The DNR's Spring Fish and Wildlife Public Hearings happen Monday in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties. One topic area is likely to draw considerable discussion.
DNR fisheries biologist Jon Hansen says they're studying 100 lakes...many in this region...to look at putting tighter restrictions on panfish to see if larger fish can be grown.....
"....we're interested in trying three different options for bag limits. We have an elaborate evaluation plan that we are going to evaluate over the next 10 years...".
Hansen says panfish experience a rapid increase in size up until age 6 or 7, when they typically measure about 8 inches. Bluegills 9 to 10 inches can be as old as 13 or 14 years.
Concentrated fishing pressure on some lakes prevents most panfish from surviving beyond age 4, when they measure between 5 and 6 inches. Hansen says the proposed rules follow three years of angler surveys, focus groups and more than 30 public meetings. If the proposed rules move forward, they would take effect for the 2016-2017 season.
A detailed rundown of the proposals are on the DNR website, along with thelocationsof the hearings this Monday(4/13/2015) in the listening area.
