Sunfish central to proposed special fishing regulations

You can weigh in on proposed special fishing regulations that, if adopted, would become effective next year. Most of the changes proposed by the DNR are aimed at protecting and improving sunfish sizes by lowering daily limits on 52 lakes — changes that would go in effect in March 2022.

You’re invited to share your input via an online survey through Sunday, Oct. 31, or by attending one of the in-person meetings taking place between Sept. 21-Oct. 20.

More details: DNR sunfish page

Get involved by joining a DNR oversight committee

Do you buy fishing or hunting licenses and wonder how the money is spent? Are you interested in good fiscal stewardship? Participating on a citizen oversight committee is a great way to learn more about DNR funding and programs. It also provides an opportunity to provide feedback on budgets and spending that impact our natural resources.

Minnesotans who would like to serve on committees that review how the DNR spends Game and Fish Fund dollars are encouraged to submit an application beginning Monday, Aug. 23. The committees are established pursuant to state law. The DNR needs at least 13 people to fill vacancies on the fisheries oversight and wildlife oversight committees.

More details: DNR oversight committee page

Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish fishing regulations are here

The DNR is now offering the state’s fishing regulations translated in Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish. Previously, they had only been available in English.

The DNR made the translated regulation booklets available in the four languages that, besides English, are most commonly spoken in Minnesota households. The translated booklets are available in digital format on the DNR website, and in print at locations where they are likely to be in demand, including at select DNR offices and license vendors and in some Minnesota state parks.

People also can request free, mailed copies of the English, Hmong, Karen, Somali or Spanish regulation booklets by calling 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 or emailing info.dnr@state.mn.us. DNR’s Info Center offers live interpretation in more than 200 languages for those who do not speak English as a first language, and in alternative formats for individuals with disabilities. For TTY/TDD communication contact us through the Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 800-627-3529.

More details: DNR fishing page

Keeping pike? Minnesota has pike zone regulations

If you want to keep northern pike this fishing season, please familiarize yourself with the regulations and be prepared to measure the fish. Minnesota has three northern pike zones that apply to inland waters and reflect the differing characteristics of pike populations across the state, and you can find those zone regulations, including a zone map, on the DNR website and in the Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook.

Throughout the state, special regulations that cover individual lakes, rivers and streams remain in effect and take precedence over the zone regulations. The northern pike zone regulations do not apply to border waters.

For details: DNR northern pike page

Aquatic plants benefit fish

With this summer’s longer growing season, hot weather and low water levels, we’ve been seeing an abundance of aquatic plants in many Minnesota lakes. Plants are beneficial — they provide food and shelter for fish, ducks and other wildlife — and lakeshore property owners may need a permit to remove them.

More details: DNR aquatic plant page 

Photo thanks to Gretchen Hansen