The Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Government is implementing the following Off-Reservation Spear Fishing restrictions in its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Two (2) People Per Boat
No Observers
Non-Member Federally Recognized Lake Superior Ojibwe Band Members are eligible for a permit at 10 pm. Non-Members must reside in Sawyer County.
Safe Distancing Protocols will be implemented (Creel teams will provide instructions at the boat landings).
Tribal Members intending to spear the following lakes must call the LCO Conservation Department 24 hours in advance of the opening date of spear fishing. Conservation will be open from 4 pm to Midnight throughout the spearing season. Please leave a message at (715) 634-0102 during non-business hours with your intent to spear fish at one of the lakes listed below.
· Holcombe Flowage Chippewa County
· Potato Rusk County
· Pulaski Rusk County
· Sand Lake Rusk County
A determination on Mille Lacs Lake is pending. Notification on this lake will be posted when the determination is made.
The opening date for spear fishing will depend on the ice. We will post the opening date 24 hours in advance.
The “Safer at Home” Order issued by the State of Wisconsin does not apply to Tribal Members exercising their Treaty Rights and providing for their families by spear fishing.