Pictured: The DNR urges boaters and anglers to drain their livewells and fish buckets before leaving boat launches. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Calling all anglers — you can prevent the spread of invasive species by draining water from your boat this fishing season.
The first full weekend of June is all about fishing in Wisconsin, a perfect pairing for the DNR’s Free Fun Weekend (June 7-8) and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign (June 6-8).
Unfortunately, some Wisconsin lakes and rivers contain aquatic diseases or small invasive species like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae. Wisconsin has various laws in place to prevent the introduction and control the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin law requires boaters and anglers to drain livewells, motors, and containers before leaving a boat launch or fishing spot to prevent the transport of diseases and invasive species from one waterbody to the next. Use ice to transport fish away from the shore.
If you are using live bait, you can only buy minnows from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer. You can’t use more than two gallons of water to transport them. Don’t put other fish in the minnow container. Never dispose of unwanted bait in a lake or river. If you have worms that you will not use before they die, dispose of them in a closed container in the trash, never on the ground.
Before and after you cast your line, protect our fishing future by doing your part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species:
- Inspect all fishing equipment for attached aquatic plants, animals, or mud.
- Remove all attached plants or animals.
- Drain all water from containers and equipment (maximum of 2 gallons of water allowed for minnows).
- Never move live fish away from a waterbody (fish out of water = dead).
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
