Rain earlier this week created some ice jams on Green Bay and Lake Michigan tributaries, but it’s what’s under the ice that has anglers smiling.
Savvy fishermen know that rainfall and melting snow fill the rivers with lots of water, as well as fresh runs of walleye and rainbow trout (steelhead).
The Fox River’s one-fish, 28-inch minimum size limit on walleyes kicked in this week. So too did reduced bag limits on walleyes on the bay and closures for some bay and creek ditches to allow spawn-minded pike privacy while they do their thing. Yellow perch season closes March 15 on Green Bay.
Ice conditions have deteriorated rapidly, and it’s no longer recommended to trust your favorite late-season spots. Gale winds at midweek also moved ice, opened pressure cracks and created some impressive shoves.
Rainbow trout and suckers are invading the larger river systems. That action peaks from mid-March to mid-April in most areas.
Meanwhile, shorelines are starting to open up on some inland lakes. But it’s still safe to venture out there, and March can offer some of the best panfish action of the season.
State wildlife biologists want to hear from duck hunters and others interested in waterfowl on the proposed 2026-2031 duck hunting season zones and splits. Every five years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives states an opportunity to review and change the zones and splits for their duck hunting season structures.
The Department of Natural Resources is hosting three in-person meetings and one Zoom meeting to take input. You can do that, or simply provide feedback online at https://www.research.net/r/2025_Waterfowl_Input. All comments must be received by March 30. To see the zones and split’s options, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/waterfowl.
If you’d like to attend in person, the closest meeting is at 7 p.m. March 20 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Room B124 (park in the west lot, and use entrance 12). The Zoom meeting will take place at 7 p.m. March 19. Join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85219834693.
Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine’s spring issue, available mid-March, takes a closer look at the wonders of marshes, which are vital areas for healthy ecosystems. There’s also information on the 125th anniversary of the State Park System, and the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
Other stories look at Arbor Day, gardening, pheasant rearing at the State Game Farm and salmon spawning, with salmon from those activities donated to local food pantries. You’ll also learn tips for dealing with flooding, how to spot signs of spring and where to find paved trails perfect for hiking without a muddy mess. Plus, learn about lookalike wildlife such as foxes, coyotes and wolves and how to tell them apart. If you don’t subscribe, call 1-800-678-9472 to get this great resource mailed to you.
Invasive species are any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, human, animal or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Wisconsin has 14 cooperative invasive species management areas across the state. Partnerships are made up of federal, state and local government agencies, tribes, individuals and community groups interested in invasive species management. If you’re looking for ways to help stop the spread or control invasives, check out https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/partners.
For a general look at invasive species, visit https://www.fws.gov/glossary/invasive-species.
Green Bay and Lake Michigan fish are high in protein and contain vitamins, minerals and healthy omega-3 fats. However, like many other things in our diet, some of those fish might also take in pollutants from their environment and food.
To reduce your exposure to contaminants, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources has come up with a “Choose Wisely” publication.
After consulting the recommendations, you may find that you do not have to change your eating habits, or you may choose to eat different types of fish or eat some species less frequently. For the latest recommendations, check out https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/consumption.
The Baileys Harbor Brown Trout Tournament is set for April 10-13. It allows fishing in both Green Bay and Lake Michigan off of both Door and Kewaunee counties.
Meanwhile, the Blue Door Series Brown Trout Derby, headquartered in Kewaunee, is set for April 19. Blue Door also holds an Offshore Challenge June 21. Spring event registration opens March 10. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/Bluedoortournamentseries/.
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