Very interesting email from my counties Fisheries biologist (Fishing seasons)!

[Bassboss]

I recently emailed our local fisheries biologist about fishing season... He had some interesting things to say about the fishing seasons and why we have them. Here's what I had to say:

Ever since moving to Wisconsin (Shawano County), one or the biggest things that has bugged me is the fact that there are fishing seasons in place for all bass species. I just don't see a purpose for them? I can understand having a no harvest season for them during the spawn, but closing fishing for them altogether seems pointless to me. I fallow the laws none-the-less, but knowing "why" would sure make them easier to fallow! I fish the Upper and Lower Red Lakes of Gresham, and the fishing is well worth waiting for. Does having a closed season pay dividends to the fish as a species? I'm really interested in the science behind it as well.

Thanks for any information!

His reply:

Hi,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You bring up some interesting issues regarding Wisconsin fishing seasons. I believe their are a combination of factors behind the current statewide season that involve social factors as well as science but I think one of the driving factors is tradition. Many years ago when the seasons were established I believe the thought process was to give the fish a break and many citizens liked having a traditional opening day. Some of the science was to protect spawning fish like walleye, northern pike, and musky. I think over time the seasons just became entrenched as part of the fishing culture in our state. However, DNR has liberalized fishing seasons on many waters of the state (e.g. Winnebago System) but we've also established seasons for some fish that are particularly vulnerable during spawning time (e.g. bass, northern pike, walleye) on most inland water bodies. Their is some discussion among biologists that perhaps we could have year around fishing statewide as long as we have proper harvest limits in place (e.g. no harvest or extremely limited during spawning times for certain fish). However, this is also assuming that we have adequate enforcement of the regulations to coincide with the liberalized seasons.

Your questions came up at an interesting time since DNR is in the process of reviewing our entire regulatory structure as it pertains to seasons, refuges, bag and size limits. We are looking at ways to create more angling opportunities as well as simplifying regulations. You probably won't see major changes overnight due to changes in the legislative process for changing fishing/hunting regulations but we are working towards improving the current structure. Some of our questions pertaining to these issues will be asked as advisory questions at the next Spring Conservation Congress Meetings (held every April in each county) where all rule changes are proposed to the public. I encourage you to participate in that process. Otherwise, stay tuned you will probably see more on this over the coming months.....

Thanks for your input.

Al Niebur
Fisheries Biologist -


I find it interesting that the driving reason for a season, is the fishing culture that has developed over the years, rather then having a practical benefit for the species. I plan on attending the Conservation Congress Meeting to see what they have to say, and to see what I have to say.

Thoughts?