Are we allowed to fish

  Do any one have a clear understanding  of the restrictions?

Called local bait shop he was opening he didn't know about tomorrow..

If we can go for a walk and keep social distance.. Can we go boating 

Yeah Doc. No doubt a total political time-bomb. And I don’t see it happening either. I was merely playing devil’s advocate & suggesting a what could happen scenario. This bug has us in totally uncharted waters.

If Oconto’s situation is based on ulterior motives and the emergency orders are being used as a smoke screen to further an agenda, the instigators should be taken out behind the barn and receive a few lashes. Or be given their last cigarette. 

I've been boating all week.  Launches are open!!!  Bait shops I can't speak for but they are probably not considered essential.  Fleet Farm is open and sells lots of worms.  Where I generally get my minnows is a gas station and they are open too, but I don't know if they are keeping minnows stocked.  Either way, lakes, parks, launches are open.  The DNR communications director was on with John Gillespie last week (posted on facebook) encouraging people to get out in the fresh air.  The only people in your boat should be the same people living in your home.

Stitzo,

I'm talking specifically about boat launches.  On big bodies of water like the Bay or Bago system, there are a lot of private launches too.  Even if some counties took action and closed county boat launches, it would just crowd the privately owned launches.  Outside of Milwaukee or Dane County, I don't think closing boat launches but leaving parks open would be too popular politically.  I just don't see it happening.  Hope I'm not wrong.

I think the situation in Oconto was unique and driven by a very small group of people who may have more motivation than just public health in mind.

My 2 cents.  

It surly doesn’t help when a local newspaper puts out a notice that the local marina and park are open for business! CARPIO 

Social distancing and stay in your own community were in the same law. They were Not recommendations- they were part of the law.  I understand it could have been more specific- IE stay in your county or 20 miles , ect.  It obviously does not seem to be being enforced very much  

If the launches don't close this week,  it doesn't matter then. This will be peak runs everywhere. After this week pressure will be alot less at the heavily used launches.

“I don't think many other boat launches will be closed.  There are a lot of County and privately owned launches around the State.  It would probably require a State emergency rule to shut all those down, which would be a big mistake imho.”

Gotta disagree with you ToxDoc. If cities have already restricted or closed their accesses, as in Winneconne, Ashland, and Oconto, it’s just a short stroll for it to happen at the county level. A precedent has been set as it has happened in other states. Don’t think for a minute it can’t or won’t happen in WI.  Those COMMUNITIES have taken what they consider proactive measures to protect their citizens, full well knowing that restraint at the personal level wouldn’t be practiced. Unfortunately, I get that. Don’t like it any more than anyone else but I get it.

You are totally correct in stating that closures result in heavier use at the ones that are open. Until those get closed also and the snowball continues to roll downhill. 

My doc’s office (FdL Regional Clinic located in St. Agnes Hosp) called Friday to reschedule my 4-20 routine checkup. Earliest they’re re-setting routine appts is the end of July. I asked the lady how many c-19 hospitalizations are there. 2. She stated they’re estimating 1 1/2 to 2 weeks for it to ramp up there. 

So folks....I guess just because it may not be where you are, doesn’t mean it’s not gonna be coming. COMMUNITIES will take the steps they deem necessary to protect their community.  

Wow prov—I come from a cash crop ag background in southern Mi. The family still works it. Up to this point Dad has gone over each planting & harvest season for a long time. Pretty much out of the picture this planting season. At least. Never gave the first thought to the seasonal migrant worker reliant ag operations. Oh boy. 

There were about 6 out of state rigs launching boats in Oconto Thursday and Friday.  Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.  There were the usual number of Wisconsin rigs for this time of year (a lot).  Oconto closed the launch, but allowed shore fishing Saturday.  A little strange since boat fishermen don't usually get very close to each other, even when launching.  The breakwall had 20 people fishing on Friday, with a lot of people fairly close together.

Whomever shut down the launch in Oconto certainly didn't send those out of state fishermen home.  They just crowded Peshtigo and other launches.  If they really wanted to require social distancing, they should have closed down Kwik Trip, which was packed with people every day.  Pay at the pump only would have done more good people apart than closing the boat launch.  

I don't think many other boat launches will be closed.  There are a lot of County and privately owned launches around the State.  It would probably require a State emergency rule to shut all those down, which would be a big mistake imho.

I just watched a news broadcast on a farm in wautoma and they are waiting any day now for all their migrant workers to arrive soon so they can work the fields and help plant everything to get the season started.They were talking about thousands and thousands going to farms everywhere north south east and west.This is way worse than anyone fishing and respecting the guidelines set out by the cdc.All of the migrants will be going to your grocery stores,getting gas and anything else everyone else is doing.In mexico they havent been practicing social distancing until very lately so good luck with that.I think alot of bad stuff is coming and if your worried stay home.I just dont get letting thousand and thousands of people to come into the states -that might have the virus.I guess they are considered essential but seems reckless.Fishing is probably the best way to social distance-now i dont agree with more than 2 in a boat but thats just my thoughts.If i launch my boat i wear gloves wont touch anything without them on-no piers no gas pump no food at grocery store.The mask is up to you but im probably going that route also soon.

And the Yoopers would prolly prefer that folks from the Detroit metro area not come up anytime soon. ‘Course there are some Yoopers that would prefer they not come up. Ever. heh, heh. Even without symptoms it can still be spread. It’s just the nature of contagions. 

yes im fishing in the U.P. but im not heading to detroit anytime soon. 

Maybe I could jump on the out of state angler bashing if Wisconsin had fewer Corvid 19 cases then the surrounding states but.....

Maybe we should shut down all lake accesses except for the people that live on the specific body of water. I am sure some people would be happy with this also.

Um no, actually Oconto closed it boat launches because it was concerned by the amount of out of state's anglers and the dangers it could cause  to its community right now. It's all about the virus, thank you.

Years past it was not uncommon to see plates from many other states, I'm sure this year was no different, and it was just starting. Locals, even those outside the small community, can travel there from their home with zero stops other than the launch. Out of state anglers have to sleep and eat within their or somebodies community.

Any given year I fish several different states and welcome anybody to come here, I know how important the money it brings to communities is for them. Unfortunately this year the pain could outweigh the gain.

So take a deep breath, in fact go get some fresh air,  seems you are a little edgy.