Fish Management
- Fish Population Management
- Stocking Program
- Fish Fry
- Youth Contest
Northern Pike Tip from Jeff Stanway
I want to share some useful information about Northern Pike from the DNR. They encourage people that fish lakes with an abundance of Pike to to keep small Northern Pike, and release larger ones (24″ or longer).
Small Northern Pike often cause the following problems:
- Low perch numbers, resulting in a reduced forage base for Walleye, Bass, and large Northern Pike
- Reduced survival of juvenile Walleye and Bass due to predation.
- Poor growth rate for Northern Pike due to intensive competition for food.
- Greater likelihood of slow-growing or stunted Sunfish (few Perch to control the Sunfish population causes an overabundance)
Voluntary release of all Northern Pike 24″ and over is encouraged. Large Northern Pike prey on small Pike and help reduce their numbers.
Be sure to follow the limit regulations for all species. Keep small Northern Pike (under 24″) for a tasty meal. Northern Pike make great meals, but many people dislike them because of the Y-bones in their fillets.
Stay safe on the water, and always wear a Coast Guard approved flotation device. Remember to take a kid fishing!
Anglers for Habitat is a recently formed coalition made up of the DNR Fisheries Roundtable participants; which brings together; Bass, Walleye, Muskie, Northern Pike, Trout, Panfish, multi-species and bow fishing anglers, the Minnesota DNR; along with many lakeshore associations, environmentalist and conservation groups.
It is hoped that through this coalition; MN Anglers can have a voice in matters affecting habitat, Sportfishing, fishing regulations and conservation in the State legislature. Our concern is with clean water, healthy lakes and rivers, protecting Minnesota’s rich aquatic biodiversity and passing our fishing legacy on to future generations. Sportfishing in Minnesota has positive economic, social and recreational benefits. We are committed to supporting sound scientific fisheries management practices.
Anglers realize that poor water management, run-off and pollution which occurs up-stream; in fields and forests has an impact on water, streams, rivers and lakes. Development on or around lakes decreases habitat. Part of the problem is that most lakeshore is in the hands of individual lakeshore owners. And many forms of public funding for projects can only be used for public lands which allow all citizens to have access to hunt or fish in or on. So, it looks like that even though we can legally fish in the lakes we can’t fund projects or plans that affect the privately owned lakeshore. Historically concerned citizens have been working as individuals with the DNR to reverse the habitat loss which seems to accompany lakeshore development. They have accomplished much; Alternative shoreline management rules, a 25 year Aquatic Management and acquisition plan, and development of whole lake plans especially as they relate to lake vegetation and preventing the spread of invasive exotic’s . But a handful of concerned citizens can only do so much, it is our vision that our coalition can put more oars in the water for habitat.