Special regulations aimed at larger trout
Following an extensive and valuable public input process, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced changes to trout regulations for 22 streams in six southeast counties.
The changes are intended to improve fishing quality for larger trout while maintaining diverse fishing opportunities for anglers. The regulations take effect April 16, opening day of the 2005 stream trout season.
“Trout anglers want a variety of experiences. Some want larger fish. Others want more fish. For others, it’s taking a few fish home to eat,” said Jason Moeckel, DNR assistant regional fisheries manager in Rochester. “The new regulations represent a reasonable balance of these wants. As a result, anglers will have the ability to find an experience that suits their preference.”
The DNR’s original proposal, which was announced last winter, included special regulations on 181 miles of stream and prohibited the use of bait on 136 miles. Based on public input, Moeckel said the package was reduced to 128.7 miles with special regulations. Of those, 68.7 miles will allow only artificial lures and 60 miles will allow bait to be used.
“We learned during the public input process that some of those streams were very important to bait anglers and heavily used by families,” Moeckel said.
Ninety-seven of the 128.7 stream miles are designated and actively managed trout water. About 31.7 miles are waters that hold large trout, but are not designated as trout water. The new package includes about 50 miles that were already under special regulations.
There are 680 miles of designated fishable trout water in southeast Minnesota.
According to more than 2,400 DNR fish population surveys, the trout population in southeastern Minnesota has tripled since 1970.
Bait fishing will be allowed on 10 of the 22 streams. Anglers will be required to release all trout 12 to 16 inches on 14 streams while seven streams will be catch-and-release fishing where no trout could be kept. On one stream, anglers will be required to release all brook trout under 12 inches, with a one-fish limit.
Based on DNR population data for brown trout, about one-third of southeast Minnesota’s top 330 miles of trout water will be affected by the new regulations with catch-and-release regulations on just six percent, Moeckel said.
Initial reaction from anglers was mixed but generally positive. Jeff Hanson, a member of a citizen’s group that advises the DNR on trout issues, was pleased that four streams slated for special regulations in the original proposal were dropped. However, he would have preferred further reductions in the special regulations package.
“The DNR is to be credited for proceeding with compromises to the expansive coverage of the initially proposed special regulations, and in making changes to allow bait fishing on seven of the streams which were initially designated for artificial only,” Hanson said in written remarks provided to the DNR. “In my opinion, however, the DNR did not go far enough in reducing the mileage of streams covered by special regulations, particularly those located in Minnesota state parks.”
Jeff Broberg, a St. Charles trout angler and member of the Minnesota Trout Association, said although the new regulations affect just 14 percent of actively managed trout water, they should improve fishing for anglers who are interested in pursuing larger fish.
“I’m delighted. The proposal allows most of our stream regulations to stay the same and also generates a more diverse sport fishery that takes advantage of the opportunity to manage some of our streams for populations of larger trout,” Broberg said.
Gary Sobotta, vice president of the Hiawatha chapter of Trout Unlimited, said he’s also pleased with the decision. “Our endorsement of the new regulation changes was supported by our belief if you have good angling opportunities more anglers and citizens will be willing to protect those cold water resources.” Sobotta said. “We truly have some of the finest trout water in the entire country. While we did not get everything we wanted, we all must look beyond our personal wants and consider what is best for our kids and grandkids trout angling.”
Special regulations, such as catch-and-release with artificial lures only, can be helpful in the right situation but are not a cure-all, Moeckel stressed. The long-range plan recently adopted by the DNR includes efforts to monitor trout populations, conduct angler surveys, improve trout habitat, and work with partners to improve watersheds and water quality.
The DNR will report annually on progress implementing the long-range plan. It may take several years before anglers’ notice significant changes in the number or size of trout they catch, Moeckel said.
The following southeastern Minnesota streams that will be affected by the regulations. In some cases, regulations affect only portions of the streams. Maps that show the affected portions are available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us. The regulations will be posted on signs along affected streams.
AFFECTED WATER:
Trout Valley Creek (7.2 miles).
REGULATION:
Brook trout under 12 inches must be released, bag limit of 1 (artificial lures or flies only).
AFFECTED WATER:
Camp Creek (2.7 miles), Kedron Creek (1.1 miles), South Fork Root River (7.7 miles), Middle Branch Whitewater River (9.2 miles).
REGULATION:
Catch-and-release for all trout (artificial lures or flies only). The new regulation on Camp Creek will not affect the annual kids’ fishing event held during Preston Trout Days.
AFFECTED WATER:
Belle Creek (7.3 miles), Middle Branch Root River (12.5 miles), North Fork Zumbro River (11.9 miles).
REGULATION:
Catch-and-release for all trout (bait allowed).
AFFECTED WATER:
Canfield Creek (1.6 miles), Garvin Brook (5.0 miles), Gribben Creek (3.9 miles), Hay Creek (4.0 miles), Logan Creek (0.9 miles), Trout Run Creek (13.3 miles), North Branch Whitewater River (12.1 miles).
REGULATION:
Protected slot limit for trout 12 to 16 inches (artificial lures or flies only).
AFFECTED WATER:
East Beaver Creek (2.3 miles), Forestville Creek (2.6 miles), Mahoods Creek (0.2), South Branch Root River (4.8 miles), Spring Valley Creek (6.8 miles), West Indian Creek (3.0 miles), Wisel Creek (8.6 miles).
REGULATION:
Protected slot limit for trout 12 to 16 inches (bait allowed).
Streams dropped from original proposal include: Bee Creek, Cold Spring Brook, Money Creek, Winnebago Creek.