8/19/2025

VILAS COUNTY - The walleye population in Franklin Lake, Vilas County, has declined significantly over the past several decades, remaining below fishable levels for the last 20 years.  The Wisconsin DNR has a plan to fix the problem. To address this, a proposed walleye spawning reef will be built along U.S. Forest Service property. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on this project. The public is invited to meet with DNR staff and partners in person on Wednesday, the 27th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the VFW post in Eagle River. Discussions will include the results of a comprehensive 2025 survey of Franklin Lake and documented changes in the fishery over the past 50 years. Further information about this event can be found on the DNR’s Meetings and Hearings calendar at dnr.wisconsin.gov.