North Twin Builders is looking forward to the opening of fishing season here in Vilas County and surrounding areas. Opening day is a long-standing tradition in the area, and fishermen of all ages are getting ready to hit the water for the year. Another tradition in Phelps is the Lac Vieux Desert Lake Association annual Opening Day Breakfast. This year’s breakfast will be held Saturday, May 3 at Sunrise Lodge in Land O’ Lakes.
Opening day for the 2014 season in Wisconsin will be May 3rd. This includes all inland fishing, walleye, trout, bass, and northern pike. This year will be the first in 22 years that fisherman can take home a largemouth bass. However, smallmouth bass are still on catch-and-release regulations. DNR biologists suggest angling for walleyes on opening day, as they will be in the middle of their spawning and will be feeding. With the late ice conditions, the best places to catch a walleye will be on river and small lakes. Musky season will open on May 24th.
Make sure you purchase your Wisconsin fishing license before hitting the lakes if you are over 16 years old. You can purchase a license locally or online on the Wisconsin DNR’s website. The costs for resident licenses are $8 for one day or $20 for the year, with discounts for families, veterans and senior citizens over the age of 65. Nonresident annual licenses are $50, and one day is $10.
Upper Michigan will be celebrating opening day for trout fishing on April 26th. May 15th will mark the opening for walleye, northern pike, and musky seasons. On May 24th, fishermen can begin keeping the bass they catch. For rules and regulations, check out Michigan’s Fishing Guide.
Fisherman 17 years old and up must have a current fishing license. You can purchase one online on the Michigan DNR website. The cost for annual licenses is $26 for residents and $76 for nonresidents. One day licenses are available for $10 for both residents and nonresidents.
Phelps has long been a great fishing destination for visitors and Vilas County residents. Find out more about fishing in Phelps on the Phelps Chamber website. North Twin Builder wishes all the fishermen in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan the best of luck and safe fishing!