Anglers are invited to share their thoughts on proposed fishing regulations changes for the St. Croix River from the Taylors Falls dam to the confluence with the Mississippi River at Prescott, Wisconsin.
Below the dam, the proposed rules would simplify regulations for a variety of species by creating continuous seasons for walleye, northern pike and bass, and lower possession limits for those and several other species. Additionally, in the river from the Taylors Falls dam to the U.S. Highway 8 bridge, fishing would be closed March 2 through June 15 to protect spawning fish that are present in higher numbers below the dam.
“We want to maximize fishing opportunities and maintain sustainable fish populations,” said Joel Stiras, metro river specialist with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We’d like to know how anglers respond to these proposals and there are a variety of ways to let us know.”
Anyone can share their thoughts on the Engage with DNR webpage. A public in-person meeting about the proposed regulations is scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Stillwater Public Library, Margaret Rivers B Room. People can also comment by calling Stiras at 651-259-5806, emailing at [email protected], or sending mail to Joel Stiras, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106.
The proposed regulation changes follow evaluations by the Minnesota DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources looking at ways to simplify regulations in Minnesota-Wisconsin St. Croix River border waters. Most of the proposed changes would match the regulations of the Mississippi River border waters.