Tribal council approves amendments to recently imposed fishing restrictions on lakes within reservation boundaries

After announcing a number of temporary fishing restrictions on several lakes located within the reservation boundary last month, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council has now approved more limits to be placed on additional lakes.

According to Araia Breedlove on behalf of the Lac du Flambeau Tribe, these additional restrictions will further strengthen efforts to protect walleye and muskie populations. Based on updated recommendations from the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Fish Hatchery, the amended resolution boosts conservation efforts to deal with the growing fishing pressure.

Under the amended Resolution No. 8(26), the new lakes that have been closed to walleye and muskie fishing by non-members of the tribe include Fence, Long, Little Crawling Stone, Stearns, Bolton, Ike Walton, Signal, Poupart, Fat and Little Sand lakes.

Previously the tribe had closed Flambeau, Big Crooked, White Sand, Big Crawling Stone, Whitefish and Pokegama lakes, as well as the Sugarbush Chain (Upper, Middle, and Lower). Those remain closed as well
The amendment also expands equipment restrictions.

The ban on forward trolling by non-members remains in place and has been expanded to include the use of forward-facing sonar on all lakes within the reservation boundary. These methods are commonly used to target walleye and muskie and contribute to increased harvest pressure.

“These updated measures are temporary and will remain in effect until the Tribal Fish Hatchery determines that fish populations have recovered to sustainable levels,” Breedlove said in a press release.

“The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council continues to act within its authority and responsibility to protect tribal lands, waters, and natural resources for future generations. These decisions are guided by data, expert recommendations, and a long-standing commitment to conservation.”

The tribe reminds members of the public that fishing is not prohibited on the reservation.

“These restrictions apply specifically to walleye and muskie for non-members on designated lakes, as well as certain fishing methods,” Breedlove said. “There are many other opportunities to fish within and beyond the reservation.”

The tribe issued a series of responses to frequently asked questions from the public in order to clarify the newly implemented regulations.

“These decisions are based on conservation needs and the tribe’s responsibility to protect its natural resources. We encourage everyone to become informed before commenting or sharing inaccurate information,” the tribe said.

The lakes chosen as part of the resolution are the most heavily fished lakes on the reservation, according to the tribe. Focusing on high-pressure lakes helps protect fish populations where they are most impacted.

The reason given for targeting non-members, according to the tribe, is that non-member fishing is not monitored the same way as tribal fishing, and they have no reliable way to track harvest levels.

“These measures help protect fish populations more effectively. More so, to restrict tribal members from fishing on tribal lands is a direct violation of our treaties,” they said.

The tribe also addressed whether or not catch-and-release was allowed on the affected lakes, saying, “Studies and observations show that catch-and-release survival rates for these species can be low, especially when factoring in stress, handling, and environmental conditions. Even when fish swim away, delayed mortality can still occur. We ask that non-members please fish for other species or choose other lakes.”

The tribe noted that these rules are temporary, conservation-based restrictions. Once the Tribal Fish Hatchery determines populations are at sustainable levels, it will alert the public to reopening.