New SE Trout Regulations Begin with April 16 Opener

[Rick]

New SE Trout Regulations Begin with April 16 Opener

It’s spring and with the return of longer days and warmer weather, many Minnesotan’s are anxious to pursue their favorite outdoor activities. For many, that means fishing.

One of the first seasons to open inland is stream trout fishing. In Minnesota, that date is April 16, continuing through September 14. Fishing hours are from one hour before sunrise to 11 p.m.

Trout anglers are urged to check the 2005 Fishing Regulations changes that take effect for the first time this year. Trout regulations have been modified on 22 streams in southeastern Minnesota. Signs will be posted on the up and downstream boundaries of affected stream reaches and at popular access sites. A new publication, “Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern Minnesota,” is now available at many DNR offices. This publication includes color-coded maps that depict the changes and show anglers where there is public access to trout fishing.

Jason Moeckel, Assistant Regional Fisheries Manager at Rochester, said the DNR is making a concerted effort this year to inform anglers of the changes. "We know that a lot of people may traditionally show up at a location on a stream expecting to fish as they have in the past. We do not want their experience ruined by not being prepared for regulation changes that may affect how they fish and what they can keep.”

Moeckel encourages anglers to contact the following offices if they have questions: Lanesboro Fisheries Office, 507-467-2442; Lake City Fisheries, 651-345-3365; or Rochester Area Fisheries Office, 507-285-7427.

The 2005 Fishing Regulations are available from these offices and at most locations where licenses are sold. The new publication, “Trout Angling Opportunities in Southern Minnesota,” will be available in many bait shops, sporting goods stores, license centers and the aforementioned offices. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the Rochester Area Fisheries Office at (507) 285-7427.

Moeckel also noted that there are two errors in the fishing regulations book that anglers should be aware of:

Page 47, the description for Garvin Brook should read: "All trout from 12” through 16” in length must be immediately returned to the water on a 5.0 mile stretch from the road crossing at Highway 14 going upstream to the confluence with Peterson Creek. Page 53, the description for Whitewater River, North Branch should read Township Road 29 instead of County Road 29.

Maps of all the special regulation locations are available on the DNR website.