Pelican Draining...

[river rat316]

Looking at the pic Ruddy posted it isn't that big of a change, there will still be fish in the lake, just not in the numbers there is now, but something tells me it will be a harder go than what they think to kill off the fish

[dfv87]

Ruddy, I was not trying to single you out, sorry if you took it that way.

As for not caring then (in 2008)... my point is that the lake has changed since then, can you say that there were 2000 ice fishermen using the lake in 2008 on a Sat in Jan?, community events?, Ice Men tourneys on TV? etc. Did it have the economic impact or the social impact then? The fishing was just getting started, so not many people were probably aware of the decisions being made or even could tell you where Pelican lake was... Hence there was little in the way of objections. I understand that money already spent and time etc, which is why I stated if there is no re evaluation, I will have to live with it... but if there is something we can do why shouldn't we try? To me that is not changing in the middle of the game if the rules allow you to make changes which is what i am proposing.

[jigginjim]

Guys your wasting your time crying now. Where were you guys 5-6yrs ago.

Fisherman are to silly or lazy to organize a foundation to help build better fishing in Minnesota. They go out catch 2-3 limits a day of the bigger fish in the lake. throwing back everything less than, then cry about all the small fish. Go look in the mirror, there is the problem. How many people have stock piles of fish in freezer.

They have round table but all you hear there is poor poor Mille Lacs lake, another wasted lake. Net all the 15-20 inch walleyes out, then all the white man has to catch is the left overs that red man didn't get. Don't even bother whining there. Indian affairs has control over Mille Lacs. Pelican it's the duck hunters. big government has control, we the people are just tax paying fools.

Stop You stupid crying, about the lake.

[09ultra]

Wow pretty harsh words to include all fisherman in your twisted way of thinking, not all are lazy and silly. Not all have limits of extra fish in their freezer and certainly not all keep all the big ones. I can say maybe it should be you who looks closely in that mirror!

[jigginjim]

IF THE SHOE FITS, THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE.

[RuddyDuck]

I guess after rereading my post DFV87, I did come off a bit cranky!

[JBMasterAngler]

This is my vision for Pelican Lake…

I tell you what I see when I look out there. I see the undeveloped resources of Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and Michigan. I see a syndicated development consortium exploiting over a billion and a half dollars in forest products. I see a paper mill and if the strategic metals are there, a mining operation. A greenbelt between the condos on the lake and a waste management facility focusing on the newest rage in toxic waste, medical refuse. Infected bandages, body parts, IV tubing, contaminated glassware, entrails,syringes, fluids, blood, low grade radioactive waste all safely contained sunken in the lake and sealed for centuries. Now I ask you what do you see?

[fishgutz77]

I see flocks of bills and cans whipping around and into my decoys for the second time.

I see geese in the last open hole before ice up.

I see dogs retreving mallards and ringbills.

I see thousands of birds imprinting on one of the best roosts in the county.

and after freeze up they move to the river and I see them again!@

[eyeguy 54]

FLAG ! ! I see my flag popping up and my spring bobber going down,

[rockman]

This is my vision for Pelican Lake…

I tell you what I see when I look out there. I see the undeveloped resources of Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and Michigan. I see a syndicated development consortium exploiting over a billion and a half dollars in forest products. I see a paper mill and if the strategic metals are there, a mining operation. A greenbelt between the condos on the lake and a waste management facility focusing on the newest rage in toxic waste, medical refuse. Infected bandages, body parts, IV tubing, contaminated glassware, entrails,syringes, fluids, blood, low grade radioactive waste all safely contained sunken in the lake and sealed for centuries. Now I ask you what do you see?

Uhhh,Ok...Are you sure you replied in the right thread?

[Iron Cowboy]

Unfortunatly I dont see a bright future for fishing,

but I will always remember.....

The look of excitement on my boys face as he hauls up "yet another" big, fat pike.

The tone of his voice as three days later at the dinner table he tells me how he cant stop thinking about the lake and the good fishing...

We cant afford to take expensive up north trips and this is the best pike fishing weve experienced close to home. I also wont forget the look of dissapointment and confusion on his face when I told him that we have to enjoy it while we can as the "smarter people" in power have decided to drain it and get rid of the fishing...ok hunters scream away at me and tell me how stupid I am to defend YOUR best interests and what YOU want...or maybe YOU would like to come over and "educate" the boy yourself on how its wrong to have what we do there now.

[jigginjim]

I do find it really sad, they want to drain lake 7-9 ft to get weeds to grow and kill all fish. THEN pump water back into it, so lake would be 3ft lower than it is now. That is the thinking of nit-wits, they could lower lake 3-4ft then spray lake 2 times a year to kill any fish, but where is the idea of adding massive acres of wild rice? Food source, is a big deal for ducks.

There we going thinking again, Why not just lower the thing to the level, add the wild rice, and let the fish do what ever for 5-10 yrs?

