Wall-to-walleye opportunities at large lakes

Anglers who crowd highways and restaurants in the hours before the May 14 fishing opener probably won’t say where they’re heading. But chances are, many plan to wet a line in one of Minnesota’s largest lakes.

Known to anglers as the state’s walleye factories, Cass, Kabetogama, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Mille Lacs, Pepin, Rainy, Vermilion and Winnibigoshish, produce many of the 3 to 4 million walleye harvested annually in Minnesota. Thanks to good spawning conditions in recent years, game fish are again abundant in many of the state’s largest lakes this year, according to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) large lake biologists.

“The bite on opening day is hard to guess,” said Ron Payer, DNR chief of fisheries management. “But abundant fish numbers should translate into some excellent fishing in the first weeks of the season.”

Since 1983, when the DNR began its large lake monitoring program, biologists have been gathering information using intensive surveys on Minnesota’s largest natural walleye lakes.

Here’s a look at what they’re expecting for the 2005 fishing season.

LAKE OF THE WOODS

New size and possession limits aimed at reducing the harvest of walleye and sauger did little to dampen angler enthusiasm this winter, according to Mike Larson, DNR fisheries supervisor in Baudette.

Anecdotal reports from resort owners and DNR staff show continued use of the lake throughout the winter, although with a lower overall harvest. In the past five years, angler use has steadily increased resulting in average annual harvests that regularly exceeded the sustainable level of 450,000 pounds of walleye, Larson said.

“The new regulations would not have happened without the strong cooperation of anglers and resort owners,” said John Guenther, director of the DNR Fish and Wildlife Division. “They saw the wisdom of protecting the resource to sustain their present and future business and recreation opportunities.”

Under the new regulations, anglers may keep six walleyes and saugers combined during the open water season, of which four can be walleyes. During the winter season, anglers may keep eight walleyes and saugers combined, of which four can be walleyes. During both open water and winter seasons, all fish from 19.5- to 28-inches must be released with one fish over 28 inches allowed.

This spring, anglers can expect abundant walleye 13- to 16-inches - between four and seven years old - thanks to several consecutive years of successful spawning, Larson said. This year’s early ice out on Lake of the Woods could help anglers as well. “Typically fishing improves with warmer weather,” Larson added.

RAINY LAKE

Anglers looking for a shore lunch of walleye might have luck on Rainy Lake, according Phil Talmage, DNR large lake specialist in International Falls. Walleye from 13- to 14-inches, produced mainly in 2001, are abundant this year.

Talmage said there also are good numbers of larger walleye produced during outstanding spawning conditions in the late 1990s. Under a special regulation, anglers are required to immediately release walleye from 17- to 28-inches with one fish over 28 inches allowed in the possession limit of four.

“Rainy Lake is in excellent condition this year,” Talmage said. “The ice out date was a bit early and the water may be warming sooner than usual, which could help opening day anglers.”

Anglers might also consider fishing for northern pike, which tend to be in shallower water early in the spring and are sometimes caught by anglers targeting early-season walleye.

KABETOGAMA

Walleye produced in 2001 will become available for harvest this year under the lake’s special regulations, which require anglers to release fish smaller than 13 inches and larger than 17 inches. Anglers may keep one walleye over 23 inches in the possession limit of six.

Also, fish produced in 1996 will likely exceed 20 inches this summer, providing excellent opportunities for quality catch-and-release walleye fishing, Talmage said.

“Kabetogama is an excellent destination for May and early June,” he said. “It’s a shallower lake with good structure that’s easy to identify.” Like Rainy, Kabetogama is also known for exceptional northern pike fishing.

LAKE VERMILION

The site of the 2005 Governor’s Fishing Opener is supporting walleye populations well above the historical average, according to DNR large lake specialist Duane Williams.

Walleye produced under excellent spawning conditions in 1997 and 1998 will be between 17- to 22-inches. Walleye between 11- to 14-inches will also be abundant, thanks to warm spring weather which led to strong year classes in 2001 and 2002.

