In general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers and songbirds in their full breeding plumage. Some of the favorites include indigo bunting, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. Towards the end of May, birders have a second opportunity to see these beautiful birds in the far northern regions of Minnesota. Avid and novice birders may also want to check out International Migratory Bird Day at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, May 14; the Detroit Lakes Festival Of The Birds, May 19-22; and The 6th Annual Bluff Country Birding Fest in southeastern Minnesota’s Historic Bluff Country, May 20-22. Each event offers guided bird walks, special bird activities, displays and demonstrations. More information on these events can be found at www.exploreminnesota.com

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

On May 10th, Bob Janssen and Jerry Bonkoski discovered a ROCK WREN in Clay County. The bird was seen atop rock pile #6002, which is located at the gravel mining operation at Felton Prairie. A pair of Rock Wrens were found nesting in this area last year. Also at the Felton Prairie, Bob O’Connor found a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH on May 9th. The bird was in the woods along the gravel road that forks to the left at the north end of Clay County Road 108. This location is just northwest of the north gate.

On May 8th, Kim and Cindy Risen found an immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE on Lake Mille Lacs behind the Harbor Inn & Marina, just north of the town of Garrison on the Crow Wing/Aitkin County line.

Nels Thompson discovered a BLACK-NECKED STILT in Steele County on May 8th, and the bird was still present at least through the morning of the 11th. The bird was seen at Spindler Pond, situated one-half of a mile west of Rice Lake State Park, just east of Owatonna on Rose Street. Three stilts were found in the same location last year.

One of three SUMMER TANAGERS was found in Steele County this past week. Nels Thompson reported this bird at his home which is east of the town of Hope. At Interstate 35, take exit number 32 and travel east for three-quarters of a mile. The bird was seen in this area. Another Summer Tanager was at Hok-si-la Park near Lake City in Goodhue County on the 8th, but no further information is available. And at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, in Hennepin County, a Summer Tanager was found by Bryan McKamey, both at his home and in the park. Within the park, the bird is most often reported in the southeast corner. A HOODED WARBLER has also been seen in the park along the short loop trail just west of the Nature Center building.

A WESTERN TANAGER was found by Julian Sellers at the Senn-Rich Wildlife Management Area in Waseca County on May 10th. It was foraging in the willows at the east end of the wetland, northwest of the entrance. The Senn-Rich Wildlife Management Area is four and one-half miles south of Waseca on State Highway 13. Rose Kneeskern found a LITTLE BLUE HERON east of the Oakwood Cemetery in Mower County on the 10th. This cemetery is at the northeast corner of the intersection of I-90 and 4th Street Northwest in Austin.

On May 8th, Bruce Fall found three CATTLE EGRETS in a field just west of U.S. Highway 52, roughly one-quarter of a mile south of 170th Street in Dakota County.

Kim and Cindy Risen reported a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the western shore of Lake Mille Lacs in Mille Lacs County on May 8th. The bird was at the intersection of County Road 25 and U.S. Highway 169.

Bob Dunlap found a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD on May 9th in the Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum in St. Peter, in Nicollet County. From U.S. Highway 169 in St. Peter, travel west on College Avenue to a T intersection. Turn left, continue straight past the stop sign, and take an immediate left into the Arboretum parking lot and look for visitor parking. Hike any of the trails into the Arboretum and just past the prairie area look for the large grassy area with scattered trees. The bird was foraging in this area, especially near the old pioneer building. Another Mockingbird was found by Barb and Denny Martin in the northwest corner of Redwood County. To view this bird, begin just south of the Minnesota River on County Road 7, and turn west on 440th Street. Drive west one mile to the large open field. The bird was seen here on both sides of the road.

Have a Great Opener & Stay Safe!

