Take A Mom Fishing Weekend set for May 7-8

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites mothers, who are Minnesota residents, to fish without a license on Take A Mom Fishing Weekend, May 7-8.

“Take A Mom Fishing Weekend was intended to make it easier for families to be together when the fishing opener fell on Mother’s Day,” said Linda Erickson-Eastwood, DNR fisheries program manager. “Even though it doesn’t fall on the fishing opener this year, it’s still a good chance for families to get together.”

During Take A Mom Fishing Weekend, the harvest on inland waters may include crappie, sunfish, rock bass, white bass, channel and flathead catfish, perch, bullhead, whitefish and non-game species (carp buffalo, sucker, sheepshead, bowfin, burbot, cisco, gar, goldeye and redhorse) as well as brown, rainbow and brook trout in streams. Families choosing to fish on border waters during Take A Mom Fishing Weekend have a wider variety of options when it comes to harvesting fish.

Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to fish for species of fish during a closed season, such as walleye, even on a catch-and-release basis.

Additional information regarding what anglers can legally harvest during Take A Mom Fishing Weekend can be found in the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook or on the DNR’s Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The 2005 fishing season for inland waters opens on May 14, with the exception of muskellunge and smallmouth and largemouth bass in some parts of the state.

“Regulations can and often do vary between bodies of water,” Erickson-Eastwood said. “Before families take their moms fishing, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the regulations on the lake or river they plan to fish.”

Licenses for the 2005 fishing season are on sale now and can be purchased at one of 1,800 electronic license agents throughout Minnesota, by calling the toll free number 1-888-665-4256, and on the DNR’s Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

DNR magazine explores fishing opener traditions

On May 14, thousands of Minnesotans will join family and friends and head to the lake to participate in a beloved tradition - the fishing opener.

On their way, they’ll crowd highways, restaurants, gas stations, resorts, campgrounds and boat launches, collectively spending between $3 and $5 million over opening weekend, according to tourism estimates reported in the Department of Natural Resources ((DNR) May-June “Minnesota Conservation Volunteer”.

The magazine’s cover story, “Opening Day,” explores the traditions that draw Minnesotans to the lake, fishing-opener rituals and weather trends, behind-the-scenes activities that support the weekend’s events and the opener’s impact on walleye.

According to the story, in the first two weeks of the season, anglers catch about 40 percent of the 3 to 4 million walleye harvested in a typical year, but walleye fisheries are replenished through natural reproduction as well as some stocking.

“Walleye are plentiful in this state, and we’re in no danger of overharvesting,” said Jack Wingate, research manager for DNR Fish and Wildlife.

Also in the May-June magazine, readers will find beautifully photographed stories and facts about Minnesota’s ferns, glacial-strewn boulders, and Minneopa State Park.

The issue’s Young Naturalists story introduces young readers to basic camping skills, gear, safety and fun.

“Minnesota Conservation Volunteer” is supported by readers’ donations. Subscriptions are free to Minnesotans, $20 for out-of-state subscribers. To request a copy or subscribe, call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

To read the magazine or subscribe online, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is the city of Duluth, where numbers of coho salmon, chinooks, kamloops, steelhead, crappies and perch are being taken.

The opening dates for the 2005/2006 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, -May 14; largemouth and smallmouth bass, -May 28; and muskie -June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

