Spring is HERE & Mother Nature is teasing us! Here are a few reminders for early boating
*Tentative installation schedule for ONE of the piers at the Gonring Drive Launch is Easter weekend (Saturday, April 4).
Information will be posted once one of the main piers is in and ready for use.
Spring boating in the Midwest requires specific precautions to keep fish populations healthy, as this time of year is critical for spawning and fish are vulnerable to handling stress.
Please motor gently in shallow areas of Big Cedar Lake and Gilbert Lake and it's channel during spring temperatures. (we encourage you to trim motors up)
Please use caution on Big Cedar Lake as there are a number of shallow areas that ROCK Buoys and many other additional buoys will mark once installation can be scheduled.
*Buoys will be in place prior to Saturday, May 2 (Opening Day of Fishing)
The District will also be installing a NEW boarding dock (southernmost pier at Gonring Drive launch) to replace the prior dock within the next few weeks. Minimal installation/prep work will need to take place before the area is usable. We thank you for your patience during this time, and an update will be posted once the installation is complete.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other regional experts highlight the following practices to ensure a healthy fishery during early-season fishing trips:
Responsible Fish Handling and Spawning Protection
- Avoid Spawning Areas: Steer clear of nearshore spawning areas. Spring is a critical reproduction period for many species, and disturbing them can damage the reproduction cycle.
- Minimize Handling Time: If you are catching fish for release, handle them with extreme care, ideally keeping them in the water to avoid damage to their protective slime coating.
- Don't Drag Fish on Shore: Avoid landing fish by dragging them onto rocks, sand, or grass, which can damage their eyes and skin.
- Follow Regulations: Adhere strictly to catch-and-release rules and size restrictions to protect the population.
Safe Boating Practices to Protect the Environment
- Slow Down and Watch for Debris: Spring runoff often brings logs, branches, and submerged debris that can damage your boat or cause hazards. Slow down to avoid hitting submerged objects.
- Prevent Invasive Species Spread: As you pull your boat and trailer from the water, make sure to drain all water from livewells, bilges, and the motor to prevent the transfer of AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species).
- Steer Clear of High-Current Areas: Avoid dams and spillways, as high water levels and currents from melting ice can create dangerous conditions.