9/11/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Scientists say climate change is threatening the longstanding fish fry tradition in Northern Wisconsin. The native species that have fed generations at beloved Friday-night fish fries are disappearing. Warming lakes and rivers are adding pressure to already-stressed fisheries, says Tyler Firkus, scientist at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He explains that the walleye, a Wisconsin fish-fry staple, needs cold water to reproduce successfully.

                0:14  "It's making it more difficult for lakes to support walleye. Temperature conditions and the conditions that cue spawning and provide feed for walleye are all changing, and it's harder for them to adapt."

One study projects that by 2050, the share of Wisconsin lakes where walleye can naturally reproduce could fall to less than four percent. That’s raising questions about what ends up on plates at fish fries.