Take Action To Protect Our Waters From Aquatic Invasive Species This Winter

Take Action To Protect Our Waters From Aquatic Invasive Species This Winter

Anglers can help stop the spread of invasive species this winter by following bait rules and checking gear for attached organic matter and mud. 

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species while fishing this winter.

Even in harsh winter conditions, anglers can transport aquatic invasive species and fish diseases from one lake or river to another by emptying water from bait buckets and fish containers. When we add lake or river water to these containers, diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia or critters like tiny spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae may be along for the ride.

That’s why you should drain all lake and river water from bait buckets on site before leaving. Putting used bait back into your container could also increase the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.

Wisconsin fishing regulations state that up to two gallons of water may be used for transporting minnows. As long as no lake or river water has been added to the container, minnows may be used on a different waterbody. If lake or river water was added, the minnows cannot be used at other fishing locations and should be disposed of before going to a new site. Never dispose of unwanted bait in a lake or river, and dispose of any worms in a closed container in the trash.

Minnows can only be purchased from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer. No other fish can be held in the minnow container, and dead bait must be preserved in ways that do not require freezing or refrigeration.

Before leaving your fishing spots, remove any mud or plant material clinging to gear, including sleds used to haul supplies. Some invasive aquatic plants flourish under the ice, like curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil. Invasive critters like the spiny water flea larvae hide in the mud, and zebra mussels often hitch rides on plants.

Before and after you drop your line, protect our fishing future by doing your part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Remember to: 

• Inspect all fishing equipment for attached aquatic plants, animals or mud.
• Remove all attached plants or animals.
• Drain all water from buckets and containers.
• Never move live fish away from a waterbody (fish out of water = dead).
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

Other rules regarding bait can be found in the current Guide to Wisconsin Hook & Line Fishing Regulations. To learn more about invasive species and their impacts on Wisconsin’s waters and economy, visit the DNR’s Invasive Species webpage.