
As winter descends on Wisconsin, a call to action from the Department of Natural Resources underscores the urgency of a seasonal shift in conservation efforts, particularly for those partaking in the revered tradition of ice fishing. A persistent threat lurks beneath the frozen surfaces of the state's waterways: invasive species, unrelenting in their colonization, are indifferent to the cold. The Department of Natural Resources, trying to resume the spread of these unwanted guests, advises anglers to be vigilant, reminding the community that even in the bitter frost, transferring aquatic freeloaders is a risk not worth taking.
In a statement obtained by the Department of Natural Resources, the agency highlighted the potential for tiny yet troublesome intruders such as spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae, to hitch rides in things so innocuous as bait buckets and fish containers. This risk is magnified when lake or river water is mixed into these receptacles, creating a cocktail ripe with the peril of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, among other fish diseases. It's recommended to drain all water from such containers on site before departing to prevent the aquatic invasive species from relocating to other bodies of water.
Regulations in Wisconsin set firm restrictions to help ensure the integrity of the state's aquatic ecosystems remain intact. Rules permit up to two gallons of water for transporting minnows provided that the water is not sourced from lakes or rivers. Following proper protocol, the Department of Natural Resources states that minnows "cannot be used at other fishing locations" if external water has been introduced to their container, and thus should be appropriately disposed of. Anglers must adhere to the sobering mantra for unwanted bait disposal: never in the lakes or rivers, always in the trash.
To prevent the spread of invasive species, it’s important to inspect all fishing gear carefully. Dead plants and mud can hide invasive larvae. Before and after ice fishing, make sure to clean your equipment thoroughly. These steps are familiar to experienced outdoorspeople but are important to repeat as a reminder to take care of our waterways, as per the Department of Natural Resources.
Detailed guidelines on bait and ongoing conservation efforts can be found in the current Guide to Wisconsin Hook & Line Fishing Regulations. The guide provides a comprehensive overview, making it an essential resource for anybody who cherishes Wisconsin's waters and seeks to help in safeguarding its future against the unseen threat of invasion hidden beneath the serenity of ice.