Comments are open on trout stream and lake designations
Landowners along the affected waters have already received letters mailed directly to their residence. Non-landowners can provide comments on the DNR's proposed changes using the following methods:
- Email: Dean Paron, stream habitat supervisor, [email protected]
- Phone: Dean Paron, stream habitat supervisor, 651-259-5205
- Mail: Minnesota DNR, 525 Lake South, Suite 415, Duluth, MN 55802
The DNR will accept comments through Friday, September 11th, 2026.
Under a proposal from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, some streams and lakes with the cold, clear water needed to support trout populations would be newly designated as trout streams and stream trout lakes, affording them a higher level of protection under state law. Some other waterbodies that are unable to support trout would no longer receive the designation. This proposal involves about 125 miles of trout waters in 11 Minnesota counties.
Trout stream and stream trout lake designations are necessary for the DNR to regulate trout fishing seasons and methods. Deignations also allow staff to improve angler access, fish habitat and ensure heightened protection for those sensitive areas.
Proposed change maps
To provide comment, ask questions or to learn about specific streams or lakes under consideration, contact the relevant area fisheries office or Dean Paron, stream habitat supervisor, at 651-259-5205 or [email protected].
More information on trout streams is available on the DNR's trout webpage.
Duluth proposes to designate 28 miles of streams and remove the designation from 16 miles of stream and one stream trout lake
Duluth north map Duluth south mapGrand Rapids proposes to remove the designation from 18 miles of streams and one lake.
North Grand Rapids map South Grand Rapids mapLanesboro proposes to designate 72 additional miles of streams.
Lanesboro north map Lanesboro south map Lanesboro east map Lanesboro central map