Should anglers be allowed to keep walleye from Mille Lacs? Should trout be stocked in Square Lake? Are there enough local places to fish for muskies?
Fishing in Minnesota is a time-honored tradition and a money-maker that generates roughly $2.4 billion in spending each year. Even so, Minnesotans don’t always agree on how to manage fisheries and how to balance competing interests of anglers, lakeshore residents, and watershed managers.
On May 17, Minnesota DNR State Fisheries Chief, Don Pereira, will speak at a networking event for lake associations and residents of Chisago and Washington Counties. During his presentation, Pereira will discuss challenges and trends in Minnesota fishing, including fish stocking, managing fishing pressure, and maintaining healthy species’ balance. He’ll also offer suggestions for what lake associations can do to promote healthy fisheries locally.
The meeting is hosted by Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed District, Comfort Lake – Forest Lake Watershed District, Chisago County and Chisago Lake Improvement District (LID), and Washington Conservation District. Also during the event, attendees will get updates from lake associations and local government, and will spend time discussing watershed issues and opportunities related to AIS; lake and river water quality; wildlife and habitat; recreation; and drinking water.
The Chisago & Washington Lakes Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 17, 6-8pm at the Forest Lake City Hall Community Room (1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake).
The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested at: https://tinyurl.com/May17lakes.
East Metro Water 