29, 2024—The Department conducted a Lake Michigan Lake Whitefish Trawling informational meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to gather comments and feedback on the proposal to modify the rules regulating Lake Whitefish harvest from the trawl fishery.
June 21, 2023—The Department conducted a Lake Whitefish Informational meeting to gather comments and feedback on the proposed Total Allowable Catch for Green Bay and Lake Michigan and the allocation to the Commercial Zones.
January 4, 2022 - The Department conducted a public hearing on the Lake Whitefish permanent rule. Below is the recorded version of the meeting, along with the comments received.
Permanent Rule written comments
September 28, 2021 - The Department conducted a Lake Whitefish Informational meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to gather comments and feedback on the proposed permanent rules for Lake Whitefish, primarily in Green Bay. Below is the recorded version of the meeting, along with meeting notes.
August 31, 2021—The Department conducted a Lake Whitefish Informational meeting to gather comments and feedback on the proposed permanent rules for Lake Whitefish, primarily in Green Bay. Below is the recorded version of the meeting, along with meeting notes.
March 11, 2021—The Department conducted a Lake Whitefish Emergency Scope Statement meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to gather comments and feedback on the proposed emergency rules for Lake Whitefish, primarily in Green Bay. Below is the recorded version of the meeting, along with meeting notes.
February 8, 2021—The Department conducted a preliminary hearing on the Lake Whitefish Emergency Scope Statement preliminary hearing. The purpose of the meeting was to gather comments and feedback on the preliminary scope statement, which deals with emergency rule changes for Lake Whitefish, primarily in Green Bay. Below is the recorded version of the hearing, along with additional information requested by stakeholders during the meeting.
November 17, 2020 - The Department hosted the fourth meeting for our Lake Whitefish initiative. This meeting focused on Green Bay and Lake Michigan lake whitefish quotas and provided stakeholder input via 8 poll questions.
Lake whitefish quotas for Green Bay and Lake Michigan
Stakeholder input via 8 poll questions
October 22, 2020—The Department hosted the third meeting for our Lake Whitefish initiative. This meeting focused on various issues, including a large mesh gill net request for bid effort, the sportfishing in Green Bay, by-catch information from commercial fisheries, and management options.
Large Mesh Gill Net Request for Bid
Green Bay Whitefish Sport Fishery
Historical information on the commercial fishery
September 22, 2020—The Department hosted the second meeting for our Lake Whitefish initiative. We continued to engage interested stakeholders on the science behind our Lake Whitefish management. This meeting focused on our commercial electronic harvest reporting system, inputs into our whitefish models, guide reporting, commercial fishing statistics, and allocation issues.
Electronic Fish Harvest Reporting System
August 18, 2020—We hosted an information meeting for interested stakeholders via Zoom to begin collecting comments and suggestions on the best management practices for lake whitefish. The meeting focused on three presentations and sought input on the topics and frequency of future meetings.
Lake Whitefish Comprehensive survey
January 10 & 11, 2017 - We hosted two public meetings to help find a balance between recreational and commercial interests and develop an appropriate management structure to address the changing Lake Michigan/Green Bay fishery. The meetings were on January 10 at the DNR Green Bay Service Center and on January 11 at the Door County Government Building, Sturgeon Bay. We had attendance from stakeholders representing a variety of interests and had productive discussions on various issues. The entire Green Bay meeting was recorded so that stakeholders who could not attend could view this important information.
Green Bay meeting presentation [PDF]
Video recording of the Green Bay meeting
May 12, 2016 - A public meeting was held in Sturgeon Bay at the Door County Government Center. We received feedback and discussed whitefish management issues at this public meeting. During this meeting, a presentation was given to inform stakeholders about the current status of the whitefish population in Lake Michigan. In addition, the entire meeting was recorded so that stakeholders who could not attend could view this important information.
Sturgeon Bay meeting presentation [PDF]
Video recording of the Sturgeon Bay meeting
Natural Resources Board Meetings
February 24, 2021—The Natural Resources Board approved the Lake Whitefish Emergency Scope Statement. The two-hour portion of the meeting can be viewed via the link below and going to the 2-hour mark.