NEWS
Ojibwe Spring Fishing Season Starting Soon
Wisconsinites Reminded Of Protected Tribal Right To Fish
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2025
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites of the protected tribal right to fish in certain Wisconsin waterways and the legal consequences they could face if found interfering with that right during the upcoming Ojibwe spring fishing season.
“The safety of Ojibwe fishers is a top priority for the DNR. The agency fully supports legally protected Ojibwe treaty rights and tribal sovereignty,” said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. “We will swiftly act on incidents of violence and harassment against tribal citizens. We support Ojibwe citizens to exercise their rights and engage in traditional practices, knowing the DNR, in collaboration with our various valued partners, are working to ensure a safe and successful spring harvest.”
Each tribal fishing season, tribal citizens harvest using various methods, including spearing and netting. The harvest usually begins shortly after the ice melts, typically by mid-April. This year, the season is expected to begin earlier due to the mild winter Wisconsin has experienced. The tribal harvest is not a date-regulated activity, and as a result, there is neither an open nor closed season. The DNR collaborates with the Ojibwe tribes to uphold these tribal rights.
“Tribal members must be able to safely exercise their right to hunt, fish and gather in the Ceded Territories without unlawful interference,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Local law enforcement as well as the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission can help ensure that tribal members’ rights are protected during the spring fishing season.”
“For Ojibwe families, the spring season is a brief opportunity to harvest walleye and other species from Ceded Territory waters,” said Jason Schlender, GLIFWC Executive Administrator. “But the benefits of eating healthy meals for Ojibwe communities lasts throughout the year, from household kitchen tables to elder nutrition programs.”
Part of the collaboration between the DNR and the Ojibwe tribes includes working together to set a safe harvest limit for every walleye and muskellunge lake in the Ceded Territory. These safe harvest limits ensure that the walleye and muskellunge harvests do not adversely affect each lake’s fishery.
There are 2,300 lakes larger than 25 acres in the Ceded Territory, including 919 walleye lakes and 623 musky lakes. Each year, the Ojibwe tribal citizens fish a portion of these lakes outside of reservation boundaries during their spring harvest season. Tribal citizens rely on these lakes to preserve their cultural heritage and also act as a vital food source for their communities.
By March 15 of every year, each tribe declares how many walleyes and muskellunge it intends to harvest from each lake based on the safe harvest limits. Harvest begins shortly after the ice melts, with nightly fishing permits issued by the tribes to their members to harvest a specific number of fish, including one walleye between 20 and 24 inches and one additional walleye of any size.
All fish that are taken are documented each night by a tribal clerk or warden who are present at boat landings. Once the declared harvest is reached in a given lake, no additional permits are issued for that lake, and the harvest ends. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) provides daily reports to the DNR for all fish harvested off-reservation by spearing or netting in the Ceded Territory.
TRIBAL RIGHTS
In the mid-1800s, the Lake Superior Ojibwe Tribes ceded more than 22,000 square miles of tribal territory across Northern Wisconsin, including all or parts of 30 counties through a series of treaties with the United States federal government.
When the Ojibwe ceded lands to the federal government, they maintained their rights to hunt, fish and gather off reservation land within the Ceded Territory. However, after Wisconsin became a state, state and local officials frequently assumed statehood superseded Ojibwe treaty rights and regulated or prohibited off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering by tribal members.
In 1983, a federal court ruling reaffirmed the Ojibwe had the right to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation in the Ceded Territory, including the right to catch fish by spearing and netting.
INTERFERING WITH TRIBAL RIGHTS
It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with tribal citizens who are exercising treaty rights, including the spring harvest of walleye. Prohibited conduct against any tribal citizen includes, but is not limited to, stalking, obstructing access to lakes, recklessly operating watercraft, creating hazardous wakes, threatening violence and committing acts of violence.
The Ojibwe spring harvest, which includes spearfishing, is an integral and respected part of Wisconsin’s history. The DNR is actively engaged with tribal law enforcement officers to protect tribal rights not only for the upcoming season but for generations to come and will continue to work to ensure all who participate are able to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
These treaties and court decisions remain in place today, ensuring the Ojibwe can continue to exercise their right to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation in the Ceded Territories. To assist in regulating those activities, 11 Ojibwe bands have formed GLIFWC, which provides fully trained wardens who patrol the Ceded Territory to make sure tribal citizens are following applicable tribal conservation laws. Violations are cited into tribal courts for prosecution. Ojibwe spearing and netting are carefully monitored and regulated by staff from both GLIFWC and the Wisconsin DNR.
