|
|
|
Minnesota
DNR Announcements
Minnesota DNR - Laws
| Licenses | Lake
Finder
DNR
Fisheries Update | URL
Black Crappie Outlook
On the Way to Recovery | Crappie
Fishing Limit
Upper Red Lake Crappies
MN
DNR Announces: Upper Red Lake tributaries will be closed
RELEASE DATE: 2001-04-24
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a fishing closure today on
two major tributaries to Upper Red Lake to protect spawning walleye.
Minnesota DNR Fishing
2001
Minnesota Fishing Regulations.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
View 2002 Fishing Regulations
Effective March 1, 2002
Minnesota
Online Electronic Fishing & Hunting Licenses.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
You can buy hunting and fishing licenses, cross-country ski passes, snowmobile trail stickers and apply for hunting lotteries online.
Licensing by phone While the current distribution of agents around the state should provide plenty of available locations for purchasing licenses, ELS provides a telephone alternative for individuals who prefer to shop by telephone. Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses may be purchased nationwide via credit card by dialing 1-888-665-4236 (1-MN-LICENse) at any time of the day or night, seven days a week. The toll-free call provides immediate licensing by way of a license identification number, which will be issued at the time of the call. The license identification number is valid until an actual license has been received in the mail by the customer. There is an additional $3.50 service fee per call.
Lake Finder.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Excellent resource to find lake
survey reports and lake depth maps for your favorite fishing spot.
DNR
Fisheries Update
January 2002
By Gary Barnard, DNR
I would like to wish
everyone a happy holiday season from the Area Fisheries Office in Bemidji. It
looks like we are finally getting what most anglers have been wishing for,
enough ice for winter fishing I hope everyone uses some discretion during this
early period until ice is thick enough for safe travel.
The latest news from the Area Fisheries Office is that Ted Sledge has taken a
promotional opportunity and moved to the Fisheries Project Coordinator position
at the Bemidji Regional Office. We all wish Ted the best of luck in his new
position. He assured me that he still has a strong interest in Red Lake, which
is good news since the coordinator position is rumored to have some influence
over area budgets.
We have just recently hired Andrew "Andy" Thompson to replace Ted as
our Large Lake Specialist for Upper Red and Cass Lake. Andy comes to us from the
Iowa DNR, where he worked in a similar capacity in the Long Term Monitoring
Program on the Mississippi River. We welcome Andy aboard and I hope to get a
chance to introduce him to URLAA group soon at one of your Association meetings.
I am sure you will enjoy working with Andy, as he will with you.
There is also additional news to report on the status of the Red Lake Walleye
Recovery Project. If you read my report from an earlier news letter this fall
you will recall that the majority of the walleye sampled from the 1999 and 2001
year classes have been positively identified as originating from our fry
stocking in those years. In fact, about 82% of the young-of-the-year walleye
sampled in Upper Red Lake in 2001 carried the mark identifying them as stocked
fish. While we were hoping to see a higher proportion attributed to natural reproduction,
the news is not that bad. With the exceptional catch rate of the young-of-the-year
walleye last summer (165 per seine haul), the 18% of the sample attributed to natural
reproduction would have resulted in a catch rate of about (29 per seine haul)
without any stocking. That catch rate of naturally produced walleye exceeds all
previous sampling since 1985. This is a very encouraging indication that the
protection of our existing spawning stock is beginning to meet our objective of reestablishing
a self-sustaining walleye population. Remember that none of the walleye from the
1999 stocking are mature yet, so this contribution of natural reproduction is
coming from fish we have been protecting since the walleye closure was
implemented in 1999.
The challenge we will be facing in the next few years will be maintaining the
current level of support for the walleye harvest closure until the population is
fully recovered. As anglers continue to catch and release more of the larger
mature fish and the stocked 1999 year class (now 11-13 inches long) become more
desirable, interest in reopening the fishery will intensify. Initiating this
recovery project and implementing a harvest closure would have been extremely
difficult without the support of local residents and the business community.
Your continued support will be even more valuable as we try to see this recovery
project through to completion While some anglers may have some short sighted
interest in beginning to harvest as soon as possible, we have all invested far
too much too much to risk reopening this fishery before we are confident that
resumed harvest will not set back the recovery process. those of you with more
at stake than short term gain can do much to promote the patience that will be
necessary to see this process through. Andy and I look forward to working
closely with the Association as we tackle the challenges ahead.
For more information Contact: Andy
Thompson or Gary Barnard, DNR Bemidji Area Fisheries Manager 218 755-2974
URL Black Crappie Outlook
March 30, 2001
By Ted J. Sledge
Large Lake Specialist
For a few years now, black crappie fishing on Upper Red Lake has been
phenomenal. Anglers from all parts of Minnesota and neighboring states have been
enjoying an unprecedented crappie fishery especially during the winter months.