Personally, I would rather they close the lake to fishing from Oct 1 to Dec. 31 during all hunting seasons, Go unlimited Bullheads. Cut panfish limits or add slot sizes 3 yrs of slots, could run on leap years when limit are same as all lakes.

[creepworm]

I do find it really sad, they want to drain lake 7-9 ft to get weeds to grow and kill all fish. THEN pump water back into it, so lake would be 3ft lower than it is now. That is the thinking of nit-wits, they could lower lake 3-4ft then spray lake 2 times a year to kill any fish, but where is the idea of adding massive acres of wild rice? Food source, is a big deal for ducks.

There we going thinking again, Why not just lower the thing to the level, add the wild rice, and let the fish do what ever for 5-10 yrs?

If you take a course in wetland ecology you would quickly see the many reasons this plan would have marginal success at best, resulting in the lake not being very good for anything.

[RuddyDuck]

Curious where you read or heard that they will pump water back into the lake? The plans I see just say that after it is at 944ft for a few years the pumping will cease. Then I assume it will be slowly allowed to fill back up to the 950.7 mark, but maybe it says somewhere else that they will pump water back in. Not sure where they would pump it from though?

I did ask the DNR why not just leave it at 950.7 and not do the 944ft drawdown, but didn't get a real good answer. They did say they would ideally wait for a natural dry period when doing this. I know by not doing the final drawdown the weeds probably wouldn't come back that much.

[jigginjim]

Another idea would be pump water on to local farmers fields to help crop grow. Also pump into the small marsh areas around the lakeas well as bring water levels up in.

[rockman]

ok hunters scream away at me and tell me how stupid I am to defend YOUR best interests and what YOU want...or maybe YOU would like to come over and "educate" the boy yourself on how its wrong to have what we do there now.

Are you going to say the same to the farmers/landowners that lost land around the lake over the years, to the rising water levels, as well? What about those folks? The really wet years within the last decade allowed the lake to swallow up that farmland, but to heck with those that lost property, right? All because a now 'favorite' fishing spot for some, is going to change. But the hunters have to be the ones to blame. Okay, whatever. The amount of whining going on in this thread is amazing.

[jskeff]

im going fishing. gunna clear that lake before they kill the fish off. big, small, medium, large. dosent matter, im keeping it and frying them up. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[jigginjim]

Great idea, if it seems small for the frying pan, pickle them.

[mrklean]

This is my vision for Pelican Lake…

I tell you what I see when I look out there. I see the undeveloped resources of Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and Michigan. I see a syndicated development consortium exploiting over a billion and a half dollars in forest products. I see a paper mill and if the strategic metals are there, a mining operation. A greenbelt between the condos on the lake and a waste management facility focusing on the newest rage in toxic waste, medical refuse. Infected bandages, body parts, IV tubing, contaminated glassware, entrails,syringes, fluids, blood, low grade radioactive waste all safely contained sunken in the lake and sealed for centuries. Now I ask you what do you see?

i see trees

Come on guys great outdoors

[WallyGader]

They go out catch 2-3 limits a day of the bigger fish in the lake. throwing back everything less than, then cry about all the small fish. Go look in the mirror, there is the problem. How many people have stock piles of fish in freezer.

This is the problem on every lake to close to civilization, and it will always be this way. Why? because its "legal". Meat pigs use that as there excuse as to why there are in the right still. Pelican will never be the same fishery it once was, and will never be this great duck pond waterfowlers are HOPING for. For pike people don't worry im sure with everyone targeting them now that they should be near extinct in a couple years too, so no need to worry about the drain.

Pelican lake was a world class fishery that was destroyed by meat pigs,

that's just the ugly truth!

[STMA_I_HUNTER]

I can't believe how "sportsmen" can be so combative to each other

I have lived in the area for 13+ years and prior to that had hunted the lake for about 5 years. If I recall, at that time this was a world class duck pond/lake/slough or whatever you want to call it.

Now the population explosion in the area along with whatever other factors added to the water level rise and the movement of the flyway causes a decline in the duck numbers that use the lake(I don't believe it was the duck hunters fault). For years there has been discussion on how to get it back to its glory days just like others in the state such as Christina I believe.

Now it blossoms into a very good fishing lake and those that fish it are walking out their fish house door and making yellow snow around all their empty beer cans because "they" want to take it away from them...........really?

As much as you may have a child that gets enjoyment out of the fishing I also have one that enjoys a great morning or afternoon of duck hunting.

There are very few lakes that have the ability to hold the number of ducks/geese that this lake has in the country and fishermen (I am a fisherman first before a duck hunter) have an issue with it.

If this lake could hold anywhere near the numbers it once did, there could be lots of new "sportsmen" that maybe join the ranks having this lake so close to their homes.

