DNR to Meet at LTC to Discuss Lake Whitefish Trawling Rule

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Lake Michigan’s fishery involves many interests, from sports and commercial operators to those whose recreation involves putting in a line and seeing what can be caught.  It’s the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s job to manage all those interests, and an upcoming meeting’s primary focus will be on Lake Whitefish, the essential fish consumed in an iconic Wisconsin fish boil.

During the meeting at Lakeshore Technical College on May 29th, a study on Lake Whitefish trawling done by the Wisconsin Sea Grant will be reviewed, followed by discussion on current rules and possible revisions.

Those current rules allow for harvesting whitefish by trawl in designated areas, provided an onboard camera system is used along with a specific trawl and within certain times of the year.

According to the WDNR, over 2.7 million pounds of lake whitefish were harvested commercially from Lake Michigan in 2022, the most recent data available.  Included among those harvesting the Whitefish was one Sheboygan operator, Seger Fisheries, which sells through Schwarz Fish Company.

The meeting on May 29th takes place, appropriately enough, in the Lake Michigan Room of LTC at 6 p.m., and people will also be able to attend virtually.