Netting Lake Trout

[Guest]

I do not have the article in front of me but in the Cook County news out of Grand Marais they had a article about the DNR is considering comercial Lake Trout neting again on the Superior is this even possible?? I do have a link to the article if anyone wants to read it

[Steve Foss]

Sure it's possible. Lake trout are a resource like any other fish, and where there are high enough numbers of fish, there will be those who make a living fishing for them commerically. As to how imminent such commercial netting might be on L.S. I don't know. The DNR has become more responsive in recent years to public input, however.

[Xplorer]

There was an article in last sundays duluth "fishwrap"

I believe the figure they talked about, was a total of 3000 lakers allowed commercially, and only from the @ upper 1/3 of the MN shoreline (think that they called it zone 3).

They said anglers take about 19000 per year and that 1/2 of all lakers are killed by lamprey each year. That last one suprised me, thought that their numbers had dropped but sounded like there has been a resurgence of them the last few years.

[gunflint]

I don't know if this is ok or not. (Moderators delete if this is inappropriate)

Here's the story:

Schroeder/Tofte vote yes/no on lake trout netting plan

Nancye Belding

Editor at MMI

Friday, January 20th, 2006 07:31:32 AM

By a 2 to 1 vote, Schroeder supervisors approved a motion supportive of increased commercial fishing on the North Shore. At their Jan. 10 meeting, Chair Bill McKeever and Supervisor Curt Gubrud voted to approve; Supervisor Cathy Johnson voted against. The board will send a letter to the Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources, Lake Superior Fisheries, in support of its recently proposed draft of a 10-year Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan. The plan will allow a limited increase in commercial fishing phased in over 10 years, starting in Zone 3, from Cascade to the Canadian border. The main increases will be allowing trout netting in the spring and fall, as well as August (up to 3,000 fish per year) and herring netting in November so that roe can be harvested. Commercial netting of trout was closed in 1962. The Zone 3 proposal is considered to be experimental and will be closely watched.

George Wilkes, owner of the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, served on the citizen’s advisory group for the plan, along with commercial fisherman Harley Toftey. Wilkes said that lake trout and herring destroyed by over-fishing and the invasive predator lamprey have come back. In fact, Wilkes said, in Zone 3 sports fishing has not even reached the allowable catch limit, and the limited draft plan increases to commercial fishing should not have any impact on the total trout or herring populations, according to DNR projections.

“I am a customer of commercial fishing,” Wilkes said. “I feel it is good for tourism to serve and sell locally caught fish.” The letter of support states a willingness to share with sport fishing interests: “We believe that both commercial fishing interests and sport fishing interests should have a share in the Lake Superior fishery within the bounds of biologically responsible and sustainable fisheries management.”

Johnson said she did not want the town to sign the letter: “The DNR has set up a format for public comment.” The public comment period ended on Jan. 15.

McKeever disagreed, saying, “Commercial fishing is what kept the North Shore going. Grandpa (Mickelson’s) place (at Norse Point) used to ship two tons a day up and down the shore. I believe it’s what is needed to bring back the North Shore. The commercial fishermen alive today could not affect fish population.”

There were 439 commercial fishermen in the late 1940’s, and only 22 now, maybe 15 of whom are full-time.

Fire Chief Phil Bonin said, “It’s a really tough life.” “But you can get food for your family,” McKeever said.

Bonin and Gubrud said they would like to see more commercial fishing. “I’m for any usage of the lake as long as it’s controlled by the DNR,” Gubrud said.

Tofte: Supervisors withhold support for plan

Later in the meeting, George Wilkes, owner of the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais asked the board to sign a letter in support of commercial fishing as outlined in the draft plan proposed by Lake Superior Area Fisheries..

The plan calls for gradual, limited increase in commercial fishing over a 10-year period.

Wilkes, Marais, served with Grand Marais commercial fisherman Harley Toftey on a citizen advisory group that helped to develop the plan. Wilkes said that, due to biological management, lake trout and herring have come back to “a remarkable degree.” This raises a political question: Who gets to catch them? The plan proposes an increase of 3,000 commercially harvested fish per year in Zone 3, from Cascade River to Canada. The number of commercial fishers will be capped at 25, and a three-year apprenticeship will be required.

“The plan is very conservative,” Wilkes said. “There are actually surplus trout now in Zones 2 and 3. The proposed amount of harvest will not affect fish population. But, the DNR is cautious coming into this and more attentive to the interests of sports fishing.”

James said, “Commercial fishing serves a valuable function, and Tofte is a premier town for commercial fishing families and traditions. As a sport, fishing is very expensive.”

Olsen said, “As a sport-fisher, I would want to see how other sports fishers feel.”

“Commercial fishing is certainly important, but I’m not comfortable supporting one over the other.” Wilkes said, “The letter is carefully crafted not to support one over the other.”

Treasurer Bill Hansen said, “Commercial fishers have a very modest foot in the door.”

Olsen responded, “It will have impact in Duluth. I’m not saying we shouldn’t, I just want to take some more time.” The deadline for public comment on the plan is Jan. 15. In the absence of Supervisor Bill Huggins, James voted for and Olsen against sending the letter, so the motion failed.