For this weekend’s fishing opener, the Hot Spot should be any dark, shallow bay. Try a jig and minnow combination, using a slow presentation, for the majority of walleye.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH FISHING REPORT
On Lake Superior, fishing has been excellent, with numbers of cohos and chinooks taken on stickbaits. Salmon can be found along the shore and at the point. Brook trout fishing continues to improve as temperatures rise in area rivers. For panfish, try small bait such as waxworms, bugs, and small crappie minnows on Nichols, Caribou, Grand, Fish, Island and Elora lakes–these fish are just starting to spawn in the shallow bays. For crappies, hit Headquarters, Elora, Island, Grand and Fish lakes using a small, slow presentation in the shallows. And, for this weekend’s fishing opener, hit Island and Fish lakes, as well as the St. Louis River and St. Louis Bay for walleye action. Try a jig and minnow combination in less than 10 feet of water for numbers of walleye.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
Fishing is expected to be good on Kabetogama and Namakan lakes during this weekend’s fishing opener. Water levels are slightly above average and water temperatures are in the mid-60’s, and walleyes should be easy to find as long as weather patterns don’t change dramatically. The lakes should also have an abundance of northern pike.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
The Minnesota DNR Fisheries predicts that walleye fishing on Rainy Lake should remain excellent throughout 2005. Border water lakes should remain cool during the first few weeks of the season, and anglers should consider working the shallows in search of post-spawn walleyes. For the most fish, try a jig and minnow combination, and switch to a jig and leech as water temperatures warm. If action is slow, try a few different presentations and locations. Trophy class northern pike are also plentiful–expect to find numbers of fish in the shallows using flashy lures.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
If the weather stays stable, the fishing opener should be good. Splithand and Bowstring lakes are favorites this time of year–try a jig and shiner for the most fish.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
On Lake of the Woods, anglers are looking forward to the fishing opener this Saturday. Please remember that the aggregate limit of walleye and sauger is six, with no more than four walleye. Only one walleye over 28 inches is allowed, and the slot is 19.5-28 inches. Walleyes will be spawning in the feeder streams leading to Lake of the Woods during the next two weeks. Northerns can be found along the reed beds and in the feeder streams to the Rainy River. Baudette Bay has been a hot spot for northern pike. Many anglers report numbers of jumbo perch, especially at the Northwest Angle and Islands area.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
Crappies and bluegills are biting on most of the smaller area lakes. Water temperatures are rising nicely for this weekend’s fishing opener. Expect good early season fishing in the shallows of Blackduck, Gull and Pimushe lakes. And, anglers reported great crappie action last weekend on Red Lake, especially on jig and minnow combinations worked in 4-6 feet of water.

BEMIDJI FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been great on Cass Lake. Good early season walleye lakes are usually Plantagenet, Bemidji, Kitchi and Cass. Hit the warm, shallow waters during lowlight hours, and move into deeper waters during the day.

BENA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Winnibigoshish, water temperatures are rising and anglers predict a great opener. Shiners are moving into the shallows which should help anglers to locate walleyes–try a fireball jig tipped with a shiner or small chub for the most fish. Hit the Gap area between Big Cutfoot Sioux and Big Winnie since walleyes often return here after spawning in Little Cutfoot Sioux. Also check out the Third River area for numbers of fish.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
On Leech Lake, the fishing opener is expected to be good due to low water levels causing temperatures to rise. Check out the shallow points and bars, as well as the weed edges of the northern bays for the most fish. Try a green or orange jig tipped with a minnow this weekend.

HACKENSACK FISHING REPORT
Some very nice crappies, weighing 2 pounds, are being reported. The best approach has been a jig and crappie minnow in 4-8 feet of water, especially on Child and Birch lakes. The bass are running the shorelines, and although it isn’t bass opener, it is a good sign that the walleyes and northern pike will be right behind for this weekend’s opener.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Crappie action is picking up in the shallows of Big Mantrap Lake. Bluegills action is beginning to improve. Anglers expect this weekend’s opener to be excellent. The walleye have been spawning for the past three weeks, and should be hungry. Shiners typically work best, but bring along some leeches and crawlers as well. Try 12-14 feet of water during the day, and 4-5 foot depths during lowlight hours. For the most fish, check out the Crow Wing Chain, Eagle Island and Potato lakes.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Lake Lida is typically a good spot for walleye on opening day. The best approach should be a shiner minnow in the shallows.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Crappies are biting on the south shore of West Battle Lake–hit the reeds found in 3-4 feet of water for the most fish. Crappies can also be found on Stalker and Elbow lakes, and in the southwest bay of Clitheral Lake. Fathead minnows seem to be working best. The opener should be good for walleye on Ottertail and Silver lakes. For the largest fish, hit West Battle and Clitheral lakes. The best approach should be a shiner or fathead worked in 18-26 feet of water.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
Crappies are hitting small jigs tipped with minnows or waxworms on Ida and Miltona lakes in the warm, shallow bays. The walleye are expected to be in 8-15 feet of water this weekend, especially in the shallow lakes such as Reno, Mary, Stowe, Oscar and Andrew. For the most fish, try a small jig tipped with fathead minnow, leech or crawler.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnewaska, crappies and sunnies remain active despite the cold temperatures. This weekend, walleye action should be best on Emily, Pomme de Terre and Long lakes. Try a rattling rap or shad raps in the shallows for the most fish.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been good on most area lakes in 3-5 feet of water in the sheltered, backwater areas. Small, chartreuse or white jigs tipped with a minnow or plastics have been the most productive approach. For this weekend’s opener, look for walleyes at the first shoreline break, on the sand, just off the cabbage weeds, and near the points that are connected to shore. Try pitching a jig into the weeds, or float a jig tipped with a minnow or leech on a slip float in the weed pockets. Use a slow presentation if the weather is cold and rainy prior to the opener.

