The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers to review the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations before the May 14 fishing opener.

Regulations booklets include special and experimental regulations on individual waters, regulations changes, and new information about exotic species, catch and release, and fish identification in addition to seasons, bag limits and other information.

“We made a number of changes this year so anglers need to make sure they are aware of the regulations before they fish,” said Linda Erickson-Eastwood, program manager for the DNR Fisheries Management Section. “Besides that, the regulation book contains excellent information to help anglers protect their resource and enjoy their time on the water.”

Key lakes with new regulations this year include Big Fish Lake, Stearns County; Big Sand Lake, Hubbard County; Black Bass Lake, Mille Lacs County; Horseshoe Lake, Cass County; Lake of the Woods, Lake of the Woods County; Lac Qui Parle Lake, Lac Qui Parle and Chippewa counties; Leech Lake, Cass County; Lida Lake, Otter Tail County; Rainy River, Lake of the Woods County; Rush Lake East and West, Chisago County.

Special and experimental regulations are summarized on pages 32-47 in the regulations book. New regulations are signified with an arrow. Unless specifically mentioned, all other general regulations, seasons, limits, border water regulations, possession and transportation apply to waters with special and experimental regulations.

CORRECTIONS:

The 2005 Fishing Regulations Booklet contains two errors that anglers should note.

- Page 14, third bullet should read: All residents 15 and younger.

- Page 47, Garvin Brook, Trout, All from 12- to 16-inches in length must be immediately returned to the water beginning at the Highway 14 crossing going upstream approximately five miles to the source. Artificial lures and flies only.

Fishing licenses valid for 2005 are on sale now at any of the 1,850 Electronic License System terminals located throughout the state. Licenses are also available at the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling toll free 1-888-665-4236.