“Typically we get a good opener when the weather cooperates,” Williams said. “The fish are certainly there. I expect Lake Vermilion will produce typically good fishing as we move into warmer weather in early summer.”

Williams said it’s too soon to see the effects of the May 2003 special regulation that requires anglers to release all northern pike from 24- to 36-inches with one over 36 inches. However, he said that northern pike fishing is typically best on Lake Vermilion early in the summer. He also expects excellent muskie fishing after the season opens on June 4.

After Memorial Day, expect smallmouth fishing to pick up with 13- to 15-inch fish from the 1997 year class in abundance.

CASS LAKE

The walleye population on this 15,596-acre lake is currently in a transitional phase, with an abundance of fish between 10- to 15-inches, but few fish larger than 20 inches, according to Andy Thompson, DNR large lake specialist.

Strong walleye year classes produced in 2001 and 2002 are reaching 12- to 14-inches, while fish from the 1999 year class, now averaging 18 inches, remain abundant, Thompson said.

“Adult fish are at slightly lower levels than in the past, but there are numerous younger fish right now,” Thompson said. “It’s normal for walleye populations to go through cycles like this occasionally. It’s a good sign for the future.”

Aside from walleye, Cass Lake is well known to muskie anglers, who open the season on June 4. Thompson said Cass Lake also produces a few trophy northern pike each year and supports good populations of perch and crappie.

LEECH LAKE

While the walleye catch in recent years has been disappointing, there are still large walleyes in the lake. In western bays near Walker and Kabekona, smaller walleyes produced in 2001 are more numerous, said Pat Rivers, DNR large lakes specialist.

In addition, walleyes from the 2001 year class - now 13- to 16-inches - are fairly abundant as well, Rivers said. Under a new regulation, anglers must immediately release all walleyes from 18- to 26-inches, with one over 26 inches allowed.

“There are walleyes to be caught in Leech,” Rivers said. “There are also decent-sized northern pike in the shallow well-vegeatated bays of Leech.”

The DNR, in cooperation with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, will begin taking measures to control the cormorant population on the lake. The large, dark birds are thought to be one of the main reasons for recent low walleye populations in the lake.

WINNIBIGOSISH

Walleye, northern pike and perch should provide excellent opportunities for early-season anglers who fish Lake Winnibigoshish, said Gerry Albert, DNR large lakes specialist in Grand Rapids.

Excellent spawning conditions in the spring of 2001 produced an abundance of walleye that should reach 14 to 16 inches this year. Walleye from other strong year classes, including 1994, 1995 and 1996, should reach lengths up to 24 inches this year.

“Because it’s relatively shallow and wind swept, Winnibigoshish tends to warm sooner than other northern lakes, which makes it a favorite for anglers looking for an opening-day opportunity,” Albert said. “This year should be no exception.”

Northern pike fishing, which usually picks up in late summer and early fall, continues to be consistent, with fish that average three pounds and some in excess of 15 pounds. Perch fishing is also picked up in recent years with many fish reaching lengths of 9 inches and larger.

MILLE LACS

Catch rates this past winter on Mille Lacs exceeded the combined catch for the winters of 2003 and 2004. According to Tom Jones, DNR large lake specialist in Aitkin, that’s a good sign for this summer’s fishing.

Much of this winter’s action came from walleye hatched in the spring of 2002, which are reaching lengths between 11- to 13-inches. Like last year, anglers may keep walleye up to 20 inches or one trophy over 28 inches in a four-fish bag limit.

“The 2002 year class could be one of the top five ever produced on Mille Lacs,” Jones said. “Anglers still may want to release some of those smaller fish that haven’t been deeply hooked.”

Anglers are asked to report tagged northern pike to the Aitkin area fisheries office at (218) 927-3752. If they are releasing the fish, anglers should leave the tag intact and record the numbers.

LAKE PEPIN

Walleye larger than 18 inches remain abundant in Lake Pepin, thanks to outstanding spawning conditions in 2002, according to John Hoxmeier, a large lake specialist is Lake City.

