Aeration planned by DNR for area lakes

[federline]

The Wright County Journal-Press reports that the DNR is taking dissolved oxygen readings of the following lakes in preparation for aeration: Crawford, Mink, Somers, Dean, Melrose and Praught. Signs will be posted at accesses if they aerate. Be careful of inconsistent and thin ice conditions if aerating!

It goes on to say that while aeration would be used to prevent winterkill on Crawford, Mink, Somers and Dean, aeration would be used on Melrose and Praught to actually cause winterkill.

So Crawford, Mink and Somers are DNR reclaimation projects and Dean tends to winterkill, and the DNR stocked Dean with Wally's since the last kill in '97. No surprises here.

I can't find any fish survey data on Melrose, and Praught isn't even in the database. The article says where they are located, but what's their story? They are both supposed to get aerated (killed) later this month.

[swampman]

Melrose is used as a rearing pond ,not sure about the other lake buy proably the same deal

[smallie_hawgin]

These are two former walleye ponds that have become inundated with other species of fish. The DNR routinely use ponds like this to raise walleye fry to fingerlings. If the DNR has other species get in the ponds and there is no natural winterkill they look for ways to clean the pond out. The theory of reverse aeration is that you mix the poor, oxygen defficient water with the remaining water that contains some oxygen. However, this year it does not seem likely that these ponds will allow that. Oxygen readings have been high. The notice is required by law whether the process actually takes place or not. Hope this helps

[federline]

Thanks, I get how it works now - reverse aeration just finishes it off by mixing away the O2-filled water that keeps them alive. I figured those two were rearing ponds, they fit the profile. Might we see liberalized regs for those lakes this year if the O2 levels stay high?

[BackHerUp]

You're closer to those 2 lakes than I am, Jim. Go over and take a peek at the lake, if you see 'em fishin', then it's open to the public. The DNR doesn't usually classify these former rearing ponds as "liberalized", unless they need to be killed off for some reason. Shoot me an email if it's being fished...-- Andy

[smallie_hawgin]

Actually guys. Melrose is closed to fishing due to former trespass issues. Praught is on private property with no public access, so you would need to get permission before heading out there. Just a heads up. In general the DNR keeps the rearing ponds open to the public.... If, and a big IF there is legitimate public access. There are only a few circumstances were ponds are closed to fishing. (ie melrose) As far as liberalized fishing, again, if there is public access usually there is no problem. I would not count on these two being opened up though. Oxygen levels have been way too high. Good luck.

[federline]

smallie_hawgin,

Thank you for sayin it like it is and keeping us out of trouble. With all the hyperbole and half-truths you can find on the internet, I appreciate straight info.

[smallie_hawgin]

No problem!