Needless to say, the current Upper Red Lake crappie rush will be entrenched in
anglers minds for years to come.
Now, coming on the heels of this success, anglers are
asking "Can the
DNR manage crappie to sustain this high quality fishery for the long term
through the use of special regulations?" More than likely, not.
Following a decline in walleye numbers and the subsequent collapse of the
fishery in the mid 1990s, black crappie flourished primarily due to the
production of a super strong year class of fish hatched in 1995. This year class
of fish was by far the largest ever seen on Upper Red Lake.
Although there has been some natural reproduction following this year class,
the numbers are not nearly as great. As the walleye population recovers, mother
nature suggests that the competition between these species will favor walleye,
and crappie numbers will most likely decline to previous levels.
Some anglers have even questioned if it is wise to be attempting walleye
recovery if it results in the demise of this incredible crappie fishery. It
needs to be understood that the current fish community is by no means a stable
situation. Fortunately, the crappie has been the opportunistic species to
prosper rather than a less desirable species such as the freshwater drum (sheeps-head).
Walleye have been the dominant fish species in Upper Red Lake for the last
century, and there is no doubt they are the most ecologically suited for the
available habitat. The sooner the walleye population can be restored to
sustainable levels, the quicker the entire fish community can attain a
reasonable level of stability.
Although the current level of fishing pressure and crappie harvest appears
immense, a relatively small portion of the lake is being fished.
If not
harvested, most crappie will eventually die due to natural causes. At age five
this dominant crappie year class has probably already peaked in biomass which
means the rate of loss through natural mortality is now exceeding the rate of
gain (individual growth).
Most regulations can only be effective when a fish population can adequately
maintain itself through relatively consistent reproduction. Although unlikely,
black crappie may pull off another strong year class to support the fishery, but
like the fishery today, this would only provide temporary high quality fishing.
Keep in mind that the population of mature crappie's that created this
dominant year class was not particularly abundant, so spawning conditions and
the lack of competition probably played a larger roll than spawner abundance. At
this time, it makes little biological sense to use more restrictive regulations
to manage the black crappie fishery on Upper Red Lake that is based on one
extraordinary year class of fish.
Currently, the black crappie fishery is providing an economic bridge for area
businesses during walleye recovery efforts and anglers should enjoy what mother
nature has to offer. Crappie will always be present
in Upper Red Lake and
provide angling opportunities, but in time as this dominant year class ages,
fishing success will likely decrease to levels anglers were accustomed to prior
to the "boom."
On the Way to
Recovery
Effect on Crappies
By Bob Ekstrom - DNR
Summer 2000
As most anglers in the upper Midwest know, crappie fishing on Upper Red Lake was nothing short of spectacular last winter. Although there were times when crappie were hard to come by. Most nights ice fishing they were so aggressive that anglers with flash depth finders would simply cause the blip that represented a presumed crappie fishery, and another crappie would be added to the bucket.
Without a doubt, this crappie fishery is the best we will ever see in Minnesota. And without a doubt, it is going to go away. Most of the crappies anglers caught last winter were from the 1995 year class. Crappies from this year class ranged in length from 9.5 to 11 inches, and averaged 10.2 inches.
Given that crappie can live to be teenagers in the Red Lakes, this year class will be providing anglers with quality sport fishery for at least five more years, and likely longer. The big question now is "will the 1995 year class be able to replace itself?"
At this point in time, I just don't know. Hopefully, fieldwork from this summer will help answer that question. However, in most lakes with healthy walleye populations, we think that walleye control the crappie population by eating most of the young crappie. That is what most likely used to happen to Red Lake and explains why crappie and other prey species increased in abundance dramatically after the collapse of the walleye population.
Walleye are voracious predators, and their "virtual' absence from the ecosystem in the early to mid 1990's allowed a unique population of prey fishes to develop and flourish in a virtually predator free situation. All that is changing now... the walleye of the Red Lakes are back!!
Although far from recovered, walleye are now abundant enough that most who fish the lake have probably caught one, some anglers have caught quite a few. Most walleye are from 1996 or 1997 year class. Although not particularly strong year classes, historically speaking, they have had the benefit of complete protection their entire life and virtually no competition for food or space.
That translates into a phenomenal growth rates, and very low population mortality. That's the good news. The not quite so good news is that only the males from 1996 year class are sexually mature this year, so it is not likely that we will produce a strong year class in 2000.
At this time, however, we are optimistic that the fry we stocked in 1999 (with much help from local volunteers!) grew large enough last year to survive their first winter, their last critical hoop to jump through. If that is indeed the case, we are off to a very good start on the road to recovery of the Red Lakes walleye population.
Crappie anglers on Upper Red Lake
must observe 15 fish limit.
