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. Minnesota DNR is accepting comments through Sept. 11 on this proposal, which involves about 125 miles of trout waters in 11 Minnesota counties.
The list of proposed changes with a map can be viewed on the Minnesota DNR website.
The proposals to add or remove trout water designations involve the following seven area fisheries offices:
- Duluth proposes to designate 28 miles of streams and remove the designation from 16 miles of stream and one stream trout lake
- Lanesboro proposes to designate 72 additional miles of streams
- Lake City proposes to designate 24 new miles of streams
- West Metro proposes to designate one additional mile of stream
- Grand Rapids proposes to remove the designation from 18 miles of streams and one lake
- Finland proposes to remove the designation from three stream trout lakes
- Grand Marais proposes to remove the designation from one stream trout lake.
“The list of designated trout streams and lakes would change under this proposal,” said Dean Paron, DNR stream habitat supervisor. “Every few years we update the list to make sure management and regulations align with the potential of the streams and lakes to support trout.”
Landowners along the affected waters have already received letters mailed directly to their residences. Following the letters, the Minnesota DNR met with and discussed the proposed designations with landowners who wanted more information about the potential changes.
Trout stream and stream trout lake designations are necessary for the DNR to regulate trout fishing seasons and methods. Designations also allow staff to improve angler access, fish habitat and ensure heightened protection for these sensitive areas.
“People might wonder why designations change for trout waters. In some cases, environmental conditions improve or worsen. In others, new information about trout habitats shows us they need to be protected, or conversely, that we’re focusing resources to protect some streams and lakes that can’t support trout,” Paron said.
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]. People can also provide comment by mail to Minnesota DNR, 525 Lake Ave. S., Suite 415, Duluth, MN 55802. The DNR will accept comments until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.
More information on trout streams is available on the DNR’s trout webpage.