Madison – Walleyes for Tomorrow and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a modern walleye “bounty tag” study for Green Bay and its major tributaries.
Green Bay and its tributaries provide world-class fishing for gigantic populations of walleye and trophy-sized fish. DNR angler survey results have shown that the popularity of this fishery has increased in recent years. The DNR and Walleyes for Tomorrow have reported increased efforts by walleye anglers.
The DNR will begin tagging up to 5,000 walleyes with green and yellow float tags to better understand the walleye fishery and gather information on population and harvest levels. Fish will be tagged in five major spawning areas in Green Bay, Wisconsin – the Fox, Oconto, Peshtigo and Menominee Rivers, as well as Sturgeon Bay.
In addition to the yellow and green tags, 200 red prize tags will be distributed in these waters. Walleyes for Tomorrow is offering a $100 reward to anglers who report catching a red-tagged walleye. With funding from Walleyes for Tomorrow, the DNR hopes to continue the tagging program for the next three to five years.
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Catching a tagged fish
Anglers who catch a tagged zander of the legal size may choose to catch or release the fish. Any tagged fish that does not meet the minimum length requirements should be released after receiving tag information. Anglers are asked to practice responsible catch-and-release practices and leave the tag intact for all walleyes released.
For all colored tags, anglers should provide the tag number, tag color, length of fish, location of catch, date of catch and whether the fish was caught. The red tags read “$100 PRIZE” with a valid prize date. Anglers must verify their tag to claim their prize. This can be done by:
• If harvested, present a physical tag or email a photo of the tag including the three-digit tag number to the DNR;
• If released, take a close-up of the tag with the three-digit tag number and a photo of the angler holding the walleye with the tag apparent.
To report any catch of tagged fish to the DNR, send an email [email protected] or call (920) 662-5411.
To mail a caught fish floy tag, send it to: Department of Natural Resources, ATTN: Fish Biologist, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313.
When a green or yellow float tag is reported, anglers will receive information about the fish, including date, location, size, sex and estimated age at the time of tagging. Anglers do not need to confirm with photos or submit physical ID when reporting walleye with green or yellow tags.
Reported tags of released or harvested walleyes will assist in walleye management in Green Bay and its tributaries by providing fisheries biologists with information on exploitation, harvest, spawning site fidelity, movement patterns and growth rates.
