Wisconsin natural resources department discusses regulations to protect Lake Superior trout

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting two public meetings next week to discuss proposed regulations that aim to promote lake trout numbers and aid the long-term sustainability of the Lake Superior fishery.

DNR officials will explain the new regulations and take public comments at the meetings, which will be at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland on Sept. 29 and at the Saxon Community Center on Oct. 1.

"The upcoming public meetings will provide citizens with the opportunity to discuss the options and provide fisheries managers with information needed to move forward," DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Supervisor Terry Margenau said.

Lake trout reach sexual maturity at eight to 10 years old, often living more than four decades, meaning that catching young trout can have a serious impact on their population.

Assessments by DNR biologists suggest that the decline in lake trout populations over the last six to eight years is due to harvest. While the trout are currently protected by an emergency rule, it will expire on Sept. 30. The proposed regulations would run from Dec. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016.