Open Water - 3/22/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Ever since the Rock River opened up it is been non-stop here at the store. The Walleyes are hitting big time. More reports to follow, tune in next week, be sure to follow us on Facebook!
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(Photo by Kenneth Sookhai)
FISH
Get the latest local, fishing action in southern Wisconsin with Lakes Edition's Fishing Report, a weekly round-up of area lakes from Brian Huser co-owner of Rock River Bait Box. Read in-depth featured articles on regional lakes video fishing tips by David Yang, as well as DNR fishing news, find it all here. Most of all, the Lakes Edition's Fishing Report is your place to share fishing stories or your latest catch.
Enjoy Lakes Edition's articles featuring Southern Wisconsin's favorite lakes and learn about the unique features and attractions about each.
Lake Koshkonong - Whitewater Lake - Rock Lake - Lake Kegonsa - Lake Ripley - Lake Monona Lake Waubesa - Leota Lake - Delavan Lake - Clear Lake
FEATURED ARTICLE
During The COVID Pandemic Southern Wisconsin Families Reconnected With Outdoor Traditions Like Ice Fishing
"It's alot more families coming in, people who haven't been fishing in 10 years stocking up their tackle boxes," said Heather Yarrington, in an interview two years ago with Lakesedition.com. Yarrington is co-owner of Bite-Me Bait & Sport Shop in Mondovi. Her store like many in her industry realized brisk sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVENTS
DNR To Put On Free Ice Fishing Class This January
In conjunction with the Wisconsin DNR's Free Fishing Weekend you are invited to Join The Kettle Moraine State Forest's Ranger for an introduction to ice fishing. There will be knot tying, tip up fishing, pan-fish jigging, along with demonstrations of several types of ice fishing equipment. Weather permitting. All ages and skill levels welcome. Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Equipment will be supplied but may be limited.
3250 Kettle Moraine Rd.
Hartford Wi 53027
Enjoy A Weekend Of Fishing Free This January
The Wisconsin DNR's FREE FISHING WEEKEND is returning January 20 thru the 21st. On Free Fishing Weekend, you can "wet a line without a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp." What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try! Look below for details to plan your special fishing day for your club or community group.
ATTEND AN ANGLER CLINIC
Search for Fishing on our events calendar for clinic locations. We'll add them as we learn of them.
NO TACKLE? NO PROBLEM!
Wisconsin has nearly 60 tackle loaner sites, and many of them are at our state parks. Office hours vary by site, so contact the loaner site and plan to pick up the gear.
The Marshall Lion's Club Fisheree Festival Of Fishing
Enjoy A Weekend Ice Fishing For A Good Cause and Prizes At the Marshall Lions Ice Fisheree Festival on January 19 - 20, 2024, to be held at Marshall Firemen’s Park. Marshall WI Species: Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Walleye Community Calendar Ice Fisheree Festival Friday, Jan 19, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. CST Firemans Park 329 West Park Drive Marshall,
The Lake Ripley Fisheree
Always a good time for area ice fishing enthusiasts The Cambridge Area Lions Club is returning its' Fisheree to frozen expanse of Lake Ripley Friday (Feb. 2) and Saturday (Feb. 3.) Anglers will compete in the two for cash prizes, including a cash raffle. T.o register please stop by J&T Bait Shanty II The Lake Ripley Fisheree takes place Friday at 4:30PM through Saturday at 4PM with prizes and the drawing following at 4:30.
PAST EVENTS
This Saturday Take The Kids To Cops And Bobbers In Downtown Middleton
Visit the Middleton Public Library at this year’s Cops and Bobbers event from 8-12pm, held at Lakeview Park (6300 Mendota Ave) on Saturday, September 16. Hosted by the Middleton Optimist Club, this FREE event is fun for the whole family. The First 150 kids age 15 and under receive a free fishing rod, reel & bobber, or bring your own fishing gear if you have it!
Fun contests & prizes including BIG & Little fish contest & more.
Visit the library’s table to choose a free book (while supplies last). Weather permitting.
The Inland Lakes Sturgeon Season Begins September 2nd
Inland hook and line season for lake sturgeon will take place Sept. 2 - Sept. 30 on certain waters. Lake sturgeon are bountiful thanks to continued science-based management practices and habitat work of the Wisconsin DNR and other organizations.
