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can be very productive fishing,with catch rates for salmon betterthan what you’d expect to find inthe Pacific Northwest where thesalmon are iconic. Shore fishingis a strong second option. Justload up what rods you have andgive it a go.Hit the Water!So, will it be catch and releaseor keep? Do whatever works foryou. After all, fish are good to eat.That said, some species havehigher size limits and others arespecifically catch and release. Inthose cases, enjoy the experience,get a photo and then release,knowing someone else will havean equally great time reeling inthat same fish.Finally, ask any angler whattheir favorite lake is and they’relikely to tell you it’s the one theyICE FISHINGcan fish the most often. Could bethe lake they return to seasonafter season as part of their familyvacation tradition, or the onethat’s close to home where theycan put the boat in for a fewhours in the evening and let thefish bite as they may. Even if youleave empty-handed, it will havestill been a good time on thewater.Note: This article was writtenwith generous and genuineinsights from Mike Staggs, Directorof Fisheries Management for theWisconsin Department of NaturalResources, who offers this sagewisdom: “Remember, you’re outthere to have fun as much as youare to catch fish.” In other words,no worries if the big one gets away,as it just gives you a good reasonto get out fishing again.Not to be overlooked is the fact that here in Wisconsin youcan continue to fish in the winter. Those who ice fish are asubset, if you will, of the open water fishermen. They justwant to continue fishing. Ice fishing means you don’t haveto trailer a boat and youcan come and go where youplease, as long as the iceis safe. This can be afriends and family experiencetoo. Kids ice skatingand chasing around on theice. Parents in the iceshanty that’s been set upnicely for cooking andkeeping warm. Somebusinesses even rent outice fishing shacks, whichgives people a chance tosee if they like it beforethey invest. Side note:Ice shanties can turninto a design competitionof sorts, with owners trying to outdo eachother when it comes to paint jobs and amenities. On LakeWinnebago, the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, an entire villagesprings up during sturgeon spearing season, a real sight to behold.RJ & LINDA MILLERPLANNING YOUR TRIPSEASONS, MAPS & HOT SPOTSOpening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the firstSaturday in May. Maps of Wisconsin lakes, trout streams and boataccess points are available at dnr.wi.gov enter keyword “fishing.”You can also find information here on some disabled-accessibleand public shore fishing sites. For up-to-the-minute fishingreports, you can’t beat Lake-Links.com.YOUTH FISHINGIf you’re introducing a child to fishing, best to start at a lakewhere you know the panfish are biting. Use light tackle and givethem the freedom to explore the sport. A nice option for the firstouting would be the state’s Free Fishing Weekend, held every yearthe first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June.FISHING BOAT RENTALS AND GUIDESDon’t own a boat or want someone else to help find those fish?Visit www.travelwisconsin.com for listings of boat rentals and fishingguide services. Local fishing guides know where the fish arebiting and can share tips for catching that trophy fish. Manyresorts also offer boat rentals and guide services and some haveequipment for ice fishing in winter. If you want to experience thethrill of fishing on the Great Lakes, see the list of charter fishingoperators starting on page 38.FISHING LICENSES AND REGULATIONSFind information on seasons, regulations and fishing licensesby visiting dnr.wi.gov entering keyword “fishing” or by calling theDNR Customer Service Center at 888-936-7463. Licenses can bepurchased over the phone at 1-877-WILICEN (1-877-945-4236) oronline at dnr.wi.gov or from licensing agents at offices and storesthroughout the state.KEEPING OUR LAKES CLEANAlong with the work of the Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources, Wisconsin is fortunate to have lots of citizen volunteerswho are active in conservation efforts. Maintaining fish habitatsand shorelines, addressing non-point pollution and taking care tostop invasive species all play into the equation. The result?Wisconsin waters produce great fishing.FRESHWATER FISHING HALL OF FAMEThe Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum is inWisconsin, naturally. Hayward, to be exact. Here you’ll find a recordbook of both world record fish as well as line-class records for allof the fresh water species in North America. The big, and we domean “big,” highlight of the museum complex is the four-and-ahalfstory tall leaping muskellunge. Its gaping open jaw, the observationplatform accommodates about 20 people. Soak in all thehistory housed here, including Ole Evinrude’s first production outboardfrom 1909, invented where else, Wisconsin!Find more fun at travelwisconsin.com or call 1-800/432-8747. 37