The 2025 mallard breeding population estimate in Wisconsin is 149,568 birds, 2% higher than in 2024, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Duck numbers in Wisconsin are up 7% from the 2024 estimate and 27% above the long-term average, according to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources survey.

The DNR this week made data available from its annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl and reported “stable” population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds. The survey has been conducted annually since 1973, except in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey results are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than year-to-year comparisons, the DNR said.

Surveyors estimated the state’s 2025 breeding duck population at 564,693 birds, or about 120,000 more than the long-term average.

The 2025 mallard breeding population estimate is 149,568 birds, 2% higher than 2024 but lower than the long-term average, the DNR said. Wood duck populations decreased 1.8% from last year but remain 5.1% above the long-term average.

The Canada goose population estimate is 8% lower than in 2024, yet it remains significantly higher than the long-term average.

More information is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/reports.

The Wisconsin DNR plans to again help sponsor a Waterfowl Hunters Expo. This year’s event is Aug. 22-23 at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh.

The expo is open to waterfowl hunting enthusiasts of any age, featuring presentations from outdoor industry experts, habitat managers and waterfowl scientists. The event is family and dog-friendly.

Event and ticket information is at https://waterfowlhuntersexpo.com/.

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Anglers fishing the Lake Michigan bay near Marinette, Wis., were reporting good catches of salmon, fishing 40 feet down and deeper in areas from Green Island to Chambers Island, the Wisconsin DNR said. The occasional brown trout and rainbow trout were being caught while targeting salmon.

A Masters Walleye Circuit tournament is wrapping up in Gladstone. Spectators can attend a weigh-in at 3 p.m. Eastern time today at the Van Cleve Park boat launch as each two-person team showcases their fish basket live on stage.

The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula activity:

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye anglers traveled farther south and focused on the outer bay. However, smaller walleye were reported at the bottom of drop-offs in the upper bay. Some anglers targeted walleye feeding on alewives near main lake structures. Anglers cast jigs and snap-jig-style lures. Smallmouth bass fishing was good.

Big Bay de Noc: Anglers reported catching a few large walleye. Anglers also noted that schools of walleye were spread out, making it more challenging to find fish. Smallmouth bass anglers fished near islands and areas with rocky bottoms, casting soft plastics.

Fairport: Chinook salmon fishing was reported as good. Anglers trolled areas near DeTour and deep water near the island chain, using flasher flies and spoons trolled near the thermocline.

Keweenaw Bay/ Huron Bay: Anglers reported catching low numbers of coho salmon as well as very few Chinook salmon in the last week. These were caught trolling crankbaits, spoons, and flasher/flies in 30 to 60 feet of water. Those fishing for lake trout were successful when trolling and jigging both natural and artificial presentations in 100 to 200 feet of water.

Marquette: There was a very limited number of fishermen around Marquette due to heat, wind, and thunderstorms. The coho salmon and Chinook salmon bite around Marquette remained very slow. Lake trout trolling from northeast of White Rocks out toward Granite Island accounted for many reports in Marquette this week, with a total of six lake trout caught.

Munising: Boat anglers did well when targeting lake trout trolling around Grand Island and out at deeper depths. Boat anglers also reported doing well targeting lake trout out on Big Reef.