The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens and U.S. Coast Guard personnel will have a visible, increased presence on Green Bay waters as part of the 18th annual Operation Dry Water campaign.

Since its launch in 2009, the number of fatalities with alcohol named as a contributing factor has decreased. However, even one fatality is too many. Last year, alcohol was a factor in 10 tragic deaths across Wisconsin waters.

In all, there were 15 fatal boating accidents and 60 injuries among 80 non-fatal accidents reported. Many of the non-fatals also involved alcohol use, and 12 of the 15 boaters who died were not wearing life jackets.

“Boating is an incredibly popular pastime in Wisconsin, especially on summer holiday weekends,” said Lt. John Sinclair, DNR Boating Law Administrator. “Unfortunately, with that increased traffic comes more people who choose to operate their boats drunk or high. Boating under the influence is irresponsible, illegal and puts everyone at risk. Make the right choice.”

Operation Dry Water promotes a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol on the water, meaning they encourage everyone on the boat to remain sober. Research shows that impairment also poses risks to passengers.

Last year, more than 100 DNR wardens participated in the heightened boating safety awareness weekend. They contacted 2,121 boat owners, issued 270 boating-related citations and removed 32 alcohol or drug-impaired boaters from state waterways. In addition, 980 safety-related warnings were given.

DNR boating safety specialists say alcohol and other drugs negatively impact decision-making and reaction time. In addition, their effects are exaggerated by hours of exposure to sun, glare, wind, noise, and vibration while on the water.

A Coast Guard-approved and properly-fit life jacket is needed for each person onboard, along with one approved throwable flotation device for any boat 16 feet and longer. DNR and Coast Guard officials recommend that everyone wear their life jackets.

Wardens issued more than 1,500 citations during the entire 2025 boating season, including more than 400 for fail to carry the required number/type of readily accessible portable flotation devices for each person on board, or being attended by boat. Operating a personal watercraft greater than slow-no-wake within 100 feet of another boat and operating without a valid certificate were also high on the citation list.

So far this year, there have been at least nine fatal boating accidents statewide.
Learn more about boating safety at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety.

Amazing lake fishing

Lake Michigan charter fishing captains and first mates have been leading their customers to some amazing catches this season.

The steelhead are chunky, including a few 10-pound-plus trophies, while the “kings” are often in the 5- to 15-pound range, with an occasional 20-pound-plus specimen. Some bonus lake trout and an occasional coho salmon or brown trout are also being hooked.

What’s been missing so far are the giants, those mid-20-pound range and up Chinooks. We’ll find out if there are any out there this year during the 10-day Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament, which lures more than 2,000 anglers to fish Algoma and Kewaunee and nearly 4,000 last year — a record 3,967 entrants — in Door and Kewaunee counties combined.

This year’s event, the 44th annual, runs July 10-19. Want to give it a shot? You’ll need a fishing license, Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp, and an entry ticket. Tickets must be purchased before you fish. Everyone on the boat needs one, including the captain and first mate if on a guided trip. The closest locations to purchase are Algoma Citgo, Yacht Works Kewaunee, and both BP locations in Algoma and Kewaunee. Cost is $30 for licensed anglers, and $10 for youths age 15 and under.

Last year’s payout in cash and prizes exceeded $100,000 for the second straight year. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/kdsalmon2026/.

Comment on parks

The DNR is seeking public comment through Aug. 4 on an update to the State Park System’s Strategic Plan, a 10-year plan for developing a strategy and direction for the properties.
Learn more about the plan, and find a link to comment, at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/strategicplan.