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Happy Fishing Opener!
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Wisconsin Inland Lakes
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Saturday, May 2nd marks the start of fishing opener for inland lakes in Wisconsin. The Minong Flowage is ready — we hope you are too. Here's a quick rundown of what's open:
| Open Season |
| Walleye & Sauger |
| Northern Pike |
| Largemouth Bass |
| Muskies |
| Trout |
Panfish (year-round)
Crappies, Bluegill, Perch & more |
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| Heads Up |
Smallmouth Bass
Catch & Release only
until June 20th |
| Always check for specific bag limits on individual lakes. |
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Wisconsin DNR Fishing Seasons & Regulations | Get Your Fishing License
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Boat Inspectors On Duty — Starting Today
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
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As of today — Friday, May 1 — AIS boat inspectors are stationed at two Minong Flowage boat landings for the opener weekend:
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Inspection Locations & Hours
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Campground Landing
Fri–Sun: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
DNR Landing
Fri–Sun: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Look for the vest. This year, CBCW inspectors will be wearing fluorescent yellow high-visibility vests marked with "CBCW" — so you'll know exactly who to look for at the landing. |
| Extended Friday coverage is provided for opener weekend. On regular non-holiday weekends, inspections run Saturday and Sunday only. |
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Required by Wisconsin Law — Every Boater, Every Launch
Wisconsin's invasive species law prohibits transporting aquatic plants, live animals, and water from a waterbody (with limited exceptions for bait). Our inspectors help boaters comply. Here's what the law requires:
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Before Leaving the Boat Launch
✓ Inspect and remove all aquatic plants and animals from your boat and equipment.
✓ Drain all water from the boat and equipment.
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Before Entering Another Waterbody
✓ Spray your boat and equipment with high-pressure hot water, or
✓ Allow the boat and equipment to dry out of water for at least five days.
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Source: Wisconsin DNR — Eurasian Watermilfoil Prevention
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Meet MALA — New Name, Same Mission
Minong Area Lakes Alliance
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The boat inspectors at our landings this weekend are hired and coordinated by the Minong Area Lakes Alliance (MALA) — a newly formed independent nonprofit that has taken over the work of the long-running Minong Town Lakes Committee. MALA supports the eight largest lakes in the area (including the Minong Flowage), managing the DNR's Clean Boats Clean Waters program and providing regional coordination on AIS issues. It is independent of individual lake associations and is not affiliated with the DNR.
Learn more at minonglakes.org. Questions? Contact MALA Secretary Harlan Johnson at johnson2424@yahoo.com.
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Save the Flowage — Campaign Update
Milfoil Fight Progress Report
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Total Raised as of May 1, 2026
$59,450
toward our $200,000 goal — thank you!
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Permit status. Our ProcellaCOR herbicide permit application, submitted to the Wisconsin DNR in February, remains under review. We are still awaiting the DNR's response and will communicate any developments to members as they arise.
Ongoing strategy. The Lake Management Committee continues to meet monthly — evaluating alternative milfoil management tools and engaging with stakeholders including GLIFWC. We are committed to pursuing every available avenue to protect the Flowage, with or without the herbicide permit.
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