[fishersofmen]

Solid post STMA. I agree there are many people who fish out there who are total slobs. I would add though there are just as many duck hunters out there in the fall who are irresponsible pigs too. I would also argue that the chances of the lake holding similar numbers of ducks that it once did are slim to none regardless of the efforts put forth with the draining etc. Like others have said if you have hunted out there recently it is basically a mad house especially early in the season. I talked with a few groups of guys coming off the lake, a couple groups with their kids and they were disgusted with the activity out there. Guys shooting at anything and everything and no respect for anyone else around them as far as noise and space etc. Can you imagine the scene out there when they do drain it and word is out that a ton of ducks are back? It would be way worse than it is now with the mediocre hunting. I'm not saying they shouldn't drain it, all I'm saying is there should be major concerns if or when they do.

[eyeguy 54]

so how many duck hunters can safely be out there verses how many fisherman? just curious.

[Iron Cowboy]

Yea, I agree with you WallyGader. Greed, dont know why but some need to get all they can. I and my sons I have brought up take a pic and release most of our fish. Thats why I said in my previous post I wish they would put special limit restrictions on it like they have sommers and others. Helll I wish they would put heavy restrictions on 75% of the lakes, but then nobody would fish the other 25% because the fishing would suck on those. No one needs a freezer full, keep enough for a fresh meal. It puts a perfect end to a good day. Frozen fish never taste the same no matter how good you think you preserve them.

[creepworm]

Solid post STMA. I agree there are many people who fish out there who are total slobs. I would add though there are just as many duck hunters out there in the fall who are irresponsible pigs too. I would also argue that the chances of the lake holding similar numbers of ducks that it once did are slim to none regardless of the efforts put forth with the draining etc. Like others have said if you have hunted out there recently it is basically a mad house especially early in the season. I talked with a few groups of guys coming off the lake, a couple groups with their kids and they were disgusted with the activity out there. Guys shooting at anything and everything and no respect for anyone else around them as far as noise and space etc. Can you imagine the scene out there when they do drain it and word is out that a ton of ducks are back? It would be way worse than it is now with the mediocre hunting. I'm not saying they shouldn't drain it, all I'm saying is there should be major concerns if or when they do.

What would be a perfect solution, in my opinion, is to make it like Lac Qui Parle, a refuge with blinds that can be reserved.

[Iron Cowboy]

Now it blossoms into a very good fishing lake and those that fish it are walking out their fish house door and making yellow snow around all their empty beer cans because "they" want to take it away from them...........really?

As much as you may have a child that gets enjoyment out of the fishing I also have one that enjoys a great morning or afternoon of duck hunting.

Wow! Arent you all holier than thou? You must be royalty compared to the rest of us poor peasants out there to pass this judgement of the unclean [PoorWordUsage] all over everything. I take offense to your broad stereotype that were all beer swilling slobs... but as long as YOUR boy has a good time doing what YOU want to do that morning or afternoon thats all that matters, dont bother that with some thought somethig could be worked out for both sides to benefit.....go figuire, me,me,me... todays society.

[Superduty]

It's not about you and me. It's not about duck hunter vs. fisherman.

It's about fisheries and wildlife management. MN has been losing wetlands at an alarming rate and degrading the shallow lakes and wetlands that remain. There is not a shortage of habitat for sunfish, crappies, bass, or pike in this state. Federal and state agencies have spent millions of dollars to buy land around the lake. That grassland provides for better water quality and nesting habitat for waterfowl. Pelican represents a rare opportunity to manage a large body of water and a large tract of grassland.

[JBMasterAngler]

THANK YOU MR KLEAN!!!

[fishgutz77]

The reason the lake is being drained down is to force it through a dry period so certain types of vegetation take hold and to kill the fish.

Every great Water Fowl Produciton area and roost have water that seasonaly goes up and down.

The rough fish have destroyed the the lake.Not to mention decimated the freshwater shrimp.

Most of the slough's around here used to have shrimp until some of the bait suppliers started using small ponds for minnow rearing. Thats why the divers blow over so quickly in the fall.

What gets me is when they netted the lake they took the fish to the metro. They should have kept them all in Wright county. We have more than enough lakes to handle them. Someone should have called them on removing fish from the watershed district. Shame on them. As soon as the right vegee starts growing out there the water will turn clear and birds will want it. I have lots of good fishing spots but good hunting spots are hard to come by because land owners won't give permission to hunt or it's locked up for family only. Public water is different.

I don;t have to ask anyone to go hunt pelican. How would fisherman feel if they had to ask permission to fish everytime they hit the water and then got turned down 99 times out of 100.

I fish more than I hunt but there needs to be a premier WFP area in this part of the state if we ever want birds back. Someday ND will dry up again, mark my words.

[Gordie]

so how many duck hunters can safely be out there verses how many fisherman? just curious.

Just one duck hunter and I hope it Me