Wisconsin Northern Highland Fisheries Research Area (NHFRA) is seeking walleye anglers to aid collect data for a project to study the effects of predetermined fishing pressures on a previously untapped walleye population. The season opener for this effort will be Saturday, June 8.
The walleye survey will take place on Lake Escanaba; however, the NHFRA consists of five lakes (Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce, and Mystery), all of which are open to public fishing.
Since 1946, these lakes have been continuously managed for experimental fisheries research. Mandatory fish creel surveying of all NHFRA anglers has allowed researchers to accumulate more than 75 years of data on angler demographics and catches, leading to one of the largest fish creel datasets in the world.
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To aid in walleye research, anglers must catch enough walleye to meet the annual limit. If the quota is exhausted before the end of the season, i.e. March 2, 2025, there is a ban on zander fishing until the next second Saturday in June.
Walleye below fishing regulations are currently located on Lake Escanaba:
- Minimum length limit of 15 inches
- 20-24 inches protected with no harvest gap length limit
- Daily bag limit: three walleyes, of which only one walleye over 24 inches is allowed
Restrictions vary among other NHFRA lakes due to different research project needs, but current restrictions for all lakes can be found by visiting NHFRA Fishing home page.
