Minnesota Steelheader

Silver, bighead carp were caught by commercial fishermen March 1 in Mississippi River near Winona (Released March 5, 2012) A silver carp and a bighead carp were caught in a seine net by commercial fishermen March 1 in Pool 6 of the Mississippi River near Winona, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Silver and bighead carp, members of the Asian carp family, are nonnative species that can cause serious ecological problems as they spread into new waters . The silver carp caught last week, which weighed about 8 pounds, represents the farthest upstream discovery to date of the species, known for its tendency to leap from the water when startled. “A silver carp discovery this far upstream is discouraging, but not surprising,” said Tim Schlagenhaft of the DNR’s Mississippi River Team at Lake City. “This is further evidence that Asian carp continue to move upstream in the Mississippi River.” “We hope this galvanizes meaningful action to slow down the uprive...

With our Sucker River clean up efforts just around the corner, this news release seems fitting to share. Conservation officers report litter on Minnesota roadways, waterways (Released February 23, 2012) Weekly activity reports from conservation officers (COs) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are littered with evidence of various types of refuse being discarded along Minnesota roads and waterways. “We’re seeing everything from wooden fish house blocking materials on lakes to old appliances in roadway ditches,” said Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement Division director. Littering is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000. Konrad said the DNR wants everyone to keep roadways and waterways clean by properly disposing of used materials with their local refuse haulers or at their local landfill. Konrad added that litter tarnishes nature’s beauty, destroys wildlife habitats and ruins many opportunities for recreation. Read the whole DNR news release here .

Minnesota’s Wolf Management Plan to take effect Jan. 27 (Released January 19, 2012) Minnesota’s population of wolves will transition from federal protection to state management by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Jan. 27, bringing with that transition a number of law changes. Minnesota’s Wolf Management Plan will protect wolves and monitor their population, but also give owners of livestock and domestic pets more protection from wolf depredation. The plans splits the state into two management zones, with more protective regulations in the northern third, considered the wolf’s core range. “The DNR is well-prepared to manage gray wolves and ensure the long-term survival of the species,” said Ed Boggess, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division director. “The state’s Wolf Management Plan will allow Minnesotans more flexibility to address the real conflicts that occur between wolves and humans.” The major change with state management is the ability of individual people to d...

(Released November 15, 2010)  Citizens interested in learning about or commenting on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strategies for managing Grand Marais area lakes and streams have until Dec. 31, to ask questions or submit comments. “Management plans describe the past, present and desired future conditions of the waters,” said Steve Persons, Grand Marais Area Fisheries supervisor. “The plans identify specific management activities planned for that lake or stream in the next five to 20 years.” Every year DNR fisheries staff prepares or revises individual lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area. The Rivers that have special interest to us here at Minnesota Steelheader are the two rivers that are habitable to migratory and young Steelhead.  The rivers are: Flute Reed River - managed for steelhead, plan will focus on acquisition, habitat protection and restoration, and monitoring. Onion River - managed fo...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making changes to the way it raises, stocks and manages trout under its statewide trout program. The changes will have minimal effect on anglers but will result in an immediate savings of about $70,000 in electrical and feed expenses, and up to $200,000 annually when changes are fully implemented. Effective this year, the DNR will close a portion of its French River Hatchery near Duluth, shift trout production among various hatcheries, and reduce or eliminate stocking in 60 lakes and streams. This will take place in areas where results have not met expectations or where self-sustaining trout populations have been established. The new approach follows an in-depth assessment by DNR staff and implements various aspects of the DNR’s Lake Superior and southeast Minnesota trout plans. Last year, the DNR stocked 2.2 million trout at a cost of $2.4 million. In recent years the DNR’s trout program has included 615 designated trout streams, ...

Accessible fishing pier now available at McQuade Small Craft Harbor : With the addition of an accessible fishing pier, McQuade Small Craft Harbor now offers opportunities for everyone to fish Lake Superior, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The harbor facility, located nine miles north of the Duluth Harbor entry, is fully accessible including: parking, paved walkways, a pedestrian tunnel, docks, benches, drinking water and rest rooms. The fishing pier has protective railings and is built out from the breakwater to provide for lake fishing. Access to fishing on Lake Superior is limited for many Minnesotans and visitors who do not have the type of boat necessary to navigate the big lake. Opportunities for shorefishing are limited as well, especially for people with disabilities. The McQuade Small Craft Harbor was completed this summer. Besides fishing piers, the facility offers a three-plus acre harbor where small craft can find shelter from storms, three...