I was fishing a couple of weeks ago and brought up the ugliest looking critter in my life. Thought I hooked a northern until I pulled up this slimy looking creature. I have never heard of eelpout on the river or in Lake Onalaska so I thought it was a dogfish. I sent a picture with my phone to a friend and he thought it was an eelpout as well. People say they are good to eat and it was about 16″ but I sent her back to the lake. Crazy.
I used to see a few dead ones laying on the ice at the dam, so I see no reason why they wouldn’t be out there.
Why people feel compelled to leave for dead on the ice is beyond me…. 
I know we have them in devils lake and winnebago. I see no reason that they wouldn’t be in the river. Maybe you could post your pic?
Wouldn’t surprise me a bit, but I’d bet it was a mudpuppy if I had to guess without seeing a picture. We used to catch eel pouts at dresbach through the ice.
dogfish
Dogfish,eelpout,same thing,different name.I’ve caught tons of them in the Lacrosse area.Fun to catch!
I always thought they were two different species. What does targaman know though?
The dogfish also known as a bowfin is not to be confused with an eelpout also known as a lawyer, burbot, and freshwater cod. The first picture is of the dogfish, second is of an eelpout. Have a nice day.
I would never throw a live dogfish back in the water. Leave them on the ice for the eagles.
That will land you a nice fine from the dnr. They are native here so I don’t understand leaving them on the ice.
I have caught one eelpout below dresbach some years ago. They are VERY different from dogfish/bowfin.
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