Sauger, smallmouth and largemouth bass are also abundant in this 25,000-acre natural impoundment of the Mississippi River. White bass populations remain low compared with 1980s levels, Hoxmeier said.

“By mid-May, walleye and sauger tend to start moving downstream from the river into deeper waters of Lake Pepin,” Hosmeier said. “Smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing also begins to pick up in shallower areas along the shoreline.”

Lake Pepin is open year-round for many species, including walleye, northern pike and bass.

They are said to predate dinosaurs. They resemble a shark and can grow to over 20 feet. The paddlefish is the oldest surviving animal species in North America and it is home again in the Minnesota River.

Paddlefish frequent many types of riverine habitats but often seek out deeper, low current areas such as side channels, backwaters and oxbows. For some 50 years, there were no documented reports of paddlefish in the Minnesota River.

And then, in the spring of 2004, staff from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hutchinson Fisheries office caught a 22-pound paddlefish in a large mesh gillnet near Granite Falls. There was also a report earlier in the spring of several dead paddlefish that apparently became isolated in an off-channel pool when water levels dropped.

“It could be that the paddlefish is rediscovering the Minnesota River, a possible indication of improving water quality,” said Huon Newburg, DNR southern region fisheries manager at New Ulm. “You just never know what you might find lurking in the great ol’ Minnesota River.”

Paddlefish are protected in Minnesota. Paddlelfish, accidentally caught, must be immediately released into the water.

Late last week there was a somewhat ambiguous report of a BLACK-NECKED STILT from Big Stone County. The bird was briefly relocated on April 24th at the Centennial Waterfowl Production Area, which is along County Road 6, roughly 4.3 miles east of the town of Clinton. Unfortunately, the bird has not been seen since.

On April 28th, two CATTLE EGRETS were in a farm field near Long Prairie in Todd County. The location was the dead end road that runs west from County Road 11, roughly one mile north of County Road 10.

AMERICAN AVOCETS, WILLET, LEAST SANDPIPERS, and BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS were all seen by Denny and Barb Martin in Big Stone County on April 25th. The Avocet was on County Road 61, about one mile north of County Road 4. They also reported a probable CLARK’S GREBE on Thielke Lake.

A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was at Chad Aakre’s feeder in Winona County last week, and it is still being seen in the general area. To view this bird, check the area along 10th Street between Harriet and Wilson.

There have also been recent reports of SWAINSON’S HAWK, DUNLIN, CASPIAN TERN, FRANKLINâ?TS GULL, BONAPARTEâ?TS GULL, PURPLE MARTIN, MARSH WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, YELLOW WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, and LARK SPARROW.

They are said to predate dinosaurs. They resemble a shark and can grow to over 20 feet. The paddlefish is the oldest surviving animal species in North America and it is home again in the Minnesota River.

Paddlefish frequent many types of riverine habitats but often seek out deeper, low current areas such as side channels, backwaters and oxbows. For some 50 years, there were no documented reports of paddlefish in the Minnesota River.

And then, in the spring of 2004, staff from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hutchinson Fisheries office caught a 22-pound paddlefish in a large mesh gillnet near Granite Falls. There was also a report earlier in the spring of several dead paddlefish that apparently became isolated in an off-channel pool when water levels dropped.

“It could be that the paddlefish is rediscovering the Minnesota River, a possible indication of improving water quality,” said Huon Newburg, DNR southern region fisheries manager at New Ulm. “You just never know what you might find lurking in the great ol’ Minnesota River.”

Paddlefish are protected in Minnesota. Paddlelfish, accidentally caught, must be immediately released into the water.

Considering a trout fishing outing in southeastern Minnesota and wondering where to go?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division has released a new booklet entitled “Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern Minnesota” that has anglers covered.

Along with basic trout information on topics such as wild trout, stocking, angling tactics and habitat needs, the booklet includes detailed maps to help anglers locate trout fishing opportunities and angler access points.

The booklet can be obtained by call the DNR Information Center a (651) 296-6157 or cat 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367),or at a fisheries office located in Rochester, Lanesboro, Lake City, Altura, Peterson, New Ulm, Hutchinson, Ortonville, Spicer, Waterville or Windom.