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

==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH FISHING REPORT
Anglers trolling the top 10 feet of water on Lake Superior are taking good numbers of cohos, chinooks and kamloops using purple or pink stickbaits on the surface. Along the North Shore, steelhead continue to move into the rivers–for the most fish, hit the Lester, French, Sucker and Knife rivers using yarn flies and spawn bugs. Coho salmon action is great off the river mouths, along the shorelines. Try white looper bugs, and worms just off the bottom for some good action. Crappie action has been best on Caribou, Elora, Nickles and Grand lakes. Perch remain active on Pike Lake.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
Cold temperatures this past week have kept anglers off of Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, however water temperatures and lake levels continue to rise. Crappie anglers are finding some fish in the deeper waters. Northern pike action has been fair on Lake Namakan in the shallow, weedy bays. The majority of fishing action lately has been for suckers, which are being taken on a hook and line–as of May 1st, anglers may also use nets and spears.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
The northern pike season is open on the border waters of the Rainy River, however all fish between 30- and 40-inches must be released immediately, and only one northern over 40 inches is allowed. The lake sturgeon season opened April 24 and will remain open until May 7. The regular fishing season is expected to be a good one.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Cold temperatures have caused crappies to move into deeper waters, with one angler pulling crappies from 40 feet of water just a couple of days ago. The smelt have also moved into deeper waters, and if the cold temperatures remain, there may not be much of a smelt run.

==============================
NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
On Lake of the Woods, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been great at Four Mile Bay. Sturgeon anglers can also watch the Minnesota DNR Fisheries personnel tag these monsters. There were 371 northern pike weighed in, and over 300 fish released, at the 9th Annual Ice-Out Trophy Pike Tournament at Zippel Bay last weekend. Fish between the 30- to 40-inch slot were not weighed. The largest northern weighed 19 pounds, 3 ounces.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
Anglers took limits of crappies from Upper Red Lake last weekend. The best approach was a jig and minnow under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Recent cold temperatures have moved both crappies and sunnies into deeper waters on most area lakes.

BEMIDJI FISHING REPORT
Trout fishing has been good on area streams, such as Clearwater, Kabekona and Necktie. For sunnies and crappies, try fishing the edge of the reeds and brush piles on Plantagenet, Bemidji and Big lakes.

BENA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Winnibigoshish, DNR Fisheries personnel are already done taking eggs from the Little Cutfoot walleye stripping station. The eggs will be used to help stock walleyes in lakes throughout the state. Anglers predict that the early ice out will lead to excellent walleye fishing by the May 14th opener. Crappie anglers had been doing well on area lakes, however recent cold temperatures have caused the crappies to retreat into deeper waters. Until the weather warms back up, vertically jig in depths of 18-25 feet–electronics will help you locate these fish. Once temperatures warm, move back into the shallows and switch to a slip bobber and small jig tipped with a power grub or small minnow.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
A few anglers are venturing out for perch and crappies on Leech Lake. Crappie action has been best in the bays of Leech Lake, and in the shallows of Pleasant, Birch and Ten Mile lakes.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite has been best on Big Mantrap Lake, with waxworms and minnows taking fish from the shallows. For brown trout, hit the Straight River.

DETROIT LAKES FISHING REPORT
Crappies and sunnies were very active on area lakes until the weather turned cold and windy. Most of the fish were being caught in the shallow bays in 3-5 feet of water on little nipper jigs and tiny tails placed under a float. Sunfish can still be found in the shallows, but the crappies have moved back to deeper water areas. Try fishing the first deep break out from the shallow water bays and you should find fish. Once the temperatures rise, expect the crappies to move back into the shallow water bays of Little Detroit, Little Cormorant, Pelican, Floyd, Cotton, Big Cormorant, Crystal and Lizzie lakes.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Last week, anglers were catching fish on Sand, Prairie, Lida and Mud lakes. Crappie action has slowed this week due to cold and windy weather.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Although fishing has slowed, crappies can still be found on most area lakes using crappie minnows and fatheads in the shallow bays. Some of the better locations include West Battle, Clitheral, Blanche and Stalker lakes.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite was excellent last week, however the cold temerpatures have slowed things down. Last weekend, anglers were taking numbers of fish from the shallows of Miltona, Ida, Latoka, Oscar, Lobster, Darling, Geneva and Le Homme Dieu lakes. The best approach was a tube jig, cubbie, powerbait or gulp tipped with a minnow. Warmer weather is forecasted for next week, when good fishing action should resume.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnewaska, the cold temperatures have not seemed to slow the panfish and crappie bite. At the Starbuck Marina, anglers continue to catch numbers off fish right off the docks. For crappies, use a jig and crappie minnow; for sunfish, switch to small leeches or waxworms. On the Glenwood end of the lake, near the Fish Hatchery, many anglers fishing from boat are having success using the same presentations. Channel catfish action has been excellent on the Chippewa River near Benson, with fresh chicken livers and nightcrawlers taking the most fish. The river is currently high, which will be good for the walleye season opener.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
The channels and backwater areas are the key locations for finding crappies at this time. Good crappie options include Crosslake, Rush, Margaret and Pelican lakes. Locate water temperatures over 50 degrees and you’ll locate crappies. The best baits have been small jigs tipped with minnows or puddle jumpers. When fishing at dusk, search for a lighted dock or bridge, which seem to be crappie magnets this time of year.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
Anglers continue to catch crappies, despite the recent cold temperatures. For the most fish, hit the shallows using a pink jighead tipped with a pearl white puddle jumper. Crappie minnows are the second best approach. Recommended lakes include Gull Lake Chain, North Long, Hubert, and many of the smaller area lakes. Nice-sized bluegill are being pulled from the small, muddy bays using small hair jigs tipped with a waxworm.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
On Lake Mille Lacs, a few anglers are venturing out in search of crappies and perch. For the most fish, hit the bays along the south end of the lake.