Anyone violating tribal rights could be charged under several Wisconsin laws, fined up to $10,000 and sentenced up to 9 months in prison. Additionally, any tribal member whose rights are violated may bring civil action for damages and seek a restraining order.
WISCONSIN’S HATE CRIME PROVISIONS
Wisconsin law includes hate crime penalty enhancements for many crimes if they are committed, at least in part, based on a “belief or perception regarding the race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry of” the victim. For example, when a hate crime penalty enhancement applies to a felony, the maximum fine can be increased by up to an additional $5,000 and the maximum prison term can be increased by up to an additional 5 years.
REPORTING TRIBAL RIGHTS INFRINGEMENT
If you have witnessed or been subject to infringement of tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather that is active and involves physical harassment or a verbal threat of physical harm, report that to local law enforcement immediately by calling 911.
If the threat has passed, please contact local law enforcement at the non-emergency number. Call or text the confidential DNR Tip Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR, as soon as possible to make a report of the event.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) also recommends reporting any instances of infringement in order to maintain a record and provide appropriate follow up. Call GLIFWC Enforcement at 715-685-2113 to document an incident.
Voluntary Contributions to The Half Moon Lake District are Tax Deductible
A question was asked at our annual meeting last July whether there was a way to make contributions to the District outside our normal tax levy. The answer is ‘Yes’!
As a special purpose government entity, charitable contributions to the District are deductible under IRS code 170(c)(1) if made for a public purpose. Funds contributed will be used for our stated purpose of maintaining, protecting, and improving the quality of our lake and its watershed. We have been sent a government information letter from the IRS. This letter describes government entity exemption from Federal income tax and cites applicable Internal Revenue Code sections pertaining to deductible contributions and income exclusion.
If you would like to include the District in your giving plans, your gift would be most welcome. Please send your gift to:
Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District
PO Box 118
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Or contribute online on the Donation page.
We will send you a gift acknowledgement letter. In addition, we will send a copy of the government information letter if so requested.
Any questions please call or email Mike McMahon (mmcma10134@aol.com, 515-371-2243).
NOTICE: Draft Half Moon Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan Posted
The Draft Half Moon Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan is available for public review and comment. Responses can be submitted until November 15, directed to Jim Benike (jimb@benike.com or 507-254-1063).
UPDATE - November 17, 2023 - Draft plan removed. Final plan posted on the Plants and Weeds page of this website.
NEWS RELEASE: DNR To Host Open Houses At Various Fish Hatcheries And Spawning Facilities
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the dates for fall open houses at two fish hatcheries and two fish spawning facilities. Over the next month, the DNR will host open houses at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, Root River Steelhead Facility and the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery.
Each of these free events will give attendees a chance to see fish up close and learn how hatcheries and spawning facilities help sustain Wisconsin’s fish populations.
Tour the state’s largest cool water fish hatchery and the world’s largest muskellunge hatchery at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 951 West Maple Street in Spooner. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and offer attendees a chance to see walleye, muskellunge and the various tools used to help rear and stock fish into waterbodies across the state.
The second open house event will showcase a spawning facility, and will occur on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Besandy Anadromous Fish Facility, at N3884 Ransom Moore Lane in Kewaunee. Come watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, enjoy fishing displays and take a guided tour of the facility. The Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fisherman will also be providing wagon rides from the Winter Park ski area parking lot to the facility.
Join the DNR at another fish spawning facility on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Root River Steelhead Facility. The event will take place at 2200 Domanik Dr, Lincoln Park in Racine and will feature guided tours and fish spawning demonstrations. Volunteers from Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Kenosha Sport Fishing and Conservation Association will be on-hand to provide educational fishing stations where visitors can try new casting techniques and receive fly-tying lessons.
The final open house of the fall will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery’s education center, located at N5871 State Road 22 in Wild Rose. This event will celebrate the annual fall salmon migration. There will be games and educational activities set up for people of all ages, including learning to cast workshops, fish identification tips or the chance to “swim” upriver like salmon on their migratory journey to spawning areas. Other fish activities include fish printing on tote bags, building a spinnerbait, making Kool-Aid clay and touring the original 1908 hatchery and the modern operation.