The booklet is also available at many retail businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) can help anglers find public accesses to lakes and rivers, including canoe carry-in sites and fishing piers.

The set of 51 separate maps identify a wide variety of federal, state and county lands available for other public recreation activities such as hunting, camping, hiking and boating.

“Maps are updated on a three- to five-year rotation, so they are kept as current as possible,” said Amy Eillison, DNR cartographer.

“Nineteen maps will be updated for 2005, including the very popular metro area maps. We are also adding GPS coordinates to the updated maps this year.”

The maps also provide anglers with information about the types of boat ramps (concrete, gravel, earth or metal) available parking spaces, fish species and contact information for each site.

In addition to angling opportunities, more specifically, PRIM locates campgrounds, trails, forests, parks, wildlife management areas and refuges, natural and scientific areas and much more.

PRIM maps, which cost $4.95, are available from the DNR gift shop, Minnesota’s Bookstore, and several sporting goods and map stores around the state.

PRIM maps may also be purchased online at www.comm.media.state.mn.us.

Whether it’s casting crank baits for walleye or watching bobbers for bluegill, Minnesotans love to fish. In fact, about 36 percent of the state’s residents fish - a higher percentage than any state except Alaska.

Reasons Minnesotans long to wet a line vary. For some, it’s a family gathering at a picturesque lake cabin. Others anticipate a long, action-filled day pulling golden walleye from the depths of their favorite lake. Still others look forward to a shore lunch or an evening fish fry.

Whatever their reverie, Minnesota anglers consider the May 14 fishing opener, when walleye, northern pike, sauger and lake trout become legal game on the state’s inland waters, one of the defining moments of their summer.

With more than 5,400 game fish lakes and 15,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers, Minnesota anglers won’t lack for opportunity. Nor will they lack for abundant chances to tangle with their favorite game fish, said Ron Payer, chief of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries management.

“Overall, populations of game fish in Minnesota are in great shape,” Payer noted. “Walleye are abundant and many anglers say bass fishing has never been better. There are more trout today than there were 30 years ago. We can continue to improve fishing. The DNR is working with anglers to create more opportunities and improve habitat in lakes and rivers across the state.”

Protecting aquatic habitat and the fish, wildlife and clean water it supports is a shared responsibility, said John Guenther, director of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife.

“The DNR provides education, technical assistance and grants to private citizens, conservation organizations and local governments,” Guenther said. “It’s one way we’ve helped our partners in restoring and protecting shoreline habitat and enhancing and protect water quality.”

GAME FISH FARING WELL

WALLEYE Anglers catch an estimated 3 to 4 million of the state’s most popular game fish each year. Still, the population is in no danger of going belly up, thanks to good water quality and more than 1,200 lakes with fishable walleye populations.

To ensure lakes produce enough walleyes to keep up with growing angler demand, the DNR protects habitat, limits the catch through regulations, and stocks fish where natural reproduction is limited and other desirable fish species will not be harmed. Last fall, the DNR stocked about 3 million 5- to 7-inch walleye fingerlings weighing about 145,000 pounds. In addition, last spring the DNR stocked 283 million walleye fry.

In recent years, the DNR has also instituted special regulations that protect medium-sized walleyes to increase the average size that anglers can catch. “There are individual lakes where the average size of walleye has diminished due to harvest,” Payer said. “But it’s a sustainable harvest and with the cooperation of anglers, walleye fishing will continue to improve.”

NORTHERN PIKE

In hopes of growing more trophy pike, the DNR implemented special regulations in May 2003 that limit the harvest of medium-sized pike on 66 lakes and one stream. This year, similar special regulations will be take effect on Big Fish Lake in Stearns County and East Rush and West Rush lakes in Chisago County. In addition, anglers will be required to release all northern pike on Black Bass Lake in Kathio State Park.

The regulations, which affect lakes mainly in northern and central Minnesota but are found as far south as Carver County, were placed only on waters capable of growing large pike, based on past surveys. While it’s still to soon to see results, Payer is confident special regulations will eventually bring positive change for northern pike, a fish that some say has been declining in size for the past 50 years.

