Ice Fishing? Even Icy Wisconsin Waters Host Aquatic Invasive Species

Do you have your auger and shanty ready?

The ice will be calling anglers soon throughout Wisconsin. In fact, several folks are already getting out in our area! Be careful on that ice! Throughout the winter, help protect our lakes and rivers with a few easy steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil are successful against our native aquatic plants due to their ability to persist under the ice throughout winter. Although the plant-like algae starry stonewort dies back for winter, its tiny, star-shaped bulbils can be present in the mud that can come up if the bottom is disturbed by augers or on plants yanked up through the ice. Disease and the larvae of invasive snails and mussels can also be present in the water and mud in winter.  Just like summer boaters and anglers, ice anglers need to remove any mud or plant material clinging to their gear, including sleds used to haul supplies, before leaving their fishing spots.

Fish diseases like viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) make it important to only buy minnows from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer. Up to two gallons may be kept for minnows provided they are going to be used on the same waterbody or as long as no lake or river water from your fishing site(s) has been added. Dead bait must be preserved in ways that do not require freezing or refrigeration. Need some tips? Visit the Bait Preservation page on the WI DNR’s website.

Other rules regarding bait can be found in the current fishing regulations: Guide to Wisconsin Hook & Line Fishing Regulations.

Before and after you drop that line, protect our fishing future by doing your part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when ice fishing:

• Inspect ice fishing equipment for attached aquatic plant, animals, or mud
• Remove all attached plants or animals
• Drain all water from buckets and containers
• Never move live fish away from a waterbody (fish out of water = dead)
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash

While our beloved Wisconsin turns into a winter wonderland, lots of invasive plants and animals can survive and thrive in Wisconsin’s winter lakes. Help protect those places you love!

To learn more about invasive species and their impacts to Wisconsin’s waters and economy, visit DNR.wi.gov and search “Invasive Species.”

Original Story Used With Permission By Author: Jeanne Scherer, UW Madison Division of Extension