Fisherman interested in harvesting a lake sturgeon must have their general 2023 fishing license and a valid hook and line lake sturgeon tag. Licenses and tags may be purchased online through the DNR's website
Go Wild or Wisconsin area vendors. Please note:
only one fish may be harvested per season and must have a minimum length measurement of 60 inches. Anglers who harvest a lake sturgeon must validate their tag immediately upon harvesting the sturgeon before moving it and register the harvested sturgeon at a designated registration station.
Anglers should be aware that some sturgeon may have a tag near their dorsal fin. These tags contain information that is used to monitor the movement and growth of lake sturgeon and will aid the DNR in future management practices. If anglers catch a tagged sturgeon, they should submit the following information to the county's fisheries biologist:
- Where the fish was caught
- The date of the catch
- Tag number, color and material composition of the tag (i.e., metal or plastic)
- Overall fish length
The 2023 Wisconsin Youth Muskie Championship
The family friendly tournament takes place June 24 from 7am to 12 pm on Lake Waubesa Capital City Chapter of Muskies, Inc. (CCMI) is a chapter of Muskies, Inc. (MI), the organization putting on the event will give out out prizes (for all participants) and trophies, but the idea is to simply have a good time fishing. The event is free to all ages 18 and under. Tournament Headquarters will take place at Goodland Park boat launch. Adults may accompany youth in the boat. We encourage participants (or their parents) to bring their boat. Otherwise, we will do our best to match you with a boat Registration Closes on June 17, 2023 Limit of 50 participants
The Jefferson Kiwanis Club And The DNR's Free Fishing Weekend Invite Fishing Enthusiasts Young and Old This Weekend
Kiwanis Club of Jefferson & Department of Natural Resources offer this event! Enjoy the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend by registering with the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson. Receive Free Bait provided by Gollon's Bait & Fish Farm , Door Prixes include: Fishing Poles, Lures, Jigs, Tackle Boxes and More! Must receive button at registration to be eligible for prizes.
Go fishing anywhere, come back for a free lunch beginning at 1:00 pm and prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Experienced fisherman & equipment available for children without a parent or guardian. Weigh-in will begin at 1:00 pm at Jefferson County Fairgrounds- South Shelter.
Celebrate the Opening of the 2023-24 With Trout Days in Cross Plains
This year, the Cross Plains Lions Club and Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce sponsored event is in its' 38 year . Cross Plains is of course home to Black Earth Creek a Class 1 trout stream. Trout Days is not only about fishing but a wine walk in downtown Cross Plains, live music, food, and outdoor educational activities for all ages and interests
The weekend of events kicks off on Friday (May 5) with garage sales, food and drink stands. Return to downtown Cross Plains on Saturday (May 6) and the Crossroads Coffeehouse for a cribbage tournament from 5:30-8 p.m. The real fun begins on May 7 starting at 6 a.m.
3/30/2023
Aspiring Anglers, Seekers of Lakeside Leisure The Wisconsin DNR's Free Fishing Weekend Is Returning Soon
Save a day space on your planner for Free Fishing Weekend, this for June 3-4, 2023 Enjoy access to complimentary fishing gear and tackle from 50 tackle loaner sites around Wisconsin. Getting a license is especially a lure to hook with the DNR's First-time buyer - Welcome back resident in, try on a license for only $5.
2/20/2023
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Issues Ice Shanty Removal Notice
The deadlines to remove permanent ice shanties are approaching. Deadlines include inland waters south of Highway 64 by March 5 and inland waters north of Highway 64 by March 19 Portable ice shanties can still be used after these dates, so long as they are removed from the ice when they are not actively in use and at the end of each day. The DNR reminds ice anglers that no ice is ever 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so anglers should check with local fishing clubs and bait shops for current ice conditions.
2/17/2023
The Wisconsin Fishing Expo Returns To The Alliant Energy Center
Anglers and first-timers the Wisconsin Fishing Expo is back in Madison this weekend February 24th - 26th. The two day event takes place in 150,000 sq ft of exhibit space with over 350 booths of fishing supply vendors, to lure manufacturers, antique lure displays, tackle supplies, flying fishing basics, vacation promotions, fishing guides, educational displays and seminars to attend.
