9&10 News: DNR Discusses Tentative Fishing Ban On Mullett Lake

DNR Discusses Tentative Fishing Ban On Mullett Lake
Posted: 10/28/2009

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Dozens of people turned out at a meeting about the possibility that anglers could be banned from harvesting walleye on Mullett Lake in Cheboygan County.

Five Native American tribes are part of a treaty that allows them to harvest a certain amount of fish from lakes. With walleye numbers extremely down on Mullett Lake, the DNR is worried about too many fish being taken.

They issued a tentative order that means anglers can fish, but it has to be catch and release. That has many residents worried about how it could effect the local economy and tourism.

The DNR was at the meeting. They are hoping to work with the communities to come up with an alternative resolution. They have until December before a final decision has to be made.

Stacey Skrysak and Photojournalist Joel Deaner have more.

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11/4/2009 - walleye

Posted By: val (indian river) | Hide
The state spent alot of money for a new boat launch in Indina River for the fishermen to access Mullett Lake for Walleye Tournament fishing and NOW they don't won't them to fish.\
10/30/2009 - goggle eyes

Posted By: Walleye Guide (Luna Pier) | Hide
It is painful to read that a few of us Michigan sportsmen still, in 2009, have negative attitudes towards Tribal agencies. Tribal agencies per capita, account for more funding to Natural Resources than any other agency in the Great Lakes. Spend some time researching Tribal natural resource programs, you will find incredible material which includes restoration and research on brookies, walleye, lake sturgeon etc. Also, by working with Federal, State, and Provincial agencies Tribes have made great contributions to the Great Lakes and Michigan. Folks, I can’t believe that it would make a bit of difference if you catch an adult walleye on the spawning grounds or swimming in the middle of the summer. Either way, you are minus one adult walleye. There are harvest quotas for State and Tribal fisherman that protect populations from overharvest. So far, I have not read or heard from State or Tribal officials that either party has gone over their limit. All I have read from officials is that this year’s walleye population is lower than expected. This doesn’t mean that overharvest is to blame, by either party. This seems to be a natural hick-up in the population, which requires immediate attention. Add VHS, Zebra Mussels, and Eurasian Milfoil to this equation and you have what every lake in North America has, a fluctuating stocked population with exotic species and fishing pressure. If you search “Top Ten Walleye Lakes in North America” you will find that most of them are in Ontario, Minnesota, and North Dakota. In fact, if you search the areas around the top ten lakes, you’ll find many of them have neighboring reservation lands. Also, you would find that many of these top Walleye lakes are managed and harvested effectively by both Tribal and State agencies. So it won’t make sense if we blame any Tribal or State agency. Let’s put our time to good use and see what needs to be done to fix this.
10/30/2009 - goggle eyes

Posted By: Walleye Guide (Luna Pier) | Hide
It is painful to read that a few of us Michigan sportsmen still, in 2009, have negative attitudes towards Tribal agencies. Tribal agencies per capita, account for more funding to Natural Resources than any other agency in the Great Lakes. Spend some time researching Tribal natural resource programs, you will find incredible material which includes restoration and research on brookies, walleye, lake sturgeon etc. Also, by working with Federal, State, and Provincial agencies Tribes have made great contributions to the Great Lakes and Michigan. Folks, I can’t believe that it would make a bit of difference if you catch an adult walleye on the spawning grounds or swimming in the middle of the summer. Either way, you are minus one adult walleye. There are harvest quotas for State and Tribal fisherman that protect populations from overharvest. So far, I have not read or heard from State or Tribal officials that either party has gone over their limit. All I have read from officials is that this year’s walleye population is lower than expected. This doesn’t mean that overharvest is to blame, by either party. This seems to be a natural hick-up in the population, which requires immediate attention. Add VHS, Zebra Mussels, and Eurasian Milfoil to this equation and you have what every lake in North America has, a fluctuating stocked population with exotic species and fishing pressure. If you search “Top Ten Walleye Lakes in North America” you will find that most of them are in Ontario, Minnesota, and North Dakota. In fact, if you search the areas around the top ten lakes, you’ll find many of them have neighboring reservation lands. Also, you would find that many of these top Walleye lakes are managed and harvested effectively by both Tribal and State agencies. So it won’t make sense if we blame any Tribal or State agency. Let’s put our time to good use and see what needs to be done to fix this.
10/29/2009 - Fish

Posted By: Larry (Indian River) | Hide
The first post by Walleye guide was very well said researched and accurate, not just a numb head spouting offhe has read alot about the FACTS. Also why do you think they call them treatys? They are long term agreements between goverments with a plan. The tribes caught less fish than the state anglers. also to Jim who left feedback on this subject the tribes agreement was there long before the state started charging for a license. So who is stealing $$$. Also the concerned fellow who commented his first words are "why does the DNR and the feds not FORCE the tribe people......" same old story isnt it? then he calls them "our" recources who was here first? And other than his license fee how much time and $$$ do you think he has pulled from his pocket to help? Read all the FACTS guys then comment.
10/29/2009 - goggle eyes