CROSSLAKE FISHING REPORT
Anglers are pulling crappies from the shallow bays on live bait. Sunfish are beginning to move into the shallows. This weekend, look for walleyes in 12-20 feet of water, especially on Whitefish, Crosslake and Pelican lakes. The best approach should be a jig tipped with a minnow or leech worked along the flats and weedlines. For northern pike, try a spinnerbait close to shore.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
Gull and Round lakes should be good spots for this weekend’s opener. For the most fish, hit the shallow breaklines using a lindy rig or jig tipped with a shiner minnow.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Mille Lacs, anglers expect a strong opener. Some of the better locations typically include Vineland Bay, Big Point and the North End Sand. Work these areas using a simple presentation in 8-15 feet of water–a leech or minnow on a 6-foot snell with a small floater is usually a good choice. Towards dark, throw a slip bobber, jig and leech combination on your favorite reef.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
Crappies are biting on Little Rock Lake, and at the bayou on the Brigg’s Lake Chain. This weekend, hit the shallows on Little Rock Lake for walleyes.

RICHMOND FISHING REPORT
For this weekend’s opener, try Horseshoe, Schneider or Becker lakes for a mixture of walleyes, crappies and sunfish. Anglers may also want to consider Rice Lake. For walleyes, start in 12-15 feet of water using a leech or shiner. Pearl and Grand lakes are producing a few large crappies. Try a dark flu flu jig tipped with a crappie minnow for the majority of crappies–waxworms have been best for the panfish.

EDEN VALLEY FISHING REPORT
Cedar Island Lake is producing sunnies and crappies in 2-6 feet of water. Clear Lake, near Watkins, is giving up crappies in depths of 6 feet. This weekend, hit Long and Koronis lakes for walleyes. During lowlight hours, work the shallows, and move deeper during the day.

ANNANDALE FISHING REPORT
For crappies and sunnies, try Pleasant, Clearwater or Cedar lakes using flu flu jigs tipped with a minnow or waxworm. For the opener, hit 15-18 foot depths on Clearwater, Sylvia or Cedar lakes for walleyes.

WACONIA FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite has been excellent on Lake Waconia. Local anglers expect this weekend’s opener to be very good. Look for shallow water walleyes along the north shore by Peterson’s Creek, the east shore by the Clay Banks, and along the south shoreline off the Beach. Fish next to shore and move out deeper depending on the wind and time of day. Water clarity is good, so you may have to move to deeper water during the day. Northern pike are plentiful and should be easy to catch due to minimal weed cover. For the most fish, use a sucker minnows, shiner minnow or spoon.

WAYZATA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnetonka, crappies and sunnies can be found in 6-15 feet of water. Good walleye spots for this weekend should be Brown’s and Wayzata Bays. Try minnows first, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other baits as well. And look for northern pike at the 12-14 foot weedlines, and in the channels.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
This weekend, look for walleyes in 6-12 feet of water at the sand. Chisago, South Center, North Center and South Lindstrom lakes are generally good locations. For the most fish, try a leech under a bobber.

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
Crappies have moved into deeper waters. For the most fish, hit the Sawmill on Jefferson Lake. On Lake Washington, work 10-12 feet of water at the Point and at Baker’s Bay. Crappies can be found in 18-23 foot depths on Lake Madison. As the water warms, move to the narrows. And Madison and Washington lakes are generally good locations for walleyes on opening weekend.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Walleye action should be good on the north end of Lake Lac qui Parle for the opener this weekend. Also try fishing the rock piles, and the shallows at Clay Banks using leeches and minnows. And catfish continue to be pulled from the Minnesota River.

