The DNR is taking another round of public comment on a proposed 10-year panfish management plan.
DNR fisheries biologist Max Wolter says the plan aims to improve panfish opportunities for anglers including restoring size structure on lakes where smaller fish have become more prevalent in recent years, improving habitat, engaging anglers and supporting research on panfish. He says other species have their own plan..
"....we always assumed they were going to take care of themselves and they didn't need much management, but as time has gone on and panfishing interest has increased, we decided it was time to put together this type of plan that will serve as a guidance document to make panfishing better across the state...."
Wolter says the plan aims to improve panfish opportunities for anglers including restoring size structure on lakes where smaller fish have become more prevalent in recent years, improving habitat, engaging anglers and supporting research on panfish....
".....when anglers hear about this type of management plan, they assume it's just regulations. That's not the case. This plan covers everything from habitat, to research to how we do surveys for fish. It also includes regulations, but we wanted to include all the strategies that might make panfishing better...."
To date, the draft plan has been shaped by more than 3,500 responses to surveys, more than 30 public meetings and multiple questions on two spring hearing questionnaires for the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. A set of experimental regulations on 94 lakes was supported during the 2014 spring hearings. These regulation changes will go into effect April 1.
Wolter says the plan is more than just regulations, also covering habitat, research, and surveys. He says the plan covers many aspects of panfishing. Three public hearings will be held next month, with one in Hayward on February 9. More information is on the DNR website, including an area to comment on the plan.
Panfish are the target of more anglers in Wisconsin than any other group of fish.