Posted By: Walleye Guide (Luna Pier) | Hide
It is painful to read that a few of us Michigan sportsmen still, in 2009, have negative attitudes towards Tribal agencies. Tribal agencies per capita, account for more funding to Natural Resources than any other agency in the Great Lakes. Spend some time researching Tribal natural resource programs, you will find incredible material which includes restoration and research on brookies, walleye, lake sturgeon etc. Also, by working with Federal, State, and Provincial agencies Tribes have made great contributions to the Great Lakes and Michigan. Folks, I can’t believe that it would make a bit of difference if you catch an adult walleye on the spawning grounds or swimming in the middle of the summer. Either way, you are minus one adult walleye. There are harvest quotas for State and Tribal fisherman that protect populations from overharvest. So far, I have not read or heard from State or Tribal officials that either party has gone over their limit. All I have read from officials is that this year’s walleye population is lower than expected. This doesn’t mean that overharvest is to blame, by either party. This seems to be a natural hick-up in the population, which requires immediate attention. Add VHS, Zebra Mussels, and Eurasian Milfoil to this equation and you have what every lake in North America has, a fluctuating stocked population with exotic species and fishing pressure. If you search “Top Ten Walleye Lakes in North America” you will find that most of them are in Ontario, Minnesota, and North Dakota. In fact, if you search the areas around the top ten lakes, you’ll find many of them have neighboring reservation lands. Also, you would find that many of these top Walleye lakes are managed and harvested effectively by both Tribal and State agencies. So it won’t make sense if we blame any Tribal or State agency. Let’s put our time to good use and see what needs to be done to fix this.
10/29/2009 - spawning fish

Posted By: Concerned sportsman () | Hide
The problem isn't with the numbers of fish tribal members take, its where they take them. When people are allowed to take fish off the streams when they are spawning and traveling up the stream to spawn, this ruins the fishery. It is no longer sport when you can stand in the dark with an 8-12 ft spear and quickly turn on a light and spear a 20+ inch breeder fish. When this is stopped, our fishery will have somewhat of a chance. It makes me sick that this can be done. The tribal governments need to step up and look at themselves and realize that this is not right. The problem will not be fixed until this happens.
10/29/2009 - 2,800 Walleye?

Posted By: Concerned () | Hide
How can one of the biggest lakes in Michigan (Wikipedia says it's the third largest) have only 2,800 walleye? Seems like someone didn't manage the fishery.
10/29/2009 - Mullett Lake

Posted By: John (Ludington) | Hide
Some confusion seems to exist about the Tribal fishing on Mullett Lake. First, the Tribes ageed to no gillnets on inland lakes along with not fishing for commercial purpose in the 2007 Consent Decree. Also, the State anglers caught many more fish in Mullett (~800) than the Tribes did over the past year - the State presented this information at the meeting.
10/29/2009 - No Dnr money to lake?

Posted By: Jim (Harrison) | Hide
The DNR should stop planting fish to all lakes and zones of lakes under treaty it is obvios the tribes cannot be trusted tp properly use the resouces. Use dnr money where those paying license fees will not have it stolen by a treaty agreement.
10/29/2009 - Commercial vs. Recreational/Personal fis

Posted By: Bill (Petoskey) | Hide
Can't the D.N.R. simply ban commercial fishing from the inland lakes? It seems to me that the problem is the Indians are harvesting walleye and other species of fish for commercial purposes. I know they have rights under certain treaties but these rights surely must be for personal consumption and not for commercial purposes. Wouldn't this resolve the matter? Why do the Indians need so much fish? They must be selling it.
10/29/2009 - Formal Townhall Meeting November 7th

Posted By: Get the Facts (Indian river) | Hide
There will be a townhall meeting November 7th at 2pm at Tuscarora Township Hall in Indian River. DNR Officials will be in attendance and hopefully Tribal Representatives
10/29/2009 - Tribal Fishing

Posted By: Andy (Cheboygan) | Hide
The federal courts have ruled in favor of the tribes every time fishing issues have gone to court. Looks like all the DNR can do is to try to negotiate with the tribes here, but legal precedent is clearly on the side of the tribal treaty rights. Not much the state can do if the tribes really force the issue. If Mullett Lake only has 2,800 walleye - that is a real problem.
10/29/2009 - Ban anglers keep the tribe?

Posted By: Concerned (Northern Michigan) | Hide
Why does the DNR and Feds not force the tribe people to the same regulations as normal fisherman and sportsmen. In a world where we are all supposed to be equal, fyke and gill netting should no longer be allowed. Too many fish being taken by these folks are ruining it for all. While we may be banned, they continue to deplete our resources. This is ridiculous!!!
10/29/2009 - i want a hearing

Posted By: Nick (Cheboygan, MI) | Hide
what the heck? a hearing with no public notice. this was never announced in the community. i guess they did that for a reason. and then they held it in another community in another county. what the heck!
10/29/2009 - WHY?

Posted By: Listener (Indian River) | Hide
Why was this meeting not in the paper and why was it held an hour from Mullett Lake? It should have been in Cheboygan County. I heard this wasn't even A PUBLIC HEARING, but just an informal meeting.

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