ORTONVILLE FISHING REPORT
On Big Stone Lake, the fishing tournament last weekend resulted in some nice catches. For the most fish, try trolling the basin of the lake on the south end using with plugs or spinners in 10-11 feet of water. Also check out 6-7 foot depths along the far north end of the lake using leeches. During evening hours and just after dark have been best, especially when fishing close to shore. The best approach has been either a leech and lindy rig, or bobber fishing with a leech. Another hot spot has been the Meadowbrook area. Most walleyes are averaging 17- to 20-inches, with some larger fish being taken as well.

DNR reminds anglers to purchase fishing licenses early.

The tackle box is organized, the rods have been rigged, the boat has been tuned-up, the destination has been determined - must mean it’s about time for the 2005 Minnesota fishing season.

With the excitement surrounding the opener, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers to make sure they purchase their fishing license before they drop a line in the water.

“One, it’s the law,” explained Linda Erickson-Eastwood, DNR Fisheries Program manager, “and two, most all of our operating revenue comes from license sales.” And that’s a lot of money when you consider Minnesota has about 1.4 million resident and non-resident licensed anglers.

The DNR also urges anglers to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute to purchase their fishing license.

“That way anglers can spend more time on the water fishing instead of standing in long lines,” said Tom Keefe, Electronic Licensing System (ELS) coordinator.

When purchasing a fishing license, ELS agents will once again ask anglers one fishing-related question. These questions are an ongoing part of the ELS process. “It’s one of many tools we use to sample public opinion on important management issues,” Erickson-Eastwood said.

Fishing licenses are required for resident anglers age 16 and older and all non-residents. Non-residents under age 16 may fish without a license if an accompanying parent or guardian is licensed. Licenses can be purchased in person at one of 1,800 statewide ELS agents.

They are also available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us or by phone at: 1-888-MNLICEN (665-4236).

There is a $3.50 convenience fee for telephone or online purchases.

Many new moms choose to eat fish, but not all may know which are the healthiest choices.

More than three-fourths of new Minnesota mothers eat fish at least once a month, but they may not always be eating the fish that are healthiest for them, according to a recent study by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

A survey of 1,500 Minnesota women who had given birth in May of 2004 revealed that 78 percent ate fish at least once a month. Few of the women surveyed had a clear understanding of which fish contain the most mercury, which can be harmful to mothers and their babies.

While over 50 percent of the women knew that mercury is highest in older fish, just 13 percent of the women surveyed knew that mercury is in the meat of the fish rather than in the fat or other parts of the fish. Only 32 percent knew fish that eat other fish are higher in mercury.

The women reported eating both locally-caught and commercial fish. The survey revealed that canned tuna was the most popular type of fish consumed, with 70 percent of respondents saying they eat canned tuna. Thirty-seven percent reported eating locally-caught fish.

“We want Minnesota mothers, as well as all Minnesotans, to eat fish,” said Dianne Mandernach, Minnesota Commissioner of Health. “Fish can be an important part of a balanced, healthy diet, especially for pregnant women and women of childbearing age. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish are important in fetal development. However, we want people who eat fish to be aware that contaminants in fish do pose some risks. That’s why we update, publish and distribute each spring our fish consumption advisory and other materials.”

The department provides fish consumption advice in several different formats, all of which provide guidelines on how much fish people can safely consume while minimizing their risks from contaminants. General statewide consumption guidelines are available online at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/fish/index.html and in the form of an eight-page brochure, “Eat Fish Often?” The advisory contains guidelines for both sport-caught and commercial fish. Generally, the smaller the fish the safer, but some species tend to accumulate more contaminants than others.

A separate publication provides additional guidelines for women of child-bearing age and children. “An Expectant Mother’s Guide to Eating Minnesota Fish” is available in both English and Spanish. In addition to being available online, the mothers’ guide brochure is distributed through health care providers, local public health agencies, WIC clinics and other organizations.

Last year, MDH distributed over 70,000 copies of the Expectant Mother’s Guide brochure. Over 50 percent of those copies were distributed through healthcare providers. Approximately 37 percent of women in the survey had seen the mother’s guide, and of those, 68 percent had seen it primarily through their obstetrician-gynecologist’s office.

“That tells me that women are more likely to obtain our brochures at OB clinics than other sources,” Mandernach said. “We are looking for additional healthcare providers and communities with whom to partner to reach new and expectant mothers. We also need to continue to find innovative ways to reach all those Minnesotans who consume fish often.”

