DNR proposes to extend Lake Superior trout season, protect additional spawning sites

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to adopt regulations that would extend the Lake Superior lake trout season and protect fish spawning areas on five water bodies.

Those who want to comment on these proposals can do so through 4:30 p.m. Dec. 22.

Comments can be made online by visiting the DNR web page at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/fisheries-expedited/index.html

by phone at 651-259-5221 or 888-646-6367, or by mail to Linda Erickson-Eastwood, Box 20, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155-4020. Those who comment must provide their full name, address and phone number.

Specifically, the DNR proposes to extend the Lake Superior lake trout season from Sept. 30 to the first full weekend of October. This change would allow additional fishing opportunity with little impact on the overall lake trout population. This change is consistent with the Lake Superior management plan.

Also, the DNR seeks to add five water bodies to its designated spawning beds and fish preserves list. This designation would allow the DNR, if necessary, to close these areas to fishing during the spawning season, primarily to encourage natural walleye production.

Water bodies proposed for this designation are:

• Kabekona River between Kabekona Lake and Oak Lake (Hubbard Co.).
• Ottertail River outlet of Little Pine Lake to the inlet of Big Pine Lake (Ottertail Co.).
• Rapid River from the mouth to State Highway 11 bridge (Lake of the Woods Co.).
• Shell Lake outlet east of Highway 39 bridge to Section 17 border (Becker Co.).
• Toad Lake outlet south to Mud Lake and inlet through first pond approximately 200 yards east (Becker Co.).

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