Outdoors Weekly News Archive

In response to growing interest in muskellunge fishing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering the stocking of muskie in five new waters starting in the fall of 2011.

Proposed for muskie management are Roosevelt Lake in Cass and Crow Wing counties; Upper South Long Lake and Lower South Long Lake in Crow Wing County; Tetonka Lake in Le Sueur County; and the Sauk River Chain in Stearns County.

“All of these waters meet or exceed the biological and physical criteria for muskie management,” said Dirk Peterson, DNR acting fisheries chief. He said there are eight key biological considerations,
including:
- Proposed muskie waters must be greater than 500 acres.
- Waters must contain adequate numbers and species of prey fish.
- Water clarity must be moderate to clear.
- Gillnet catches for northern pike must be three or less.
- Waters must have the potential to produce a trophy fish.

“All five proposals are consistent with our management approach,”
said Peterson. “Also they have been selected in part because of their geographic location. These lakes represent a strategic approach to provide muskie fishing where opportunity is limited.”

The muskie is one of Minnesota’s largest fish, growing to more than 50 pounds and more than 50 inches in length. Anglers have become increasingly interested in the so-called “fish of 10,000 casts” now that 50-plus inch fish can be caught in Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Vermillion
and other waters that have been stocked since the 1980s.

“As muskie grew in size and abundance, so did interest catching them,” said Peterson, noting that muskie anglers are the fastest-growing segment of Minnesota’s fishing population. He said the DNR is addressing the trend of increasing interest in muskie through a long-range northern pike and muskie plan that was developed with stakeholder input. That plan calls for adding up to eight new muskie waters by 2020.

Today’s announcement of the five waters under consideration marks the beginning of a lengthy process to determine if the lakes will eventually become muskie waters. The DNR will post information on the proposed stocking at boat landings at the five lakes this spring, conduct public input meetings this summer and fall, and accept public comments until early next winter. If the DNR decides to move forward with the proposals, stocking would start in 2011. It would be 12 to 15 years after that before the fish reach 48-inches, the minimum size at which a muskie can be kept.

“Our process will be very transparent,” said Peterson, who noted the agency recognizes the muskie’s mystique appeals to a certain segment of anglers and generates the opposite reaction in others. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming DNR stakeholder roundtable and later by a citizen advisory committee that is focusing on northern pike and muskie management.

Currently, muskies are found in 116 Minnesota water bodies. Of these, 64 are waters that have been stocked by the DNR.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making changes to the way it raises, stocks and manages trout under its statewide trout program. The changes will have minimal effect on anglers but will result in an immediate savings of about $70,000 in electrical and feed expenses, and up to $200,000 annually when changes are fully implemented.

Effective this year, the DNR will close a portion of its French River Hatchery near Duluth, shift trout production among various hatcheries, and reduce or eliminate stocking in 60 lakes and streams. This will take place in areas where results have not met expectations or where self-sustaining trout populations have been established.

The new approach follows an in-depth assessment by DNR staff and implements various aspects of the DNR’s Lake Superior and southeast Minnesota trout plans. Last year, the DNR stocked 2.2 million trout at a cost of $2.4 million. In recent years the DNR’s trout program has included 615 designated trout streams, 163 designated trout lakes, 112 inland lake trout lakes, 2 two-story trout-and-warm water fishing lakes, and the 1.4 million-acre Lake Superior.

“We are reducing operating costs where they are high, and stocking efforts where the return on investment is low,” said Dirk Peterson, acting DNR fisheries chief. “We are doing this in a way that will minimize any effects on the majority of anglers.”

Anglers will not be significantly affected because stocking reductions will be in only those waters where fishing pressure was low, trout survival and growth was poor, or the stocking has resulted in a self-sustaining fishery that is no longer dependent upon stocking, Peterson added.

The upcoming changes are the result of a lengthy internal review of the DNR’s trout program. Managers revised traditional stocking recommendations based on angler use, the number of fish caught by anglers, and whether stocking still made sense based on competing warm water fish populations or other factors. This field assessment included reviewing the Lake Superior and southeast Minnesota trout plans.

Similarly, DNR staff took a hard look at the French River Hatchery, which is the agency’s most expensive hatchery to operate and the most susceptible to biosecurity issues because of its connection to Lake Superior and the entire Great Lakes system, which contains a growing number of invasive exotic species and fish diseases. To address these concerns, the agency will shift part of the French River Hatchery production to the DNR hatchery near Remer.

Specifics of the new trout plan include:
- The Spire Valley Hatchery near Remer will produce 80,000 yearling rainbow trout Kamloops to be stocked in the Lester, Talmadge and French rivers. Previously, these fish had been reared at the French River Hatchery.
- The French River Hatchery will produce up to 12,000 fingerlings and 25,000 yearling rainbow trout Kamloops in addition to 550,000 steelhead fry and 55,000 frylings for stocking in Lake Superior.