“Trophy pike need habitat and protection from anglers, ” Payer said. “Cool, deep oxygenated water and abundant soft-finned forage fish such as ciscoes or tullibees are often found in lakes that produce trophy pike. Pike also need to be protected from harvest in order to grow.”

MUSKIE

Known as “the fish of 1,000 casts” for its aversion to anglers’ lures, this fearless fighter attracts a dedicated and growing cadre of anglers. With single-minded resolution, muskie anglers ply the state’s 81 muskie lakes for the chance to tangle with one of these fish, which can weigh up 50 pounds.

Because of its particular habitat requirements and slow growth, the muskie is destined to be a relatively uncommon and difficult to catch. “The goal of muskie management is to create or protect self-sustaining populations,” Payer said. “With proper management, the trophy fish will continue to thrill the dedicated muskie angler.”

One of the DNR’s most notable management achievements is the establishment of muskie in metro area lakes. In the Twin Cities, there are six true muskie lakes and a number of lakes and rivers where tiger muskies, a cross between northern pike and muskellunge, have been stocked. These hybrid fish don’t reproduce, but grow quickly and are more likely to strike than true muskies.

Because muskie are perceived as trophies - and because large fish are scarce and old - most states impose a minimum-length limit and low-possession limit. In Minnesota, the possession limit is one and the minimum length is 40 inches. The 2005 muskie season opens June 4.

TROUT

From boreal forests of the north shore to the steep wooded valleys of the southeast, hundreds of trout streams course through Minnesota. They range from clear, cold creeks with profuse mayfly hatches and large, wild brown trout to marginal creeks which maintain trout only through stocking.

Southeast Minnesota has 680 miles of designated, fishable trout waters. More than 2,400 DNR fish-population surveys indicate the trout population has tripled there since 1970. Changes in regulations on 22 trout streams in six counties require anglers to release fish of certain sizes in order to produce larger trout for anglers to catch in the future. The regulations took effect when the stream trout season opened April 16.

“The DNR’s long-range plan is to monitor trout populations, conduct angler surveys, improve trout habitat, and work with partners to improve watersheds and water quality,” Payer said. “It may take several years before anglers notice significant changes in the number or size of trout they catch.”

In addition to trout streams, the DNR stocks 160 lakes with stream trout to give anglers a chance to catch trophy trout - brookies up to six pounds, rainbows up to 10 and browns as large as 16. A list of stream trout lakes is available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us

BASS

At least 300 lakes and 45 rivers in Minnesota hold smallmouth bass. Even more ubiquitous is the adaptable largemouth bass. Both species are highly sought by anglers because of their explosive strikes and fierce fight.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass populations, along with other species, have benefited in recent decades from improvements in preventing of soil erosion, better containment of pesticides and feedlot run-off, the regulation of shoreline development, the reduction of acid rain, and better treatment of municipal sewage.

Also of benefit has been the realization that heavy fishing pressure - particularly by knowledgeable, well-equipped anglers - can drive down the average size of bass. At the behest of angling groups, the DNR in recent years has implemented special regulations to protect large bass on many waters. A growing inclination among bass anglers to release larger fish will also help increase desirable-sized bass in Minnesota waters.

“The keys are protecting habitat and regulating sport fishing,” Payer said. “We’re on the right course now and in the coming years, we’ll see even more benefits.”

SUNFISH

Each year, Minnesota anglers harvest about 64 million panfish, making it the state’s most popular fish for table fare. By comparison, anglers harvest 3.5 million walleye and 3.2 million northern pike.

Because sunfish are very prolific, stocking is used only to introduce fish to a body of water or in highly used public fishing ponds. More often the problem is too many tiny bluegill and an absence of large sunfish, a condition particularly common in heavily fished lakes

In May 2003, the DNR reduced possession limits for sunfish and crappie - along with lake trout at catfish - to help stabilize the declining trend in average size for those species.

