Thursday, May 7th, 2026

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Thursday, May 7th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Max Wolter Wisconsin DNR Fish Biologist

Ask a fisheries biologist: Early spring fishing opportunities in Wisconsin

Anglers often overlook early spring, but this period offers some exceptional fishing at a time with limited outdoor opportunities. Starting in 2026, some new opportunities go along with the tried and true favorites.
The release trout season starts in January, but the harvest season now opens the first Saturday in April. Check the trout regulations for size and bag limits.

Ask a fisheries biologist: Early spring fishing opportunities in Wisconsin Read More »

Ask a fisheries biologist: What research is saying about the impact of forward-facing sonar

In early February, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society met in La Crosse. One conference topic heavily overlapped conversations among anglers: the effects of fishing technology.
In recent years, advanced sonar systems, commonly called ‘forward facing sonar (FFS),’ became a hot topic for anglers and researchers.

Ask a fisheries biologist: What research is saying about the impact of forward-facing sonar Read More »

Ask a fisheries biologist: Fish growth not a straightforward process

Anglers love fish, but what they really love are big fish. The process for growing big is not always straightforward. When fish biologists talk about fish getting bigger, we talk in terms of ‘growth’ measured in inches or pounds gained.
Most commonly, I use inches because that is used for almost all of our harvest regulations.

Ask a fisheries biologist: Fish growth not a straightforward process Read More »

Ask a fisheries biologist: Suckers good as table fare?

Crappies, bluegills, walleyes, trout, and even northern pike wind up on many dinner tables, but there is an abundant group of fish that rarely gets eaten – suckers.
For our purposes here, ‘suckers’ will refer to the true sucker species and the redhorse species. These fish are native and common in many Wisconsin waters, especially medium-sized rivers.

Ask a fisheries biologist: Suckers good as table fare? Read More »

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