March 9,2000
WASKISH, Minn. - Crappie fishing on Upper Red Lake has helped to revitalize the winter economy in this small northern Minnesota community.
Mild winter weather and hot crappie action have attracted upwards of 2000 anglers most weekends, and several hundred on weekday evenings.
According to Lt. James Dunn, District Enforcement Supervisor for
the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) at Baudette, better than 99 percent of anglers are complying with the statewide, daily and possession
limit of 15 crappie. Even so, DNR conservation officers issued 17 citations last week for crappie over-limits; nine of them on Saturday, March 3.
"Much of the problem seems to happen when the fishing gets good and people stop counting," said Dunn. "One party of three had 113 crappies.
That's 68 fish over their limit, and it cost them $588 each in fines and restitution." A one crappie over the limit nets a basic fine and
restitution of $88, and it goes up from there.
Ten fish over-limit is a $313 violation.
"About half the violators told officers they
heard rumors that the
DNR had lifted the limit on crappies to help with the walleye recovery
project," said Dunn, "These were usually people from out
of the area, including a party of anglers from Bemidji, and some from over on the
iron range.
"Apparently, there is a rumor and it has spread," said Dunn.
"We are asking for help from the news media to inform anglers of the truth.
There's been some very good crappie fishing, but the daily and possession limit has not been raised.
"If you're fishing Upper Red Lake this spring," concluded Dunn, "just be aware that all walleye must be immediately returned to the
water, and the 15 fish limit for crappie is still in effect and will be
enforced."
For more information, contact: Lt. James Dunn, DNR
District Enforcement Supervisor at Baudette 218-783-6941 or
Gary Barnard, DNR Bemidji Area Fisheries Manager 218 755-2974
Red Lake Crappies:
An interview with DNR Fisheries Manager Gary Barnard
March 9,
2000
In a recent interview, Gary Barnard, DNR Area Fisheries Manager at Bemidji, answered questions about the relationship between the Red Lake
walleye recovery project, and the recent bonanza in Red Lake crappie fishing:
Is it true the DNR wants crappie removed from Red Lake so the
walleye can recover?
No! This crappie rumor has taken on a life of it's own, as
most rumors do. I don't know how or where it originated, but there is no truth to it. The crappie population has expanded in response to the decline in
walleye numbers.
Walleye are naturally better suited for the habitat conditions available
in the Red Lakes. Given a break from the excessive harvest that caused their decline, walleye should, in time, regain their status as the dominant
species. When that occurs, crappie numbers will most likely decline to previous levels.
Aren't you concerned that the crappies will eat up all the
little walleye?
Not necessarily. Lakes are always populated with a combination of
species which fluctuate near the lake's carrying capacity. That is why
crappie and other species' numbers increased when walleye numbers
declined. Most any fish species present in the lake can consume young walleye at
some stage of their first year of life. Substantial mortality is expected
on young walleye whether they are stocked or hatched naturally, regardless of the dominant predator species present.
The 1999 walleye year class
appears to have had very good survival through their first summer of growth in spite of the high numbers of crappie present.
Why did the DNR install "crappie cribs" if they didn't
want all the
crappies removed?
The DNR did not install the cribs, we only issued the permit for
installation. The Upper Red Lake Association installed the cribs, with
some technical assistance from DNR Fisheries. Installation of the cribs was permitted so the association could promote crappie fishing as an
alternative to the walleye fishery which had been closed last year. We generally do not permit these structures on lakes where increasing
harvest may be undesirable. In the case of Red lake, we recognized that the current level of the crappie population is a temporary response and not
a long term sustainable situation.
Why doesn't DNR increase the limit so people can harvest more
crappies?
We consider crappie to be a valuable, sought-after game fish species. Bag limits are an acceptable method of distributing the
harvest and providing opportunity for more people. It also discourages waste of a valuable resource.
Why doesn't DNR reduce the limit or put on a special
size regulation to manage strictly for crappies?
Again, we recognize that this current crappie "boom" is a temporary
response to the collapse of the walleye population. Even if walleye
never recovered, it is unlikely that this initial surge of crappie could be
sustained for the long term. Other species such as drum (sheeps-head), whitefish, perch and northern pike are also responding with significant
fluctuations in abundance. The current species assemblage is by no means stable and no regulation could be applied with any degree of
predictability.
So, is this current intense crappie fishery on Red Lake good or bad?
It is definitely good for the local economy. The total walleye
closure was a serious sacrifice for businesses dependant on that
fishery. Fortunately, the crappie fishery that developed has provided a timely alternative while waiting for walleye recovery. In the mean time,
crappie removal is not essential for walleye recovery, but anglers should consider this an opportunity to enjoy a unique, but most likely temporary,
exceptional crappie fishery.
For more information, contact:
Gary Barnard, DNR Bemidji Area Fisheries
Manager, phone 218 755-2974
|
.
