Wisconsin officials expand motorized trolling

When the following news reached my desk, I thought I was dreaming. And that's because this change of heart by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials represents the most drastic action in many years.

Beginning in 2015, Wisconsin's DNR Board approved an expansion of motorized trolling for fish, despite objections from resort owners and veteran anglers. Several northern Wisconsin anglers and resort owners told the DNR Board, which met in Green Bay, that the expansion was not wanted.

Some Wisconsin residents worry that allowing more trolling will hurt the musky population in many lakes, though the DNR staff says that's not the case. Board members considered several amendments before deciding to make statewide a three-year experiment beginning next year.

The board also decided that in 17 counties currently not open to trolling, the practice would be limited to one line per angler and no more than two lines per boat. State lawmakers can still review the board's action.

Fishing update:

With regard to muskies, Fox Chain anglers are getting a taste at how good summer muskie hunting can be. Fish have been caught and released from Bluff and Petite lakes as well as Lake Marie and Lake Catherine.

• Lake Michigan is giving up mixed bags, including larger and heavier Chinooks and steeleahd, especially on the far north end.

• Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM and live-streamed at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.