OutdoorMN News - DNR seeks comments on northern pike regulations for Prairie Lake, St. Louis County

[Rick]

Anglers and others interested in proposed changes to northern pike regulations on Prairie Lake, near Floodwood in St. Louis County, are invited to attend an open house hosted by the Department of Natural Resources this fall.

A local open house to receive input on Prairie Lake northern pike special regulations will be held on Oct. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Floodwood Fair Building, 107 W 7th Ave, Floodwood.  Fisheries staff will provide background information, answer questions, and take public input.

The proposed regulation change is part of a statewide review of existing special northern pike regulations. The regulation on Prairie Lake is proposed to change to a 24- to 36-inch protected slot limit and a possession limit of three fish with only one over 36 inches allowed.  The goal of the change is to allow more harvest opportunity than the current 30 inch minimum size limit, while sustaining the improved size structure of northern pike gained under the current regulation.

Notification of the proposed changes to special fishing regulations have been posted at the access to Prairie Lake for most of the open water fishing season.

“Fisheries staff spend much of their time collecting data on fish populations, which tells us if objectives spelled out in individual lake management plans are being met,” said Deserae Hendrickson, DNR Duluth area fisheries supervisor. “Angler input is important to help us capture information that may not be reflected in our data collection and anyone interested in pike management is encouraged to attend and provide their individual input.”

Those unable to attend a local meeting can also attend a Sept. 25 statewide open house to provide comment on this and other lakes. The Sept. 25 session will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Rd, St. Paul.

Comments on these regulations can also be mailed to Duluth area fisheries, 5351 North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN  55804; or sent by email to [email protected].  Questions about the meeting or regulation can be directed to the Duluth area fisheries office at 218-302-3266.  Written comments will be accepted through Oct. 13.

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