(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging anglers to do their part in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species during the fishing season.
Anglers can do so through multiple methods, including draining water from boats and equipment. The first full weekend of June is fishing themed, with the DNR’s Free Fun Weekend from June 7-8 and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign from June 6-8.
The campaign is centered on draining water from livewells, boats and equipment prior to leaving a boat launch or fishing spot. It’s critical to do so as some bodies of water in Wisconsin contain aquatic diseases or small invasive species, and doing this can help prevent them from spreading.
There are various laws to prevent them from being introduced and/or spread statewide. Click here to see them. Using ice to transport fish away from the shore is also recommended.
Some tips include preserving dead bait in a manner that will not require freezing. It’s also crucial to never dispose of bait in a lake or a river. Worms that won’t be used should be thrown out in a closed container in a trash can.
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More tips, according to the DNR, are as follows:
- Thoroughly inspect all fishing equipment
- Remove all attached plants or animals
- Drain all water from containers and equipment, no more than two gallons of water for minnows
- Never move live fish away from a water body
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash in a closed container
More regulations are available on the DNR website.
