Invasive Species in Wisconsin Waters

WAUSAU, Wis (WXCO) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to drain water from their boats and equipment this fishing season. 

The warmer weather has got Wisconsinites back out on the water!

Unfortunately, some of our lakes and rivers contain aquatic diseases and difficult-to-see invasive species, like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae.

“They’re pretty small organisms and it is challenging to see them because they are clear and translucent. Technically you can see them with the naked eye if you look very closely, because they clump together with their neighbors and friends and make gummy clumps on fishing lines or nets. But it’s very easy for boaters and anglers to not see them floating in the water and in their livewells.” explains Erin McFarlane a Statewide Clean Boats, Clean Waters Educator with UWSP. “We refer to them as mini chicken nuggets, because young fish will want to eat them. But they have little spines on their back and they can’t digest them, so it’s deadly for the fish.”

Wisconsin law requires boaters and anglers to drain livewells, motors and containers before leaving a boat launch or fishing spot to prevent the transport of diseases and invasive species from one waterbody to the next.

“Whether you are kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the lake, make sure you are looking at all of your equipment.” said McFarlane.

If you are using live bait, Wisconsin fishing regulations state that minnows can only be purchased from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer, and no more than two gallons of water may be used to transport them. No other fish can be held in the minnow container.

Never dispose of unwanted bait in a lake or river. If you have worms that you will not use before they die, dispose of them in a closed container in the trash – never on the ground.

“Simplest way to think about it… you don’t want to take fish, worms or water from one water body and put them into another water body.” says McFarlane.

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

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

The first full weekend of June is all about fishing in the state and it’s a perfect pairing for the DNR’s Free Fun Weekend (June 7-8) and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign (June 6-8).