MADISON – A rule to allow motor trolling while fishing on all inland waters of Wisconsin takes effect July 1.

Trolling means fishing by trailing any lure, bait or similar device that may be used to attract or catch fish from a boat propelled by means other than drifting, pedaling, paddling or rowing.

Drifting or “row trolling” is allowed on all waters statewide. Previously motor trolling had been prohibited on waters unless allowed under special regulations.

Under the new rule, in most counties anglers may troll using up to three hooks, baits or lures with no restrictions per boat. However, trolling is allowed with only one hook, bait or lure per angler and two hooks, baits or lures per boat in certain counties and in certain waters of other counties.

For a listing of waters open to trolling with three hooks, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “trolling.”