Wisconsin Fishing Report – February 16, 2026
Wisconsin DNR Reports
February 16, 2026
Anglers were finding a few more active perch than in previous weeks here.
Fishing
Mansfield Creek: Two trout waters in one for New York’s Cattaraugus County anglers
Steve Piatt
February 16, 2026
Mansfield Creek is probably best known as a tributary to the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek.
But maybe it shouldn’t be. The fact is Mansfield Creek holds its own as a solid trout-fishing option
NOAA seeks public comments on Atlantic shark fishery proposals
Staff Report
February 16, 2026
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reports that NOAA Fisheries is proposing several changes for commercial and recreational Atlantic shark fisheries.
New York Mixed Bag: DEC issues annual youth hunting report to state legislature
Staff and News Reports
February 16, 2026
In a report to the state legislature, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the results of the fifth year of the pilot program that allows mentored 12- and 13-year-old hunters to
New York’s Outdoor Calendar
Staff Report
February 16, 2026
A look at upcoming outdoors-related events from across New York published in the Feb. 20, 2026 edition of Outdoor News.
New York DEC proposes earlier closing of walleye, pike seasons
Dan Ladd
February 16, 2026
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is proposing to move the closing date of fishing seasons for walleyes, northern pike, chain pickerel and tiger muskellunge from March 15 to March 1.
The
Lake Ripley a popular destination for south-central Wisconsin anglers
DNR Report
February 16, 2026
The Jefferson County DNR fisheries team ran a comprehensive survey on Lake Ripley in 2023 using a variety of sampling methods to assess the status of the northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, and panfish populations
Ask a fisheries biologist: A better understanding of fish recruitment
Max Wolter Wisconsin DNR Fish Biologist
February 16, 2026
The sustainability of a fishery relies on new fish coming into the lake. Biologists call that concept ‘recruitment,’ one of the most important dynamics in our fisheries.
Simple gear, big water: Ice fishing for lakers in the Boundary Waters is all about the experience
Joe Friedrichs
February 16, 2026
He prefers the role of camp cook.
As we fish for lake trout, he’ll be mashing burgers and preparing them for the fire grate later that evening. Onion is the key, he’ll say. And
