The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) periodically tags fish for research purposes. Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to return the tag or tag information to DNR. The information gathered is very valuable to help with research projects and management decisions.

Contact information is printed on the tag allowing you to provide information to DNR. Depending on the project, a reward is sometimes able to be offered for each tag returned. Consult the tag or call the number on the tag for details. When reporting a tagged fish the following types of information is needed:

• Name and address of angler who caught the fish
• Daytime phone number
• Date and location of catch
• Was the fish kept or released
• Type of tackle used

In past years, some individuals have placed their own personal tags on fish which were then released. This activity has created confusion among anglers over the purpose for the tagging and the organization responsible for it. Tagging by an inexperienced person can result in the needless death of the fish. For these reasons, the Department of Natural Resources urges anglers not to tag fish in public waters.