Wisconsin Spearing Regulations

[rudyc]

Really bad news about spearfishing in Lake Michigan.
I wonder why that law was even introduced?
How many Perch do they think are taken by the few folks spearing there??
I live about 10 minutes from home to beach, sure was nice while it lasted!


rudyc

 

[BigThreeForLife]

Don't you think with what you posted Scott and this passage:

Underwater Spear Fishing:​

It is lawful to take the following fish species with the use of spears and spear guns by
skin and scuba diving in all waters where spearing for rough fish is permitted from
sunrise to sunset during the listed spearing seasons: white bass, yellow bass (striped),
rock bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, pumpkinseed (sunfish) and bullheads provided that
the season for these species is also open on the same water. Daily bag limits and length​

restrictions also apply.

It basically says you CAN spear perch in Lake Michigan?

This is the same passage from the 2011-2012 regs:

Outlying Waters: It is unlawful to spear any species or variety of fish in the outlying waters
at any time, except that rough fish may be speared from sunrise to sunset in all outlying
waters, and may be taken with spear guns by the methods known as skin and scuba diving
by divers in Lake Michigan. Northern pike may be speared through the ice in Lake Superior.​

Taking rough fish by bow and arrow only is also allowed from sunset to sunrise.

 

[BigThreeForLife]

Conversation 4/20/2011 at ~10:30am

Jennifer CHAT:
Good morning Christopher, how may I help you today?
Christopher:
Hi, I'm interested in underwater spearfishing in Wisconsin, I've read the regulations and talked to some people on online msg boards about this
Christopher:
My questions revolves around Lake Michigan, there are numrous people spearfishing for Perch, and I want to know if this is legal?
Jennifer CHAT:
Yes it is legal as long as you are fishing for perch during the open season. Underwater Spear Fishing:
It is lawful to take the following fish species with the use of spears and spear guns by
skin and scuba diving in all waters where spearing for rough fish is permitted from
sunrise to sunset during the listed spearing seasons: white bass, yellow bass (striped),
rock bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, pumpkinseed (sunfish) and bullheads provided that
the season for these species is also open on the same water. Daily bag limits and length
restrictions also apply.
Christopher:
ok i see that
Christopher:
i also see a section about outlying waters in the regs
Jennifer CHAT:
Yellow perch is open in Lake Michigan from June 16 to April 30th
Christopher:
understood
Jennifer CHAT:
Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Christopher:
Can you define the outlying waters section?
Jennifer CHAT:
An outlying water is a boundary water such Lake Michigan, Mississippi River and body of water that is outside of Wisconsin.
Jennifer CHAT:
Here is a link to our Spearing Regulations and on page 9 it describes the outlying waters http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/regulations/2010/documents/SpearNet1011.pdf
Jennifer CHAT:
Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Christopher:
so you said spearfishing for perch is legal in lake michigan, but there it says that you can only spear for rough fish in outlying waters
Jennifer CHAT:
Underwater spear fishing is legal in Lake Michigan for perch per page 6 and that is what you asked. You cannot spear fish Lake Michigan from a boat for perch.
Jennifer CHAT:
Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Christopher:
ok thank you
Christopher:
thats all i needed to know
Jennifer CHAT:
You're welcome, have a great day!
Chat Session Ended, Goodbye. (5010)


This was a chat I had with the DNR pre spearing last year... just wanted to cover myself. Guess someone might want to reconfirm the same again, but I'll be spearing perch this year.

 

[Whopperhead]

I will then spear for Perch. Thanks for saving that chat Chris!