A Plummeting Walleye Population Sparks a Public Meeting in Oneida County

RHINELANDER, Wis. (WXCO) – Natural reproduction of walleye is declining on Crescent Lake, raising concern on strategies moving forward.

Walleye population is dropping in Oneida County and spurs a DNR meeting. Open to the public it’s scheduled for Tuesday June 4th at 6 p.m. at the DNR Service Center in Rhinelander.

Until recently, Crescent Lake had a strong, naturally reproducing walleye population. With the decline over time, the DNR says there are no simple answers in explaining the cause.

The rehabilitation effort has a goal of restoring the natural walleye reproduction and recruitment on Crescent Lake. Stocking efforts, stakeholder engagement, habitat assessment and surveys are the main strategies for the effort.

“We are working together to sustain our walleye fisheries into the future, and this partnership provides an opportunity to collectively discuss a plan addressing walleye declines on Crescent Lake,” said Nathan Lederman, DNR fisheries biologist.

Attendees can join the meeting in person at the Rhinelander DNR Service Center or virtually on Zoom. You are strongly encouraged to RSVP or pre-register.