Load up the sled and stay hydrated
1/23/2023
Join Other Area Anglers Ice Fishing At The Lake Ripley Fisheree
Now that the Packers season is over time to get back to some serious fishing. Always a good time for area ice fishing enthusiasts, the Cambridge Area Lions Club is returning its' Fisheree to the frozen expanse of Lake Ripley Friday (Feb. 4) and Saturday (Feb. 5.) Anglers will compete in the two day fishing competition for cash prizes, including a cash raffle. To register, please stop by J&T Bait Shanty II The Lake Ripley Fisheree takes place Friday at 4:30PM through Saturday at 4PM with prizes and the drawing following at 4:30. For More information please email cambridgelions@yahoo.com.
Attention All Ice Fishing Anglers The Fish-A-Ree Returns This February
Whitewater Lion's Club Tradition Returns to the Ice on Whitewater Lake. 2023 marks the 47th year that the Whitewater Lion's club has hosted this popular February fishing derby in their backyard.
(Lake Monona photo courtesy WI DNR)
1/3/2023
Enjoy A Complimentary Weekend of Ice Fishing Thanks to the Wisconsin DNR's Free Fishing Weekend
Mark your calendars for the weekend of January 22 - 23rd, Free Fishing Weekend is back! New angler or veteran fisherman or woman try out your skill on ice. The Badger State is blessed with over 15,000 lakes, hundreds of rivers and streams. 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly and so much more. On Free Fishing Weekend, you can cast a line without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp. What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try!
The 2022-23 Fishing Season is Back Anglers
4/28/2022
MADISON, Wis. – A sign that spring is here, the 2022-23 General Fishing season officially opens May 7th . All anglers over the age of 16 are required to purchase a fishing license.
Early projections by the DNR suggest bountiful fishing opportunities across the "Badger State" the first official weekend of the new fishing season.
According to Justine Hasz, DNR Bureau Director of Fisheries Management, “Spring has been slow to arrive across the state, and with the late ice thaw on northern lakes, the fish will be hungry and eager to bite."
The DNR reminds anglers when on the water to follow these basic tips:
Always wear a life jacket
Be mindful of minimum catch requirements
Know and adhere to boating regulations
Never drive drunk
Remove any plants or animals attached to your boat. Your efforts help Reduce the spread of aquatic invasives.
Purchase your licenses through Go Wild, the DNR’s license portal, or from a license agent.
The Lakes Edition and the DNR wishes all anglers a safe and successful 2022 fishing season
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES, IT'S ALSO THE LAW
3/22/2022
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin has various laws in place to prevent the introduction and control the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases in Wisconsin.
- INSPECT your boat, trailer and equipment
- REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).
- DRAIN all water from boats, motors and all equipment.
- NEVER MOVE live fish away from a waterbody.
- DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.
- BUY minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. Use leftover minnows only under certain conditions.*
*You may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water. You may use leftover minnows on other waters only if no lake or river water, or other fish were added to their container (more information below).
Platteville Man Convicted of Selling and Transporting Invasive Carp
3/10/2022
MADISON, Wis. – Under a plea deal, Ping Li of Platteville, owner and proprietor of co-owner and sole operator of Li Fish Farm was convicted of 17 forfeiture violations and two misdemeanors. Mr. Li was ordered to pay more than $13,000 in penalties
The 19 convictions were for violations, including Violation of Wholesale Fish Dealer Vehicle ID Requirements when Transporting Fish, Possession of Illegal Fish with a Value Over $300, Improper Transport of Asian Carp and Failure to Keep Wholesale Fish Dealer Records.
In 2018 the Wisconsin DNR received a tip from the public regarding Li's activities prompting a multiple year investigation. The case against Ping Li is the first-ever involving the illegal sale of Asian carp in Wisconsin. The invasive carp involved with this case are the bighead, silver and grass types. “The species is top on the Least Wanted Aquatic Invasive Species List from the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers,” said Lt. Robert Stroess, DNR warden administrator for Commercial Fishing and Aquatic Species in Trade Enforcement.
