August, 2014:
WDNR is pursuing 2 initiatives designed to improve fisheries in our lakes for the future. Current information on each program is as follows:
Extended Growth Walleye Initiative:
All 3 or our lakes were chosen to be included in this initiative which will involve stocking of larger walleye fingerlings. This is expected to result in a higher survival rate and lead to better walleye fishing in years to come. This will be implemented following the normal stocking schedule (Camelot and Arrowhead in even years; Sherwood in odd years). An evaluation of the success of the program will be conducted on some of the lakes and for us, that includes Camelot and Sherwood. The two lakes will be surveyed each fall for the next 4-6 years. The survey will be done using electrofishing and will take place at night. In order to properly evaluate the success of the program, no additional stocking of walleyes by other groups will be allowed during the evaluation period. Additional information on the Walleye Initiative can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/outreach/walleyeinitiative.html
Better Panfish Recommendations:
Most fish caught by Wisconsin anglers are panfish. Some concerns have been expressed about the reduced size in recent years of panfish – mostly with blue gills and crappies. WDNR has a proposal to improve panfish size and will be conducting 3 public hearings on the proposals (8/26 in Minocqua, 9/3 in Waupaca and 9/4 in Waukesha). A sampling of 110 lakes in Wisconsin have been identified to be part of the study and all 3 of our lakes are included. After the public hearings are held, the proposal will go to the DNR Board for approval and then to the spring hearings with an expected implementation date starting in 2016. Additional information on the Panfish Proposals can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/outreach/panfishplan.html