More details on each of these events can be found on the DNR’s events webpage.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery Open House
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
Where: Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery
951 West Maple Street
Spooner, WI 54801
What: Besandy Anadromous Fish Facility Open House
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7
Where: Besandy Anadromous Fish Facility
3884 Ransom Moore Lane
Kewaunee, WI 53404
What: Root River Steelhead Facility Open House
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: Root River Steelhead Facility
2200 Domanik Drive
Racine, WI 53404
What: Wild Rose Fall Fish Migration Open House
When: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Wild Rose Hatchery
N5871 State Road 22
Wild Rose, WI 54984
New Lake Association Proposed and Looking for Volunteers.
A new lake association has been proposed and is looking for volunteers. The new association would be different than the current District group. The new association would be responsible for lake activities such as the 4th of July events, social events, newsletters, etc. Whereas the District would continue and be responsible for lake quality issues.
Terry Hauer has volunteered to organize the new association. He has experience with the Balsam Lake association and would like to help HML form its association.
If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please reach out to him at:
651-261-4124
terry@wordsworth.net
Effort to Raise Funds for "Your Speed" Electronic Signs on County Road G
From Justin Grimm - 1278 County Rd G
Half Moon Lake Neighbors, we need your help installing two new “Your Speed” Radar Controlled signs on County Rd G.
Our Mission
Encourage drivers to slow down to the speed limit when they enter the 35mph zone when coming up to the lake
Increase safety to homeowners along County G
Increase safety for walkers, runners, and bikers that use this stretch of road
Reduce noise pollution from vehicles that gets blasted out onto the lake
Decrease vehicle accidents on this curvy section of road
We would like to install two “Your Speed” signs on County Rd G where the 55mph goes down to 35mph, one on each side of the lake. Polk County Highway Commissioner has approved our request to place the signs and the Half Moon Lake District supports our project.
Product
TrafficLogix signs have been chosen because they are frequently used by the surrounding counties. You can see more info here: https://trafficlogix.com/
The actual sign selected is the 15” solar sign with battery. Price is $6,190.74 shipped for two signs.
Funding
Polk County is willing to pay for the installation which is great! The homeowners will need to pay for the actual cost of the signs. Due to the GoFundMe fees taken out of each transaction (2.94% + .30/transaction), our goal is $6400.
If we can get 50 donations at ~$130/each, we would reach our goal. Of course, larger donations would be wonderful!
The lake will be a more peaceful and safe place once these signs are installed.
Thank you to everyone and please share this GoFundMe with all of your HML neighbors!
Link to Go Fund Me
Landing is Closed - Work is Underway
The main landing at Half Moon Lake is closed and work is underway. Opening date is to be determined on how the weather cooperates and construction goes. Opening date will be posted here when it’s available.
Photo below courtesy of: Rick Miller
HML Main Boat Landing to be Closed on Monday October 24th, 2022
LAST UPDATE: This is post was last updated on 9/29/22
The main boat landing at Half Moon Lake will be closed starting Monday October 24th. The last day to use the landing will be Sunday October 23rd.
The boat landing will be reconstructed and will take a few weeks to complete. The current plan is for the landing to close on October 24th, cement poured on Nov 1st, and complete by November 15th.
Be aware that the landing will be unusable during these dates, and depending on how construction goes, it may be closed beyond those dates. As an alternative, Half Moon Lake has a smaller landing at the end of Breezy Bay Court.
As updates become available, they will be posted here on the News page of the website.
“Dynamic 88” preforms annually over the 4th of July on HML and the Lake Duel
“Dynamic 88” preforms annually over the 4th of July on Half Moon Lake. They did a minimal show in 2019, then nothing in 2020 because of COVID, but last year (2021) they were back.
On July 3 2021. they got a wireless unit for their guitar so they tested it out by going down to the dock. While practicing a few boats stopped by to listen for a while, then, from across the lake, someone else with a guitar started answering back. They ended up getting into a friendly duel, answering each other back and forth from the East and West sides of Halfmoon.
On the 4th they preformed two sets of songs. To close the show they did a solo rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, shredding back across the lake, and settling the duel. Song from one of the Sets
They hope to do this all again next 4th of July (2022). They hope to do a sound check during the boat parade, and then a more formal show a little later (TBD). Watch the Event’s section of the site for updated dates and times.