Madison Reporter

Wild rice production in northern Wisconsin remains low this year, according to an announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The department reports that the region is experiencing continued low yields, a trend seen over recent years.

Annual wild rice output is closely connected to weather patterns and climate events. Kathy Smith, Ganawandang manoomin with the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, described some of the season’s key challenges: "The 2025 season has brought a mix of conditions, including several notable storm systems. A fast-moving windstorm in mid-June produced widespread wind damage and heavy rainfall across the upper Midwest. In late June, some areas saw 6-7 inches of rain in a short period, contributing to temporary high-water levels on seepage lakes."

The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission has started using satellite imagery as a new way to measure annual wild rice abundance. This technology shows that northern Wisconsin’s wild rice surface area coverage is down by 18% compared to last year. However, these remote sensing tools do not provide detailed information about local bed densities or seed production.

Field observations indicate varied results for different lakes. Some historically productive sites have seen further declines in wild rice crops this year, while others are showing signs of recovery.

For those interested in harvesting wild rice, the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission maintains an Annual Harvest Outlook webpage that provides updates on conditions for historic wild rice waters throughout Wisconsin. The commission and DNR recommend that harvesters check multiple locations each year to find the most productive beds.

Harvesting wild rice is open to all state residents who hold a valid harvester license. Wild rice typically matures between late August and mid-September across Wisconsin but can vary depending on specific waterbodies and beds.

Jason Fleener, wetland habitat specialist at the DNR, emphasized proper harvesting practices: "Some lakes might be ready to harvest up to two weeks before other lakes." He added guidance for timing: "If little to no rice is falling, it is best to try harvesting a few days later." Fleener also explained that premature harvesting can negatively affect both other harvesters’ experiences and future sustainability: "Harvest efforts on immature beds inhibit the maturation of the rice kernels, negatively impacting the harvest experience for others and the long-term sustainability of wild rice production."

Human activity also plays a role in crop success. Boating during vulnerable growth stages can uproot young plants if waves reach shallow areas where wild rice grows. The DNR encourages boaters on known wild rice lakes to use slow or no-wake speeds near these sensitive zones.

More details about licensing requirements and regulations for harvesting are available through the DNR's Wild Rice Harvesting webpage.