All brook trout production will be shifted from Spire Valley in central Minnesota to the Crystal Springs hatchery in southeastern Minnesota. The Peterson Fish Hatchery in southeastern Minnesota will continue to produce lake trout fingerlings and yearlings and rainbow trout yearlings.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized information related to baiting violations that were investigated by Minnesota conservation officers during the 2009 deer seasons.

● Conservation officers received 545 baiting complaints during the 2009 deer seasons (archery, firearms, muzzleloader), resulting in 129 citations being issued and 140 firearms seized.
● Half of the conservation officers encountered other hunting violations while conducting baiting investigations, including tagging/validation violations, 52 percent; no license, 27 percent; and trespass, 25 percent.
● Apples, corn and sugar beets dispersed in open areas figured in 87 percent of deer baiting cases this season.
● Officers reported that nearly 60 percent of the hunters who were cited for violations admitted to conservation officers that they knew baiting was illegal, but chose to do it anyway.
● Nearly 50 percent of the persons cited offered that they were aware of baiting regulations through DNR Enforcement Division news releases, media reports, or the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook.

Deer baiting is strategically placing a pile of food near deer stands or clearings in hopes of luring a deer into close range. Nationally, 28 states ban the practice in any form, while 22 allow it (eight with significant restrictions).

Lessard – Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants will help PF Improve Over 600 Acres for Wildlife

Saint Paul, Minn. – Three Minnesota Pheasants Forever wildlife habitat projects totaling over 600 acres were awarded funding as part of the first round of Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants. The Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants program is designed to restore, enhance or protect fish, game and wildlife habitat.

The program is an initiative of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC). Funding for the projects comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created when Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Prairie Storm WPA Addition – Stearns County This project encompasses the acquisition of 78 acres as an addition to the adjacent 320-acre Prairie Storm Waterfowl Production Area (WPA). After purchase, the land will be donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and managed as a WPA open to public hunting and outdoor recreation. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $159,000

Big Kandiyohi Lake WPA Land Acquisitions – Kandiyohi County Two tracts - currently cropland - totaling 58 acres will connect two large existing WPAs (the 820-acre Big Kandiyohi Lake WPA & 312-acre Lake Lillian WPA). After purchase, the land will be donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and managed as a WPA open to public hunting and outdoor recreation. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $125,000

Enhancement/Restoration Grant – Otter Tail and Stearns Counties This project has two aspects: 1) Enhancement project will allow for the purchase of additional seed to augment the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's seed mix diversity for the restoration of 480 acres of grasslands in Otter Tail County. The improved diversity will provide improved habitat for a variety of grassland birds. 2) Restoration project involves removal and chemical treatment of invasive volunteer trees that have degraded existing grassland habitats. Main area of focus for these projects will be on state Wildlife Management Areas in western Stearns County. Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Awarded: $45,

For the first year of the Lessard - Sams Conservation Partners Legacy Grants program, $3.74 million was awarded to fund 35 conservation projects around the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A total of 127 applications totaling $16.5 million were received during the first round of the applications. Local, state and federal non-profit organizations, along with governmental entities, were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000. A complete list of the successful grant applications can be found online.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. "The Habitat Organization" has 125,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent

The Brainerd Jaycees are celebrating 20 years as the world's largest charitable ice fishing contest on Saturday, January 23, 2010. The event will be held on Gull Lake near Brainerd, MN, and event organizers expect record attendance. The early ticket sales have tipped the 8,000 mark and this year's event is on pace for a record-setting year. The record attendance was set in 2004 with over 13,000 ticket holders on the ice. The most unique aspect of the event is that proceeds are donated to area charities with Confidence Learning Center -- an outdoor recreational camp and facility for people with developmental disabilities (www.campconfidence.com) -- being the largest beneficiary. Since the first event was held in 1991 the Brainerd Jaycees have donated over $2.5-million to area charities. "We hope this year will be better then the rest. We're excited about the early tickets sales and what they might mean for event proceeds to give away," said Extravaganza Chairman Brent Morris.

This festival on the ice will not only be home to thousands of anglers competing for well over $150,000 in cash and prizes, it will be the home to multiple food and product vendors, ice fishing industry experts, and fun family events. One opportunity for the family is the Youth Ice Olympics. Located at center ice, youth ages 17 and under will compete in a 50-yard dash where participants must complete a series of ice fishing tasks as fast as they can. Each participant will be timed and judges will verify individual tasks are completed before allowing the participant to move on. A leader board will post the best times for each age category. The first 100 youth competitors will receive a Mills Fleet Farm Fishing Package worth $100.

