More Questions RE: Shoreline Trespassing

WI DNR

Trout anglers, canoeists, hunters, and others who frequent Wisconsin's lakes rivers and streams need to be aware of changes to rules pertaining to access along waterways that were enacted in the 2001 Wisconsin state budget bill.

Effective Sept. 1, 2001, waterway users will, for the most part, have to return to the old "keep your feet wet" test, as created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The new law allows users to exit the body of water, where necessary, to bypass an obstruction. The bypass can involve areas up to the ordinary high water mark and should be by the shortest route possible. Under the new law, using the exposed shoreline for purposes such as picnicking and sunbathing is not allowed.