===================
TWIN CITIES VICINITY FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
Fishing has slowed with the cool temperatures. On Grand and Rice lakes, crappies have moved into deeper waters–try 7-10 feet of water with a flu flu and crappie minnow for the most fish. Panfish action has also slowed a bit. The best approach has been a waxworm in depths of 4-7 feet. On Lake Koronis, panfish are hitting in the bay off Hwy 55. Anglers continue to pull panfish from the deep waters near the shallow water bays on Brigg’s and Little Rock lakes, as well as on the Mississippi River. For some good catfish action, hit the holes in the channels on Horseshoe Lake.

ANNANDALE FISHING REPORT
Anglers are taking some crappies from Greenshed, Horseshoe, McBrides and Osterbee bays on Clearwater Lake.

WACONIA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Waconia, Waconia Bay and the much of the northern end of the lake are giving up crappies on flu flus and minnows.

WAYZATA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnetonka, the bite has been tough, however consistent days of sunshine should result in greater action. For the most fish, try a small jig or ice fly tipped with a waxworm in 8-10 feet of water. Use a slow presentation due to cold water tempertures.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
Sunnies and crappies are biting on most area lakes. Many shore anglers are catching numbers of fish in the shallows, with the largest fish found in 8-12 foot depths. Some of the better locations include Chisago, North and South Center lakes, as well as the beach on South Lindstrom Lake. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a waxworm, crappie minnow or panfish leech. The St. Croix River walleye fishing opener, this Saturday, April 30, is expected to be good near Franconia.

=====================
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

WABASHA FISHING REPORT
Large walleye are biting on the Mississippi River. Anglers are taking fish by trolling #11 firetiger rapalas, as well as by using spinnerbaits, casting spoons, and sucker minnows. Last weekend, a young woman caught a northern weighing nearly 16 pounds. Stripers are hitting jig and minnow combinations below the Alma Dam. Action at the foot of Lake Pepin has also been good.

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
Anglers report catching crappies on most area lakes in 10-12 feet of water. Off Buckmasters on Madison Lake, shore anglers are catching sunnies and crappies on a slip bobber and crappie minnow. Between German and Jefferson lakes, crappies are hitting chartreuse or orange flu flus and tube jigs cast from shore. On Washington Lake, try working 10-12 feet of water in Baker’s Bay, or just off the narrows in depths of 15-18 feet.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been okay on Lake Lac Qui Parle. Catfish action has been excellent on the Minnesota River. For this Saturday’s walleye opener on Big Stone Lake, work the shallows at the very south or north ends of the lake using a slow presentation. A jig tipped with a minnow or leech should produce fish, especially during evening hours.

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.

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.”