Should Game Fish End in March?

[52isntbigenough]

What do you guys think? I know the ice gets thin early down south, but in Northen WI, there's ice many years until May. Would it hurt the resources to keep the season open until April?

[matt12]

I think its a good idea to end game fish in march. usually they get pounded from first weekend in may till march.

march and april are good for panfish anyways.

Btw, there are areas that are open year round as well. Probably not the best ice tho. Usually take the boat at that point.

[esox_xtm]

Other than angling pressure the only thing that really protects is pike and there's not that much interest in them north of 8. Walleyes and bass are as safe as they are now. Sure they're starting to make moves but not so concentrated in small areas yet that you could any more damage than just the way we're fishing right now (pretty much).

I watch squads of fish hogs camp daily on small lakes and decimate the crappie populations to the point where it's not right for another half dozen years. What about that?

[Iceassin]

Hmmmm....a whole lot of "depends on" in this question/situation. But it's a good one.

[Iceshanty]

You are a ways from Green Bay. Many gamefish are open til ice out that always satisfies my need for extended season if needed.

I think March is about right for WI considering we run quite a distance north-south unless they would have a different end date for northern and southern parts people would be fishing during the spawn.