The three types of carp involved with Mr. Li's case pose a severe environmental threat to our native aquatic ecosystems. The grass carp eats away aquatic habitats which accelerates the growth of algae blooms and damages wetlands and waterfowl habitats.
The silver carp is another destructive force on fish habitats and is infamous for leaping out of the water posing at threat to boaters and economic tourism.
Last but not least of all, The bighead carp attacks the food chain at the very bottom consuming vast quantities of plankton, a primary food for many native fish including walleye, yellow perch, lake whitefish and all juvenile fish.
In Wisconsin, by law, invasive carp must be either eviscerated (gutted) or have the entire gill covering severed.
In 2018, Li sold or transported more than 9,000 pounds in Wisconsin. Mr..Li also violated the law when he used an unmarked refrigerated van to transport and deliver most of the illegal carp, making it difficult to identify it as a wholesale fish dealer vehicle.
The DNR Makes Announcement Foreshadowing End of the Ice Fishing Season
3/2/2022
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the remaining 2022 ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching.
Permanent ice shanties, or those not removed daily, must be removed from all state waters by March 15.
Anglers can continue to use portable ice shanties after these dates, so long as they are removed from the ice when they are not actively in use and at the end of each day.
As these deadlines approach, it’s important to remember that no ice is ever 100% safe. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, so anglers should check with local fishing clubs and bait shops for current ice conditions.
The public should report any shanty owners not taking responsibility for removing their shanty to the DNR Violation Hotline online or by calling or texting 1-800-TIP-WNDR or 1-800-847-9367.
(Lake Monona photo courtesy WI DNR)
1/12/2022
WISCONSIN'S FREE FISHING
WEEKEND
Free Fishing Weekend is back! This weekend (Jan. 15-16) try your luck as new angler on the ice or along open water. Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. On Free Fishing Weekend, you can cast a line without having a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp. What a great opportunity for family and friends to give it a try!
Marine forecast for conditions on area, Southern Wisconsin lakes: https://www.weather.gov/mkx/inland-lake-waves from the National Weather Service's Milwaukee/Sullivan office.
Lakes Edition's Cherished Recipes
Southern Wisconsin is blessed with a large number of lakes. And when fishing in lake country be sure to hook a panfish or two, or even a crappie or blue gill and try out
our recipes >>
Videos by Fishing Guide David Yang
Crushing Spring Walleyes on the Rock River
How to Set Up Fly Rig For Spring Walleyes
How to Catch A Ton of Fish! Bluegills and Catfish
How to Catch Stock Pond Rainbow Trout
Readers Catches
Caught that trophy muskie? or walleye? Send us photos of your catch and tell us where you caught it, what you were using, your name and anything else you think readers would enjoy. We'll post your photos here in Lakes Edition's fishing gallery. Thanks for sharing!
PHOTO CONTEST WINNER!
Congratulations to October Rain this weeks' Lakes Edition - Rock River Bait Box's Fishing Photo Contest Winner!
Jenny George told us: "October Rain living her catch, July 2020 Outside Rome, Wisconsin."
Thanks again to our partner Rock River Bait Box.
Send your photo
THE CATCH-OF-THE-WEEK
Photo Contest
If you would like to be featured in the Catch-of-the-Week we would love to see your latest catch here on Lakesedition.com. Submit your photo with a chance to win a $10 gift certificate from Rock River Bait Box. The winner will also be featured as the "Catch of the Week" here at the Lakesedition.com's Fishing Report. Guidelines for submission
Please put "Catch-Of-The-Week Photo Contest" in the subject line of your submission. Thanks and good luck!
The Lakes Edition Fishing Report
Ice Fishing Report (archive)
The Last Day - 3/8/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Deep Slush and Crusty - 3/1/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Late Season Conditions - 2/22/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Significant Snow Cover - 2/15/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Lake Action Variable - 2/1/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Improved Ice -1/25/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Need More Cold Nights - 1/20/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
Early Ice - 1/14/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box
NEWS ARCHIVE
Enjoy this complimentary audio
article from the Lakes Edition
Have The Invasive Carp Met Their Match?
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Have The Invasive Carp Met Their Match?