Tickets are available for purchase at regional outlets, online, and they can also be purchased on the ice the day of the contest. Cost for the event is $45. Please visit www.icefishing.org for more information or call 800.950.9461

The Brainerd Jaycees are a non-profit organization for men and women ages 18-40 to gain leadership development through community service. For more information please visit the official Extravaganza website at www.icefishing.org or the Brainerd Jaycees official website at www.brainerdjaycees.com

While most Minnesota winter anglers focus on ice fishing, those hankering for some open water action might want to cast their attention toward southeastern Minnesota, where the stream trout season opened Jan.1.

The southeast’s catch-and-release winter trout fishing season, which runs through March 31, is the result of the increasing popularity of trout fishing, and requests from anglers to expand the number of streams open to winter fishing. Currently about 135 miles on 38 streams are open to winter trout angling, according to Steve Klotz, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area fisheries supervisor at Lanesboro.

“Winter stream trout fishing provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during the heart of winter, and it sharpens your angling skills,” Klotz said. “It's highly challenging and great fun."

Winter trout fishing may require anglers to experiment with different tactics, Klotz said. As water temperatures drop, so does fish activity. Every 10-degree temperature increase doubles the biological activity of the fish, so afternoon fishing often is the most productive. Anglers should carry a thermometer with them. Fish are most active at temperatures of 38 degrees and above.

When fly fishing, effective patterns include scuds, midge pupa/larva and small pheasant tail patterns.

Fly anglers should watch for midge hatches that can increase trout feeding activity.

For spinning and spincasting equipment, keep the reel cranking by using a Teflon lubricant that's not affected by cold.

Single hooks on spinners help keep fish handling to a minimum; clipping one hook off of a treble also helps.

With winter trout waters often crystal clear, trout grow wary, so keep a low profile; it’s often best to stay out of the water.

At this time, only barbless hooks are allowed (crimped hooks are permitted) and fish handling should be kept to a minimum. If the temperature is below freezing, trout should not be removed from the water for any longer than it takes to remove the hook and release it. Anglers also should avoid walking in riffles, where trout eggs may be incubating.

The DNR implemented the winter trout fishing season in 1988 following improved water quality in the 1980s that created good natural trout reproduction in southeast coldwater streams. The goal has been to provide additional recreational opportunities without harming the trout resource, which is particularly vulnerable during fall spawning and the stress of winter. DNR creel surveys and other studies have shown that the winter catch-and-release season does not cause any negative impacts to trout populations.

Only select streams are open to winter fishing. Those streams are listed in the 2009 Minnesota Fishing Regulations Handbook, in the brochure 2009 Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern and Central Minnesota, and on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov/fishing.

Fillmore County - Diamond Creek, Etna Creek, Gribben Creek, North Branch Creek, South Fork Root River, Torkelson Creek and Wisel Creek.

Houston County - West Beaver Creek, Bee Creek, Crooked Creek, Daley Creek, Swede Bottom Creek and South Fork Crooked Creek.

Winona County - Coolridge Creek, Ferguson Creek, Garvin Brook, Hemmingway Creek, West Branch Money Creek, Pine Creek, Rush Creek, Trout Run, Trout Valley, Whitewater River (Main, Middle and North branches).

Klotz advises anglers to remember that staying dry is the key to staying warm, so it’s important to be cautious when crossing streams or walking along snow covered banks, and to avoid walking on any ice that forms along the water’s edge.

Minnesota snowmobilers are reminded to ride safely and check conditions frequently in light of the current challenging trail conditions.

“We encourage snowmobilers to get out there and enjoy the weather, but this sudden blanket of new snow is both a blessing and a curse,”
said Les Ollila, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northeast trails manager. “In some areas, there is barely enough snow to groom. In other areas, there is too much snow, which insulates the frozen ground and thaws out the swamps and creeks.”

Also, the first grooming runs are very slow and don’t set a firm base, Ollila, adds, and heavy grooming equipment is difficult to navigate in the current wet conditions.

To check current snow depths and state snowmobile (and ski) trail conditions, visit the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov . At the bottom of the left column, click on Snow Conditions. Trail data is updated as conditions change. The majority of snowmobile trails are local club trails and this trail information is not on the DNR website. Local contact information is available at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/trailcontacts.html , or on the back of the DNR Snowmobile Trails maps (one for each quadrant of the state - Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest). Quad maps are available at DNR regional and area offices, the DNR headquarters in St.
Paul, or by calling the DNR Information Center at 1-888-MINNDNR.

Reminder: Safety Recommendations
● Don’t drink.
● Slow down (particularly at night, on rough or icy surfaces, and when approaching high snow banks) and stay right.
● Be prepared for emergencies.
● Stay alert - heed caution and hazard signs.
● Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength.
● Dress in layers, wear a helmet and face covering, avoid loose scarves.
● Watch the weather and check conditions before riding.
● Bring a buddy.
● Report accidents right away.