BALANCING ACT

By working with partners to protect and improve fish habitat, regulate harvest, and, in some cases to stock fish, DNR fisheries managers help ensure that future generations of Minnesotans will enjoy the economic, social and environmental benefits of fishing.

According to angler satisfaction surveys, more than 70 percent of Minnesotans say the DNR adequately manages the state’s fishing waters. Sustaining that level of satisfaction requires balancing the diverse interests of anglers.

“Some anglers value being alone in a natural setting. Others want to compete in tournaments. For still others, harvesting fish is most important while another angler might value catch and release,” Payer said. “Angler satisfaction is an important measure of how we balance diverse interests while sustaining the resource.”

In coming years, the DNR will conduct more statewide surveys and will continue to seek guidance from anglers through public meetings, open houses and annual roundtable discussions.

“This ongoing conversation with our stakeholders is critical,” Payer said. “It guides our policy decisions and our important day-to-day efforts such as protecting fish habitat, regulating fishing and conducting aquatic education.”

There’s no place like home for Twin Cities anglers. From trophy walleyes in the shadow of the state capitol to muskies in Lake Minnetonka, Twin Cities urban angling opportunities are second to none, said Dirk Peterson, DNR metro region fisheries manager.

“It’s an amazing variety of opportunity,” Peterson noted. “There are sunfish in neighborhood fishing ponds, trout in spring-fed streams and hundreds of lakes where you could catch a walleye, bass or even a muskie - all within the seven county metro area.”

Many of the metro’s approximately 200 fishing lakes warm quickly in the spring and support copious vegetation - prime habitat for sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass and northern pike.

For anglers who prefer moving water, the state’s three major rivers - the Minnesota, Mississippi and St. Croix - also flow through the metro area, providing excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger and occasionally a monster flathead catfish. Coldwater streams, including Brown’s Creek, Eagle Creek and the Vermilion River support rainbow, brown and brook trout.

But lakes, rivers and fish habitat aren’t all that are abundant - so too are anglers. Popular metro lakes like Minnetonka and White Bear might get three to five times the amount of fishing pressure as lakes outside the metro, Peterson said.

That means fishing for certain species, like walleye, which are often harvested rather than released, can be more challenging, according to Taylor Polomis, DNR assistant area fisheries supervisor for the west metro.

“For walleye in particular, metro anglers will benefit by being creative in their approach,” said Polomis. “Try fishing lakes that aren’t thought of as classic walleye lakes - like Lake Harriet in downtown Minneapolis. Also fishing at different, less crowded times - in the evening and on weekdays - can increase the odds of to success.”

Polomis said another good tactic for metro walleye anglers is to interpret stocking information provided in online stocking and lake survey information. Lakes where walleye fingerlings were stocked three to five years ago (2000 to 2002) will provide more keepers than lakes stocked in the last two years.

Also, search for metro-area lakes that have received increased stockings, such as Long Lake or Prior Lake, as part of the Accelerated Walleye Program. Other species, like largemouth and smallmouth bass, are more abundant. Metro area lakes provide excellent natural habitat for bass and anglers tend to release rather than harvest bass, which can increases the chances of catching a larger bass, said Polomis.

Muskie, a challenging quarry known for its aversion to anglers lures in both remote and urban lakes, is found in more than a dozen lakes near the Twin Cities. Since the 1990s, the DNR has stocked pure strain muskie and tiger muskie, a hybrid with northern pike, in the Twin Cities area. “We have had reports of 40- and 50-inch muskies from metro area lakes,” Peterson said. “There are some trophies out there.”

The variety of fishing opportunities in the Twin Cities is matched only by their accessibility. In many cases, anglers don’ t even need a boat to find angling action. Public fishing piers and shore fishing sites allow access to prime fish habitat at hundreds of metro lakes. Maps are available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

In addition, an urban fishing program called Fishing in the Neighborhood was implemented in 2000. The program builds on existing DNR fisheries management activities such as stocking, aeration and enhancement of shore-fishing and pier-fishing opportunities.

