State’s inland fishing season opens across the state on May 1
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2021-2022 fishing season will open May 1, without any changes to season dates. All regulations and license requirements still apply.
“I hope everyone is as excited as I am for the 2021 fishing season,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Fisheries Management Bureau Director. “I have my rods ready and can’t wait to hit the water this coming Saturday. 2020 was a great year for anglers, and I expect 2021 to be even better.”
Many new and experienced anglers took part in the general fishing season opener last year amidst the pandemic. The DNR warns that boat launches will likely be crowded again this year and encourages anglers to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering when within 6-feet of other anglers.
As anglers head out to their favorite fishing locations, please remember: Over the past year, DNR staff have worked hard to manage Wisconsin’s amazing fishery resources responsibly. The DNR’s efforts include maintaining and enhancing critical fish habitat, conducting fish population surveys, adding over 120 miles of classified trout waters and stocking out over 5.5 million fish into inland lakes and streams and both Great Lakes.
Based on early harvest reports, the DNR predicts anglers across the state will have a successful opening weekend.
Recent creel reports show anglers have successfully fished inshore for species such as northern pike and walleye.
In the central, western and northern parts of the state, walleye will be done spawning and have moved into shallower bays to feed. Anglers should expect to find them in slow currents or drop-offs and should fish for them using a jig and a minnow.
On the Winnebago System, walleye and northern pike will be in their pre-summer patterns in a little deeper water and prominent lake locations, but not as much as during the heat of summer.
Anglers should expect walleye to be next to shore structures in the vicinity of the major rivers. Inland waters on the eastern side of the state will be a little cooler, and the walleye and northern pike will likely be hanging around the shoreline-oriented habitat.
Bass anglers have reported modest catches during the new catch and release season, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass will be in their pre-spawning modes for the opener. Anglers will find largemouth bass in the same shallow bays as walleye, while smallmouths will be on rocky drop-offs adjacent to spawning sites.
If temperatures warm before the opener, this will be some of the best smallmouth action of the year.
