MADISON, Wis. -- The state Natural Resources Board adopted emergency rules on Thursday meant to contain a deadly fish virus, but they won't be applied to Wisconsin lakes that are outside the Lake Winnebago system.

As part of the rules, anglers on the Lake Winnebago system can no longer move live fish off the water. The rules also apply to the Wolf and Fox rivers, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River.

The board adopted a rule banning fish movement in hopes of containing a virus called viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, that makes fish bleed to death.

State wildlife officials got word this weekend that preliminary tests show fish in Little Lake Butte des Morts have the virus.

The new rule also requires boaters to drain all water from their crafts before leaving landings.

The board amended the rule to say if the virus is found anywhere beyond the Winnebago system, the movement ban will take effect statewide.

State Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett told the board that he was hesitant to go statewide in the emergency rule because the public likely wouldn't support it unless the virus is found elsewhere.

Some fishing groups lobbied the board to enact an immediate statewide ban because so many boats have had contact with Lake Winnebago, WISC-TV reported.

"There have been boats leaving and entering those waters extensively over the last two-three weeks. It's a reasonable assumption that in fact the disease could have spread already from those waters," said George Meyer, executive director for the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

A ban would demand all boaters drain all water from their boats, dispose of leftover bait, and not move any live fish, WISC-TV reported.

As part of the regulations, the DNR will give public notice any time the virus is detected and maintain a list of infected waters. Bait dealers must obtain a DNR permit to harvest wild bait from any water, keep records of the harvest and customers.

DNR officials are asking any members of the public to report any fish kills to the DNR tip line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR (847-9367).

DNR Offers Tips For New Regulations

The state Department of Natural Resources has compiled a list of tips on how anglers can comply with new regulations to combat the VHS virus.

The rules apply to the Lake Winnebago system, in addition to Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, where the virus has been found. The rules will go statewide if the virus is found in one more inland lake or stream.

Put the catch on ice and do not move any live fish, including unused bait minnows, away from the landing or shore when leaving.
Drain water from bilges, bait buckets, live wells and other containers when leaving the landing or shore.
Use live minnows bought only from registered bait dealers in Wisconsin or caught yourself in the same water where you are fishing.
Before launching and before leaving for the day, inspect all watercraft for visible plants and animals and clean them off.