Rock River and….no trolling??

Was watching TNB and Chase mentioned it was not legal to troll the river they were fishing. I’m just curious what the reasoning behind that would be.

In Wisconsin, motor trolling is illegal as a general rule. The only way to legally troll is to do it on waters that have been excepted from the rule. Those waters are spelled out in the fishing regulations booklet. Larger bodies of water tend to be excepted as well as major river systems and the Mississippi. I live near the Rock River where the show was filmed–I wouldn’t book a trip out here unless it is a side trip on the way to Green Bay or Winnebago. It is a favorite system for Tommy as I have talked to him on the river and have seen him numerous times on it. Note the outtakes and notice the variety of species. They didn’t show the 13-15″ crappie and jumbo perch that can be caught.

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I’m just curious what the reasoning behind that would be.

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Pretty sure it originated with the musky guys. Either to protect musky or just prevent guys for trolling for them. Typically find the exceptions on lakes or rivers that have no musky in them.

-J.

Wonder if we could get a law passed…

No vertical jigging in waters that have flatheads.

Here is some reading material from the WI DNR about trolling.

http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/faq/trolhist.htm

Great link Targa!

Why is motor trolling not allowed on many Wisconsin waters?

First some 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 meetings a slight majority of anglers remain opposed to trolling.

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

Weird, a rule on the books that doesn’t have any sound biological justification. Thank god for politics….

Two rods, no trolling.

Actually three rods.

I think in this case it was more about it being a smaller river with a ton of boat traffic. They allow trolling on Koshkonong which is just a wide spot in the Rock. I fish it once a year or so with boards.