3/16/2021
In a united front, and with a tiny cushion of time the Wisconsin DNR, Minnesota DNR and the United States Geological Services (USGS) are implementing a monitoring and removal protocol for silver and bighead carp on the Upper Mississippi river. Currently the invasive fish known as the "Asian carp" is more prolific in the southern reaches of the river. The federal and state agencies will use the USGS's Modified Unified Method (MUM) which combines herding and netting to drive and concentrate invasive carp from the river into a small zone for removal. The process is repeated several times until the carp are removed.
Up to this point, the Upper Mississippi river has been spared the increasing numbers of carp seen in the Southern States where the invasion all began. “They’re have been a few more encounters with these beasts up here, but at this point we don’t have a significant. population in La Crosse,” says DNR Mississippi River Fisheries Biologist, and Stoughton native, Jordan Weeks. If you have spotted this invasive carp in the Upper Mississippi, Jordan Weeks is the person to contact.
Like aquatic invasives on the Great Lakes the "Asian carp" a planktivore (plankton eater) if not stopped will severely disrupt the entire food chain of the Upper Mississippi river. Since carp feeds on the most basic aquatic life in the food chain the numbers of game fish will be drastically reduced in future if the invasive i not curtailed.. "When you have an invasive you have to make sure they don’t get a foot hold and reproduce,' says Weeks. Jordan Weeks believes that time is currently on their side as the carp have a more difficult time reproducing and supporting eggs in the colder, Upper Mississippi river.
Enjoy this complimentary audio
article from the Lakes Edition
The Chemical Culprit Behind Deaths of Coho Salmon
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After Years Of Research, Scientists Discover The Culprit Behind Deaths Of Coho Salmon
2/8/2021
Using the latest in tools in chromatography to filter through storm water a team of students and scientists have determined that the killer of more than half of adult salmon swimming every fall to Puget Sound is a chemical leaching from old tires. The researchers identified 6PPD-quinone, which is created when the tire preservative 6PPD reacts with ozone. PPD-quinone cannot be effectively removed from the environment by treating storm water. The team of researchers recommend that tire manufacturers create salmon-safe versions of their product. Read more about the scientific findings here
Enjoy this complimentary audio
article from the Lakes Edition
DNR's Sampling Results for Yahara Chain of Lakes Indicates Higher Levels of PFAS
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DNR's Sampling Results for Yahara Chain of Lakes Indicates Higher Levels of PFAS
1/22/2021
Analysis of 2020 sampling of from Lake Kegonsa, Mendota, Monono, Upper Mud, Waubesa, Wingra reveals Yahara system-wide presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS.) PFAS are man-made chemicals produced for uses such as firefighting foam, Teflon, stain-resistant spray, and food packaging. 2019 samples taken near Starkweather Creek (due to its' proximity to Dane County Regional Airport) indicated unsafe levels of a PFAS present likely from runoff. PFAS accumulates in fish tissue and the human body and poses long term,
health risks. DNR released the results of the sampling analysis on January 21st..
Enjoy this complimentary audio
article from the Lakes Edition
Elevated Levels of PFAS Found in Lake Superior
Rainbow Smelt
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Elevated Levels of PFAS Found in Lake Superior Rainbow Smelt
1/16/2021
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR has issued a consumption advisory for smelt due to the high levels of PFOS found in recent samples. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are man-made chemicals produced for uses such as firefighting foam, Teflon and food packaging. The toxic, chemical enters our lakes through wastewater treatment, runoff and industrial sites.
“Eating fish that have high levels of PFAS may increase your risk for certain health effects,” said Dr. Jonathan Meiman, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Occupational and Environmental Health at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Health effects include: lower birth weight, possible links to increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, harm to the immune system.
“Limiting your exposure by choosing fish that are low in PFAS is the best way to reduce your risk while still maintaining the health benefits of fish consumption.”
LINKS
Barometric pressure plays a key role in fish activity. Visit the Weather section for the latest, southern Wisconsin forecasts.
Need a 2020-21 fishing license? Order online it now at https://gowild.wi.gov/lookupaccount
Anglers born before 1927, active duty military on leave or furlough, and Kids 15 and under
fish free every day.
511 Wisconsin
For up to the minute winter driving conditions in southern Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin DOT's 511 Wisconsin or call 511 or (866) 511-9472.
