DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *June 3, 2025
*Contact: *Erin McFarlane, Statewide Clean Boats, Clean Waters Educator, UWSP Extension Lakes
[email protected] or 715-346-4978

 

Anglers Play A Key Role In Aquatic
Invasive Species Prevention

""Draining Water From Livewells And Equipment Makes A Difference""

 

An aerial view of two anglers fishing from a boat while two other passengers sit and watch.

The DNR urges boaters and anglers to drain their livewells and fish buckets before leaving boat launches. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

*MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by draining water from their boats and equipment 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 [ [link removed] ] annual Drain Campaign (June 6-8). The campaign focuses on the importance of boaters and anglers draining water from their livewells, boats and equipment before leaving boat launches and fishing access points.

Unfortunately, some of our Wisconsin lakes and rivers are known to contain aquatic diseases or small invasive species like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae. Wisconsin has various laws [ [link removed] ] 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. Since water cannot be used to transport fish away from the shore, it's recommended to use ice instead.

If you are using live bait, Wisconsin fishing regulations [ [link removed] ] state that minnows can only be purchased from a licensed Wisconsin bait dealer, and no more than two gallons of water may be used to transport them. Minnows may only be used on a different waterbody if no lake or river water or previously used minnows have been added to the container.

No other fish can be held in the minnow container, and dead bait must be preserved in ways that do not require freezing or refrigeration. 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. Remember to:


* 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.

To learn more about Wisconsin bait fishing regulations, visit the DNR website [ [link removed] ].







________________________________________________________________________

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]     [ [link removed] ]  [ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ] Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · 101 S. Webster Street · Madison, WI 53707-7921 · 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;} p, li, h1, h2, h3 { overflow-wrap: normal; word-wrap: normal; word-break: keep-all; -moz-hyphens: none; -ms-hyphens: none; -webkit-hyphens: none; hyphens: none; mso-hyphenate: none; }