trolling

I know this subject has been addresed in the past. I will be vacationing soon in nothern Wisconsin. It is my understanding that the county that I am in does not allow trolling on any lake. Now the question is can I still use my trolling motor for boat control and to slowly pull a crawler aroung the lake or is this considered trolling. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks
Zoomer

Page 16 of the Wisconsin fishing regulations has a definition of trolling. By this definition I am sure dragging bait with the trlling motor is considered trolling therefore illegal on some Wisconsin waters.

Yes, that is considered trolling and would be illegal. The only lakes/rivers that trolling is allowed are listed in the WI Fishing Regulations by county.

Ok, you cheeseheads are really messed up. I was just wondering I have never heard of this rule, but really curious as to why this rule is made?????? Ok I was jsut kidding on the cheesehead thing but why do they have this rule???

Good question, even the WI DNR doesn’t know exactly why. Seems to be just the way it has always been. From the WI DNR web page

Why is motor trolling not allowed on many Wisconsin waters?
History of motor trolling in Wisconsin

From 1923, no motor trolling was allowed on inland waters of the state. Five waters were opened for trolling in 1958. During the next few years a few other waters were opened. In 1964, all waters in seven northwestern counties as well as Racine County were opened. In 1970, many waters larger than 500 acres were added, except for muskellunge waters.

Motor trolling has been a matter of discussion in Wisconsin for many years. There are differences of opinion regarding the sporting aspects of this angling method and its effect upon fish populations. Many people believe trolling depletes fish populations. In some lakes, motor trolling has increased user conflicts because of the increased acreage used by trollers.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’s (DNR) position is that as long as the daily bag and size limits are followed, the method of capture is irrelevant. We have evaluated muskellunge, northern pike, and walleye angling success for anglers casting or still-fishing versus anglers trolling. Based on available creel survey data, we have been unable to identify significant differences in angling success or harvest between the two techniques (i.e, casting versus trolling).

DNR has attempted to address the issue of trolling from a biological perspective. We have made several proposals over the years to allow trolling at public hearings held each year in every county of the state on the same night in April. Formal public input on fishing regulations is taken at these public hearings (i.e.,”town hall” meetings). At these meeting a slight majority of anglers remain opposed to trolling.

DNR continues to evaluate trolling and educate anglers on the results of these trolling studies.

List of Wisconsin waters where motor trolling is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions
For additional information on Wisconsin fishing, (e.g., maps, fish consumption advisories), please see our list of Frequently Asked Questions .

Besides what is written above…I know several lakes the Lake Association has voted against it and in general a lot of lakes don’t want it. The reason…the are RECREATION lakes. They don’t want fisherman out there with a spread of trolling lines interrupting their boating or jet skiing. I’m sure more lakes wouldn’t have the restriction if it wasn’t for these associations over the past years.

If you are using oars it is not trolling. That is the way we pull suckers around on the lakes for Musky were trolling is not allowed.

Don’t ask me why or what the difference is, I don’t make up the rules

Bret