Muskellunge Management: Fifty Years of Cooperation Among Anglers, Scientists, and Fisheries Biologists

Volunteer Guides as a Novel Source of Data Collection for Riverine Muskellunge Populations in Northwest Wisconsin [Extended Abstract]

Max Wolter

doi: https://doi.org/10.47886/9781934874462.ch9

Medium-sized warmwater rivers in northern Wisconsin hold popular Muskellunge Esox masquinongy fisheries yet present many challenges to agencies interested in gathering reliable population data for management. Access, gear limitations, funding, safety concerns, and time demands all contribute to sampling difficulties and inefficiencies related to these fisheries. In response, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) enrolled private fly-fishing guides in a detailed, volunteer angler diary project to enhance understanding of sport fish populations focused primarily on Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu and Muskellunge in sections of the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Namekagon rivers.