“A great fishing resource in an urban area brings families together and helps people understand how our natural world works,” Peterson said. “It naturally encourages environmental stewardship which can help assure healthier habitats for fish, wildlife and people.”

For a veritable smorgasbord of angling opportunities, one has to look no further than southern Minnesota.

Walleye, perch, bullhead, trout, crappie, sunfish, catfish, bass, muskie, northern pike - the list of piscatorial pleasures to be found in the lakes, rivers and streams of southern Minnesota is “amazing,” said Huon Newburg, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) southern region fisheries manager at New Ulm.

“I was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area,” Newburg noted, “and I loved that part of the state. The natural resources up there, obviously, are tremendous. But when it comes to angling diversity, you just can’t beat southern Minnesota. We not only grow lots of fish down here, we also grow ‘em big!”

With sky-high prices at the gas pumps, more anglers could choose to stay closer to home when the fishing opener rolls around on May 14.

“Finding a quality fishing hole in this part of the state is easy,” Newburg said. “Whether it’s the Minnesota River, Green Lake, or the Root River in the southeast, there’s plenty of outstanding fishing action to be had.”

In anticipation of the 2005 opener, DNR area fisheries managers offer the following waters as good possibilities.

OKABENA LAKE

Located in Nobles County at Worthington, this 785-acre lake has good walleye and yellow perch populations, along with some nice “keeper” bullheads. There are several public accesses at city parks around the lake.

LAKE SARAH

This 1,176-acre lake in Murray County holds walleye up to 27 inches, maintained entirely by natural reproduction. There are also nice perch in the lake, which can be accessed by public launches on the east, west and northwest sides.

LAKE SHETEK

The largest lake in southwestern Minnesota at 3,596 acres. It has good populations of walleye and perch and dandy black crappie numbers. Channel catfish are also present in this Murray County lake that features several public accesses.

CEDAR LAKE

Northern pike are abundant, black crappie up to 14 inches can be found, and “eater size” walleyes are fairly abundant in this 726-acre Martin County lake that features four county-owned public accesses.

FOX LAKE

Situated in Martin County near Sherburn, this is the only designated muskie lake in southwestern Minnesota. Many of the original muskies stocked in 1999 are now more than 40 inches. At 1,041 acres, this lake has several DNR and local public accesses.

MEEKER COUNTY

There are a number of lakes in Meeker County that hold promise for the opener. Belle Lake has lots of 12-inch walleye and experienced a good crappie bite this winter. Little Mud is unique in that 3,000 rainbow trout were stocked there in April, while Silver Lake appears to have quality walleye and black crappie populations. Swan Lake has a quality walleye population, while northern pike anglers will want to try Jennie and Greenleaf lakes. Good bets for nice bluegills are Minniebelle and Ripley.

BROWN COUNTY

Clear Lake appears to have the best looking walleye population in the county, while Lake Hanska has decent walleye populations and some northern pike exceeding 30 inches.

TRAVERSE LAKE

With numerous public accesses and excellent camping facilities at the county park, this 11,528-acre lake currently supports a strong walleye population in the 16- to 21-inch range. There is also a good population of nice northern pike in this Traverse County lake.

LAC QUI PARLE LAKE

Low forage levels may increase walleye catch rates in this 5,589-acre lake. There is a strong 2001 year class now in the 14- to 15-inch range. Several public accesses are available around this Lac qui Parle County lake.

ARTICHOKE LAKE

Located in Big Stone and Swift counties, Artichoke has an excellent walleye population in the 24- to 32-inch range and strong year classes of walleye from 1999 and 2000 has resulted in numerous walleye in the 12- to 17-inch range. Black crappie in the 10- to 11-inch size round out the possibilities.

LAKE HENDRICKS

Located in Lincoln County, this 1,557-acre lake sports walleye up to 27 inches, with good numbers in the 14- to 25-inch category. Yellow perch are also present in healthy numbers, averaging 9- to 11-inches.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The South Fork Crow River, downstream from the dam at Hutchinson, historically produces some of the best walleye angling in the region for those willing to fish at night.

