DNR to present Lake Michigan management options for public input

Contact(s): Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes fisheries supervisor, [email protected], 414-303-0138 OR Todd Kalish, Fisheries Management deputy bureau director, 608-266-5285

Learn more about how DNR plans to manage the Lake Michigan fishery to ensure continued opportunities for anglers to catch fish like this one.Photo credit: Brandon Wambach

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will share high-priority management actions for the Lake Michigan fishery identified by charter captains, recreational anglers and other interested partners at informational meetings scheduled for Sept. 3-4, 2019. The public meetings will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

September 3, 2019
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – SC130 Auditorium – Lot G, Entrance 9
2740 West Mason Street, Green Bay, WI 54303

September 4, 2019
UWM – School of Freshwater Science
600 E. Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204

The meetings are a follow-up to an informational meeting held in May to gather stakeholder input on potential Lake Michigan management strategies. Brad Eggold, DNR Great Lakes fisheries supervisor, said the department received numerous suggestions and useful information at the meeting as well as more than 60emailed comments from stakeholders during the public comment period on management of the multi-million-dollar fishery.

“The department is thankful for the diverse stakeholder interest and participation in discussing and developing management strategies for Lake Michigan salmon and trout,” Eggold said. “The Lake Michigan informational meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion of management options and strategies that acknowledge the diverse biological, social and economic feedback we’ve received.”

The upcoming Lake Michigan informational meeting will include a presentation by the department followed by a facilitated discussion. DNR staff will present management options and actions, and will cover topics including:

• The latest biological data
• Brown trout, chinook and coho salmon, lake and rainbow trout stocking options
• Efforts to provide for and support diverse fishing options and opportunities

DNR continues to work with regional clubs, recreational anglers, fishing tournament participants and charter captains to monitor their experiences with this year’s catch and gather additional data.

Background information including a copy of the presentation to stakeholders from DNR’s May 20 meeting in Cleveland, Wis., can be found by visiting the DNR website and searching “Lake Michigan salmon and trout meetings.”