Judge blocks Lac du Flambeau fishing restrictions on reservation lakes
Temporary restraining order follows state lawsuit over walleye and musky limits
A federal judge has temporarily prevented the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa from restricting walleye and musky fishing to tribal members on nearly 20 reservation lakes, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. U.S. District Court Judge William Conley issued a temporary restraining order after the state of Wisconsin sued to stop enforcement of the restrictions, citing concerns over denied access for state-licensed anglers and potential conflicts.
The tribe adopted the restrictions after data showed declining fish populations, stating the measures were intended to protect “critically threatened” walleye and muskellunge, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. State officials, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said they remain committed to conservation efforts but argued the tribe does not have authority to regulate fishing by nonmembers under the Treaty of 1854. A hearing in the case is scheduled for May 29.
- 1.Danielle Kaeding. WPR, .
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