Most nutritionists agree that fish are an excellent food source, high in protein, vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat. Studies have shown that eating fish may help prevent heart disease in adults. However, even fish should be eaten in moderation, because any fish could contain harmful chemicals, such as mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

For most people, one to two meals of fish per week are generally considered optimal for balancing the health benefits and the health risks from contaminants in fish. “Choosing which fish to eat for those meals is important to minimize exposure to mercury and other chemicals in fish,” said Patricia McCann, an environmental scientist for MDH who analyzes data on both Minnesota-caught and commercial fish. “Following the MDH fish consumption guidelines keeps your exposure to a safe level,” McCann said.

Besides the general guidelines, more detailed, site-specific recommendations are available on the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us/index.html or by contacting MDH at (651) 215-0950 or 1-800-657-3908.

Detailed recommendations are available in the Lake Survey Reports produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Lake Survey Reports are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The mother’s guide can be found online at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/fish/forms/index.html.

In general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers and songbirds in their full breeding plumage. Some of the favorites include indigo bunting, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. Towards the end of May, birders have a second opportunity to see these beautiful birds in the far northern regions of Minnesota. Another highlight of mid-May is the annual International Migratory Bird Day. To participate, head to the Windom Wetland Management District in the city of Windom on Saturday, May 7, or to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls on Saturday, May 14. Both events offer guided bird walks, special bird activities, displays and demonstrations.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

Up to four WHITE-FACED IBIS were reported from the marsh behind the Hills sewage ponds in Rock County by Bob Dunlap on May 1st. This is the same location where a single Ibis was reported on April 20th. Several GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES are also being seen in this area.

Shelley Steva found two SHORT-EARED OWLS in Polk County on May 4th. They were along Polk County Road 252, roughly three miles from U.S. Highway 75 near 260th Avenue.

A WESTERN TANAGER has been visiting a feeder in the city of Newport, in Washington County for the past several days. The bird can be seen along 8th Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 61.

On May 5th, Dedrick Benz reported a PIPING PLOVER from Winona County. From the town of Winona, take U.S. Highway 61 south for one mile to Mud Lake, found on the left. The Piping Plover is in the company of several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS.

A variety of shorebirds has been reported from Lake Byllesby in Dakota County over the past week. Species found there include SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, AMERICAN AVOCET, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, BAIRD’S SANDPIPER, WILLET, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, MARBLED GODWIT, and WILSON’S PHALAROPE.

Other recent arrivals include AMERICAN BITTERN, GREEN HERON, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, SEDGE WREN, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, PALM WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, OVENBIRD, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, HARRIS’S SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, BOBOLINK, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

A new requirement, for children under age 10 to wear a life jacket while boating on Minnesota waters, was signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty Thursday and went into effect Friday, May 6. Called the “Grant Allen Law,” the measure was named in memory of the child who drowned after falling out of his father’s boat in 2003.

The new law requires that a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket be worn by children younger than age 10 in boats that are underway or otherwise not tied up to a dock or permanent mooring.

There are a few exceptions to the law. Children are not required to wear a life jacket if they are in a boat’s enclosed cabin or below decks, or on an anchored boat that is being used as a platform for swimming or diving. Also, children on board commercial or charter vessels with a licensed captain are exempt from the life jacket wearing requirement.

Boat operators who violate the law are subject to a written warning for the first offense and a petty misdemeanor for a second offense until May 1, 2006, and a petty misdemeanor for any offense on or after May 1, 2006.

For more information, visit the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.us or call (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

SUMMARY

- requires life jacket to be worn by children less than 10 years of age when aboard watercraft in Minnesota when the craft is under way (not tied up at a dock or permanent mooring)

- exemptions from wearing:

- when in an enclosed cabin or below the top deck on a watercraft - when on an anchored boat that is a platform for swimming or diving - when aboard a charter (passenger) craft with a licensed captain.

PENALTIES

- written warning only for the FIRST offense - until May 1, 2006

- petty misdemeanor for second offense during period above and any offense on or after May 1, 2006.

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.

Lake Vermilion becomes classroom at Governor’s Fishing Opener

Lake Vermilion’s multitude of bays and inlets will become a classroom for hundreds of young anglers on May 13 - 14 as they learn about fishing and fish habitat at the 2005 Governor’s Fishing Opener.

Staff from MinnAqua, the Department of Natural Resources angler retention and recruitment program, will lead sessions on casting, knot tying, fish identification, fish art and more throughout the weekend. Youth from 4-H, Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and Boys and Girls Clubs will go fishing with local partners.

