Managing Wisconsin's Walleye

Fishing Wisconsin

Managing Walleye

Walleye are one of the most popular species targeted by Wisconsin anglers. Each year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stocks hundreds of thousands of walleye fingerlings in lakes across the state, surveys walleye populations and walleye anglers and works on habitat projects to benefit walleye. All walleye management activities are guided by Wisconsin’s Walleye Management Plan, which was recently updated.

Walleye Plan

Wisconsin recently updated the Walleye Management Plan for the state. Read the plan and learn more about how DNR is managing one of the state’s most popular fish.

Walleye Restoration/Stocking

Walleye populations in many glasses of water are healthy and thriving, yet there are places where restoration activities are needed. Learn more about what DNR and partners are doing to restore walleye populations for all to enjoy.

Minocqua Chain of Lakes. - The adult walleye population and natural reproduction of the Minocqua Chain of Lakes in Oneida County has experienced a substantial decline since the early 2000s because of the low recruitment of young fish into the population. Given the lack of significant natural reproduction, a partner group* recommended closing the Minocqua Chain to walleye harvest by all methods (including both angling and tribal spring harvest) through May 2025. The regulation planned for 2025 is an 18-inch minimum length limit, but walleye from 22 to 28 inches may not be kept; one walleye daily bag limit.

*Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Headwaters Chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow, Lac du Flambeau Tribe and the Tribal Natural Resources Department, Mid Lake Management and Protection District, Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association Inc., Tomahawk Lake Association Inc., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company

Walleye Lakes of Concern. - A joint approach by the DNR, the Lac du Flambeau (LDF) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) to address walleye declines in Clear and Katherine lakes in Oneida County and Anvil and Laura lakes in Vilas County. Walleye Lakes of Concern Plan [PDF]