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

An interesting topic for sure. I would imagine that a commercial harvest would benefit some of the tourist-oriented towns along the shore, and I don't see any serious reason to object to it. There is definitely an abundance of trout in the lake, and an effectively monitored and controled commercial harvest should not affect sport fishing much at all. I would be curious to see what subspecies of lakers the commercial nets would primarily take, as well as the average size. I would think that the DNR should be able to use a harvest of this type for assessment purposes as well, possibly leading to more effective management- a definite benefit for the hook and line guys. 3000 fish per year is a very minimal figure when you consider the number of lakers whacked each year by those (like myself ) in the charter industry. I would support any feasible means by which local citizens and economies can benefit from this resource. It seems like the program is designed to ease the region back into commercial fishing, and if it can be done without impacting the existing users of the resource, I'm all for it.

[Guest]

I have family ties to the Grand Maris area and spend a lot of time up there in the summer 2-3 weekends a month along with a week in both july and august. I fish Superior every day I can while up there that the weather permits my 18' lund to be out there and I am very concerned about this. Number 1 there is still a sea lamprey problem on lake superor as reported in the outdoors news at least 2 times last year that and the fact that 30 % (est. I do not know the extact numbers) of the fish I caught last year had lamprey makes on them I think we need to have a better handle on this before even considering comercial netting on the lake. Second why are the targeting zone 3 from the Cascade River to the Candian border? this is not a stocked area I would be curious to hear what the L.S. guides in this area have to say about this..I beleve this is only the beginning once there foot is in the door it will only take a matter of time before it moves down towards duluth were there are more fisherman and were there is stocking, I agree that 3,000 pounds is not that much but that is only a start and it will keep going up in pounds in the years to come I would be intersted to see how my salmon and lake trout are caught in the herring nets already out that have to be thrown back that do not make it, correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Grand Portage tribe net both herring and Trout/Salmon? and if so what amount of fish do they harvest. As far as the 2 main people that are supporting this comercial netting in the area I personally beleive they are only looking after there bottom line as most business owners would and not the over all good of the lake, but I don't beleive that the Grand Marais business that would be affected by this are hurting because there is no comercial fishing verus the busniess that might be affected like the gas stations and tackle shops us fisherman stop at everytime before we go out to fill up and get more spoons to replace the ones we lost. I have more thought on this but will keep them to myself for know I am just intersted what other anglers on the big lake think about this and why they are trying to push this through now in the middle of winter when not many people are thinking about big lake fishing. I did place a call to the Lake Superior fishery but have not gotten a call back yet I am waiting!!

[Capt.Blaine]

The rumor I heard is the DNR is not stocking mn3 mn2 and only 170,000 in mn1. And maybe none next year.

[End of the Line]

Yea, and the lake trout shall be netted! SO the DNR (Don S.) thinks we shall impose a slot limit now too. Doesnt make any sense. Harvest Lakers with nets, impose a slot limit! Does this sound like URL?

[cloyd]

intersting...like hearing the commercial point of veiw on the subject

i for one am against it due to lack of regulations concerning lobbying politicians...

[Surface Tension]

The few can effect so many. I say no to increased netting, not even on a "small" level.

At one time the North Shore was dependent on commercial netting, that hasn't been the case for many years. Tourism it what drives the North Shore now. Times have changed so get used to it and tap into that Tourism based economy. We don't allow market hunting of ducks and deer and I don't believe Superior's slow growth Lakers can endure that either.

I don't get it, a surplus of harvestable fish but impose size restrictions? If theres any inclination at all that Superior's Lake Trout need a slot or size restriction then any thoughts of netting should be squashed immediately. Its a huge deep lake and the trout population can be damaged in no time, being deep and cold recovery from the last bust took 2 generation to rebound. Do you feel like waiting around..again.

No this is an example of one small group with that should not be allowed to effect so many. This is your lake and Sportfishermen shouldn't asked to cut back so that a few can profit from it.

[End of the Line]

Been on the phone most of this morning with my friends in the angling community. Don Schreiner is doing alot of double talking from the MN DNR's office at the French River Hatchery.

The new Lake Superior Management Plan is really messed up!

The DNR claims that the lake has recovered so well that we dont need to protect smelt (forage base), we can now allow commerical netting, and reduce the stocking efforts dramatically both Chinooks and Lakers. He's also stated that the commercial netting will only be in MN3, near the Canadian border, but we all know for a fact that the fish move all around the lake as I have caught plenty of tagged fish that were released more than 70 miles away.

NOW the slot limit is going to be imposed on us! WHAT????? 25" is the reccommendation that they want to impose. He has also mentioned that they are toiling with the idea of a 2 fish limit as well. If fishing is so good why a slot? Not to mention the tatic not to inform anyone about this. His timing is ramroding this right down our throats without anyone knowing! Legislature meets soon! I have lots of problems with this I hope you do as well. Contact Don Schreiner at the MN DNR French River Hatchery at 525-0867 and voice your opinion.