The Minnesota River offers ample opportunity to catch flathead catfish exceeding 40 pounds and also has an excellent channel catfish fishery with cats exceeding 15 pounds. For those who know the river, walleye catch rates are outstanding.

Safety tips for fishing opener

For many Minnesotans, the opening of the inland fishing season on May 14 also marks the beginning of a new boating season. For a safe start, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends a pre-launch review of safety equipment and regulations.

Minnesota law requires a wearable personal flotation device for each person on any boat. For some boats there are requirements for lighting, horns, a fire extinguisher and other equipment. Regulations and safety recommendations are listed in the Minnesota Boating Guide, available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

“Take a few minutes to think about safety as you are preparing your boat and fishing equipment,” said Tim Smalley, boat and water safety specialist for the Minnesota DNR. “It’s a small investment of time that could save a life.”

Last year, 15 people were killed in boating accidents, down from 17 deaths in 2004. Boating deaths in 2003 totaled 30, the highest number of boaters killed since 1985 when 31 Minnesota boaters died.

LIFE PRESERVERS

Minnesota law requires a U.S. Coast Guard approved “Type I, II, III or V” wearable personal flotation device, more commonly known as a life jacket, life vest, or personal flotation device for each person on any boat. Also required is a flotation device that can be thrown (Type IV) on boats 16 feet or longer.

“Life jackets also have to be the correct size for the person they are intended,” said Smalley. “In other words, you can’t have a size large life vest for a small child and expect it to pass muster for the law or safety.”

This year, the Minnesota Legislature is considering a law that would require children under 10 to wear a life jacket under most circumstances while boating in the state. Boaters should check newspapers or the DNR Web site for more information.

“Lack of the correct number, type and size of life jackets is the second most common boating law ticket issued - right behind expired boat registrations,” Smalley said. “Not wearing a life jacket is the number one reason people die in boating accidents.”

U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable life vests or foam vests with a mesh material at the shoulder area are comfortable even on the hottest Minnesota summer day. “You don’t have to look like an orange ‘May West’ festooned geek anymore, either,” Smalley said. “The new life jackets are stylish, comfortable and easy to wear.”

Adults, while not required to wear flotation devices on boats, are required to wear flotation devices on personal watercraft such as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, and Sea Doos.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS

Boats under power after sunset and before sunrise must be illuminated by red and green bow lights and a white stern light. Motorboats at anchor or drifting are required to be illuminated by the white stern light.

All lights should be operational and placed so they aren’t blocked by passengers or equipment such as mounted trolling motors or canopies on pontoon boats.

“One common problem with many clamp-on flashlight-battery operated stern lights is that the mounting pole is too short,” said Smalley. “The white stern light is legally required to be visible from 360 degrees around the boat and not be blocked by people, the motor, etc. If people can’t see you at night, you may get hit.”

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Many motorboats are required to carry a fire extinguisher that carries the seal of approval by the U.S. Coast Guard. “Unfortunately, many extinguisher cartons are poorly marked,” said Smalley “You might have to open the box to check the extinguisher label itself.”

HORN OR WHISTLE

Boats 16-feet or longer must carry a hand- or power-operated whistle or horn capable of producing a sound for at least two seconds that can be heard for at least one mile.

SPARE PARTS AND TOOLS

Although not a legal requirement, tools and spare parts like spark plugs and shear pins (if your motor uses them) are a good idea. “And don’t forget to put the drain plug in before you launch,” Smalley warned.

CELL PHONE OR MARINE RADIO

Many areas of Minnesota have cell phone coverage. If people have one they should bring it along in case of emergencies.

NO ALCOHOL

Errors in judgment brought on by alcohol can cause trouble long before a person reaches the level of legal intoxication. “Also, it gets expensive if you are caught operating your boat under the influence,” Smalley said. “Lawyer fees, fines, civil penalties and a conviction for boating while intoxicated goes on your auto driver’s license and may also effect your insurance rates.”

“With precautions for safety, boating can be safe and fun for fishing or just cruising the lake, Smalley said. “Just a few minutes of time and the proper precautions can make a big difference in preventing tragedies on the water.”