Looking for ciscoes in Northern Mn

[edgar307]

A group of us fish using frozen Ciscoes for bait.  The last couple of year it has been a scramble to find these as our supplier for the last 30 years cannot get any.  This year we have not been able to find.  Any ideas?

[delcecchi]

I don't know what happened with Great Outdoors in Ely.   He had ciscoes, but there was a kerfluffle with the government.   

 

Anybody know what happened? 

[AlwaysFishing23]

Yeah they were seised because they were illegally netted in the BWCA if I recall correctly. Heres the link to the thread. 

 

[Cliff Wagenbach]

It was "alleged" that they were illegally caught in the BWCA! 

No charges have been filed to date as far as I have heard!

Cliff

[Wanderer]

The only ciscoes I found in NE MN last winter were small, really stinky and over priced.  They were brought in to replace the stock from the BWCAW after they were seized.  I wouldn't buy them again.

 

The second trip up I was pleasantly surprised to find large smelt at the Y Store by Vermilion and medium smelt had taken the place of the stinky ciscoes in Ely.

 

I haven't found ANY good frozen bait south of, say, Grand Rapids since the ice season before last.  If someone wants to identify a source, I'm all eyes and ears too.

[delcecchi]

I have seen good bait sized frozen whole fish of some kind in the freezer at a local asian grocery store.   

 

Might be Sardines or Anchovies.   Look around various grocery stores.   Or fish markets if you are in the Cities or maybe Duluth.

 

On the other hand you would have to ask DNR if they are legal.  You can eat them, but I don't know about using for bait.  

[Wanderer]

9 hours ago, delcecchi said:

I have seen good bait sized frozen whole fish of some kind in the freezer at a local asian grocery store.   

 

Might be Sardines or Anchovies.   Look around various grocery stores.   Or fish markets if you are in the Cities or maybe Duluth.

 

On the other hand you would have to ask DNR if they are legal.  You can eat them, but I don't know about using for bait.  

 

You have to get a slip from the seller stating those fish are legal for bait and keep it with you as long as you have the bait on the water/ice.  If they don't have a slip (you have to ask for it), you can't use it.  I learned this when buying hooligans from Morey's.  Hooligans are ocean run smelt.  Last ice season they weren't carrying them anymore or selling anything as bait due to new laws making it too complicated and risky.  Not worth it.

 

Any frozen whole bait has to state it's been tested for VHS on the label or you need the slip and the receipt with you all the time.

 

I have the impression the DNR really wants to do away with the whole frozen bait market.  I also think the Cisco seizure in Ely was a part of that, no matter who was involved.  Too many details that don't line up with a clean investigation on the Authorities' parts.  I'm usually on the side of Law Enforcement but this case is sloppy at best.

[Sleder]

Wanderer ,I believe Ely seizure was something to do with the BWCA . Lots of articles in newspaper .Some law about no commercial activity ( an active viable fishery) in side of park unless it enhances park like canoe rentals ect.... They were trying to stop Fishery for last number of years. I believe DNR does not want to do away with Frozen Bait Market , they just don't want fish from the Great Lakes or other contaminated areas to bring diesese to inland lakes.  If fish does not have a VHS Certification Number on its package , I would not be using it for bait.  Grocery store stuff totally Illegal ...  I emailed a Bait Company that has VHS Certified Smelt and Alewifes   [email protected]     They gave me a list of stores that carry their products ... Save hunting around for Legal Bait  

Hope this Helps

[Rebecca8]

Hmmm, I have no idea.