Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Minnows on SE Trout Streams


Recommended Posts

Ok, got a question for all you guys,

Can or Can't you use live minnows on trout streams that are designated for live bait?

For years my brother and buddies have been tellin me that you can't use live minnows...just pickled or brined minnows only. Then I got to talk to one of the guys in the local bait shop and he told me that using live minnows is legal as long as you are on designated live bait streams.

Been using worms, grasshoppers, and crickets along with a variety of plastics and doughs/nuggets...had more success with worms and crickets than plastic/dough and just looking for another live bait alternative.

If live minnows are legal how do you usually rig them for trout fishing in SE Streams?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It was my understanding the live minnows are a big no no on any designated trout stream.. I could be wrong. But I wouldn't want to find out the hard way in the form of a ticket.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The thing with most minnow species is they are considered invasive in most waters, which is why they ask that you throw left over minnows in the trash and not dump them into ANY body of water. Crappie minnows and fatheads are the same species, the "crappie" minnows are just juvenile fathead minnows, they are notorious for raising hech with vegetation in lakes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

you can use live minnows on the streams....the pickled/ brine minnows applies to designated stream trout lakes(fosters has special regs) so yes you can use em

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with Hanson. The regs state that no live minnows are allowed on designated stream trout Lakes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

you can use minnows on trout streams, it is on the designated trout LAKES that minnows aren't legal.

If you use live bait...i HIGHLY recommend minnows. Before I got into spinner fishing, lots of big (20+") trout came on minnows.

But...that is only part of the secret \:\)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response guys, I appreciate it.

I thought I read that correctly in the 08 fishing regulation handbook about no minnows in designated stream trout lakes but wanted to get some clarification before I found out firsthand in the form of a ticket from the CO.

Now that I know you can use minnows, I'm itch to try it out this spring...

Thanks again for the responses!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.