“Opening weekend is a great celebration of fishing,” said Jenifer Matthees, MinnAqua program coordinator. “There is not a better time to get young anglers involved and excited about the sport.”

Since its inception in 1990, MinnAqua has reached out to almost 500,000 individuals through programs that promote aquatic stewardship and recruit future anglers.

In the past 15 years, MinnAqua has been recognized by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation as one of the premier aquatics education programs in the country.

MinnAqua has formed long-term partnerships with the Great Lakes Aquarium, Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota Extension Service, Minnesota Department of Education, and the University of Minnesota.

MinnAqua is developing a classroom curriculum for elementary school educators that integrates fisheries education, Minnesota academic standards, and environmental literacy with angling and aquatics education. This curriculum has gone through a strenuous evaluation process including reviews by experts in fisheries and education.

“The MinnAqua activities at the Governor’s Fishing Opener are part of the new curriculum,” Matthees said. “We’re very excited and pleased to be part of the event.”

More information on MinnAqua is available online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

With the retreat of winter’s icy grip, southeastern Minnesota streams have once again regained their hold on anglers who spent winter dreaming of flies, spinners, bobbers and, of course, trout. But just beyond the tranquil scenes of springtime fishing are significant changes in regulations on 22 trout streams in six counties.

The regulations, which took effect when the stream trout season opened April 16, require anglers to release fish of certain sizes in order to produce larger trout for anglers to catch in the future. The regulations are the product of several years of work and debate among the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local citizens, Trout Unlimited, and Minnesota Trout Association.

“We learned that trout anglers want a variety of experiences,” said Jason Moeckel, DNR assistant regional fisheries manager in Rochester. “Some want larger fish. Others want more fish. For still others, it’s taking a few fish home to eat. 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.”

Southeastern 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. Moeckel said the new regulations apply to about 129 miles of the top trout waters.

Special regulations can help grow larger fish in catch-and-release-only streams and protect larger fish in streams with protective slot limits. But they’re not a cure-all, Moeckel said.

“Our long-range plan for cold-water resources details further efforts to monitor trout populations, conduct angler surveys andd improve trout habitat,” he said. “It also calls for us to work with citizen groups, landowners, and industry to improve watersheds and water quality.”

Anglers might not notice significant changes in the number or size of trout they catch for several years. The new regulations appear in the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook and will be posted at public accesses on affected streams. See 2005 trout fishing regulations in southeastern Minnesota online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Reprinted with permission from Minnesota Conservation Volunteer. For a free subscription, call (651) 296-6157 or 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

With the start of the 2005 boating and fishing season approaching, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking boaters and anglers to keep up the good work in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

By taking a few simple steps, like removing all aquatic plants from their boatsand trailers, emptying water from live wells and bait containers and other areas containing water, boaters can do their part to help stop aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels in the state’s water bodies. Boaters should also remember to dispose of unwanted live bait including worms and minnows in the trash rather than dumping them in the lakes and woods.

“Thanks to boaters and invasive species awareness efforts, the DNR believes the distribution of aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels is much less than it could be,” said Jay Rendall, DNR invasive species program coordinator. “The potential to spread aquatic invasive species and several fish diseases increases each year and we need Minnesotans to continue with their high level of action.”

The DNR is using a combination of radio and television ads, signs at public accesses, watercraft inspections, and public service announcements throughout the state to get the message out.

“Precautions should now be part of the routine for boaters,” Rendall said. “These simple precautions help boaters comply with the state laws that prohibit the transport of aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species.”

Last year, DNR biologists found eight additional waters infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bringing the total number of infested water bodies in the state to 160.

Zebra mussels are abundant in the Mississippi River downstream of Minneapolis and in the Duluth harbor. Inland waters known to be infested with zebra mussels include Lake Zumbro, an inland lake north of Rochester, and Lake Ossawinnamakee, near Brainerd.

Spiny waterflea are tiny zooplankton that may attach to fishing lines, down riggers, and other boating equipment. Waters where they are found include Saganaga Lake in northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Lake Superior, and Island Lake and Fish Lake, which are both about 20 miles northwest of Duluth and popular destinations for anglers who also fish Lake Superior.

More information about aquatic invasive species and the complete list of infested waters can be found in the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet.

The Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to establish the Invasive Species Program in 1991 to address problems caused by aquatic invasive species. The program is responsible for preventing introductions, curbing their spread, and management of invasive species of aquatic plants and wild animals.