Fishing in the Name of Science

Good news, anglers. Now you can go walleye fishing and call it “research.”

Escanaba Lake in the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area is open for fishing again after being the site of a 20-year research project conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A trophy harvest regulation limited what could be caught and kept from 2003 through 2022 as the DNR studied the effects of low harvest pressure on walleye populations. However, the research objectives have changed, and the DNR needs to study the impact of the previous regulations. Which, in short, means there’s a bunch of fat and happy fish swimming around just waiting to be caught.

So now, the DNR needs to reach a walleye quota for their study. That’s where you, an accomplished fish-catcher, can help. Just visit the Escanaba Lake Check Station and figure out exactly how many lunkers they need you to catch in the name of science, and then get down to business.

And afterward, while your buddies at the bar are talking about watching a bobber float around, you can very smugly talk about how you selflessly devoted your day to walleye research. If you speak confidently and there isn’t a single follow-up question, there’s a chance they may actually believe you.

The biggest decision now is whether to wear your life jacket over your lab coat or under it. You’ll figure it out. After all, you’re a scientific researcher now.

The season opener for this research project is today, Saturday, June 8. The DNR’s website provides more information about the rules governing the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area and the particulars of the program.