DNR asking for comments, suggestions on Grand Rapids area fisheries management plans

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (2/17/22)

(Grand Rapids, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting anglers and others to comment on fisheries management in several waterbodies in the Grand Rapids area through March 15th.

These comments and suggestions from the public as the DNR will be updating their fisheries management plans that identify specific activities planned for designated lakes and streams over the next 5-20 years. 

A variety of fisheries information can be provided from these plans including summaries and evaluations of past management activities and regulations, background information such as water chemistry characteristics, water temperature information, and species presence, stocking, and historic catch rates from previous fisheries surveys. The plans also can identify biological and social factors that limit a fishery’s potential and seek to address these limiting factors by prescribing science-based management tools when biologically, fiscally, and socially appropriate.

The DNR Grand Rapids Area Fisheries Office is currently reviewing management strategies and will be updating lake management plans for the following lakes Itasca County: Bass (near Deer River), Bowstring – only updating fisheries information not walleye stocking, Busties, Clubhouse – only updating fisheries information not walleye stocking, Grave, Island (Near Northome), Jessie, Little Bowstring, Pokegama, Rush Island, Spider, and Tioga.

Comments and suggestions for managing other lakes and streams in the Grand Rapids work area are welcome any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review by calling 218-328-8835 or email.