[Guest]

I just got off the phone with don myself and felt the same he seems to double talk alot about the increased numbers of fished but then backed up when I asked then why are you try to push a slot. I also ask if they were going to have any public hearings about this and he told me that they already had all them and that it was overwhelming in favor of increasing netting I find this very hard to beleive. I ask how come no one new about the meetings and he told me that is was in every paper from Startribuine/Duluth/Outdoor news. I get both the Startribuine and Outdoor news and never seen it once. On the DNR Web page there is a place were they have the proposed mangament plan but is really hard to find I will post it as soon as the Moderators aprove it. I find it very hard to beleive that this was in all the papers and no one reported it on here. This is a hot topic and they are planning on make a decision real soon as to what to do about this Don would not give me an exact date but it is going to happen in the next month or two and the neeting could start as early as this year. I am not sure what else to do about this contact your senators/congressman. Anyone with any ideas I am all ears I am in the process of writing a letter to the fisheriers office now but not sure if that will do any good

[End of the Line]

The management plan never talked about a slot or minimizing daily limits! He not telling the truth again! I was at the LS plan meetings. I was okay with commerical harvest, but not anymore. NO salmon stocking, reduced lake trout stocking, more netting and size limits now after the fact B$!

[Northlander]

Ya I have read the stuff in the papers, the stuff I have had E-mailed to me and some internet stuff. Somethings just dont add up! A healthy population good enough to net doesnt seem to be in need of a slot limit. Maybe they feel there is a overharvest problem recently? I know charters and "Joe Public" have had great success on the big lake the past several years.

Also this $15 fee for those who fish Lake Superior and the St.Louis River? If I knew it went to better landings, cleaning facilities and bathrooms I would be for it but only if I knew that it would go for that. Dont we already give $ for stocking etc on the big lake threw trout stamps and licences? I already pay $20 a summer to use the landings in Superior.

[cloyd]

well the thing it seems plays a part that we seem to forget

the answer is to follow the money..who is really going to benefit from this? sportsman..our little communities along the shoreline? some huge commercial fishing outfit from outta the area coming in to do this?

we often think of the DNR are scientists who are for the restoration of huge fisheries of monster fish..who in the environments best interest an ours are here to make sure the balance stays healthy

yes they are all good folks...an we pay thier salaries

thier hearts are in the right place but regardless they are subject to thier bosses who constitute the direction they must choose

you local politicians in our state legislators run the show guys..i learned this years ago when deer feeding the starving populations was such a popular thing

the politicians were all for it...DNR wasnt so keen but had no choice ( yea the politicians gave us what we wanted..an i for one learned first hand how detrimental that was to the herd..it was a sad ordeal an ill never do it again an i know DNR knew the results beforehand)

industrial pressure lobbyin politicians are whats pushin for this...im sure its not the fisheries dpartment..they are doin thier job an what thier bosses tell them to do

write your congressman..talk to your political leaders in your area an say NO

sportsman an DNR hand in hand are what made our wildlife assets what they are folks...industry /commercialism want to capitalize on it at our expense an hard work an good nature

this is my biases an passionate opinion..no place for it in lake superior..its delicate an just becuase its a huge lake dont mean the impact wont be felt...it surely will

I think our DNR guys are unsung heroes an I for one appreciate thier hard work an insight...I feel for them having to succump to our goverment leaders ignorance in matters such as these when they know better...shame DNR intel falls on deaf ears for the sake of popular opinion

question is who opinion is popular

industry or the communities an sportsman of the great lakes?

[thistlekicker]

Without knowing all of the facts involved, I for one would like to see more local fish in our stores and restaurants, which I guess puts me in the netting camp. Reason being, I'm one of the people who doesn't utilize the offshore recreational fishery (don't own a boat, can't afford charter fishing), but in the summer I do buy lake trout from a local meat market several times a month (netted by the Red Cliff Band).

Now, I don't know if there's enough demand to justify increased netting, and don't know enough about the slot limits and size restrictions to say anything about that, but I can see the advantages of local fish being commercially available, and thought I'd add my $0.02. I use the commercial lake trout market now, and would probably increase my use if it were more widely available.

[Guest]

Here is the link to the DNR plan for the lake

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/lakesuperior/lsmpinput.html

[cashcrews]

Not to get off topic from the netting issue, but I just wanted to clarify that the proposed $15 Lake Superior Angling Endorsement is an entirely separate debate from the Lake Superior Management Plan.

The Lake Superior Management Plan is largely the work of the DNR at this point, and deals with the overall plan for the management of Lake Superior.

The Lake Superior Angling Endorsement is a proposal by the Western Lake Superior Trolling Association (WLSTA). We are looking for input from the angling community with regards to the endorsement. The idea is that funds from the endorsement would be channeled directly back into Lake Superior/St. Louis River, some of which would include improvements at various landing facilities, etc.

If the DNR proposed spending the money for purposes other than Lake Superior, WLSTA would pull its support for the endorsement. Also, the WLSTA reminds Lake Superior anglers that the $15 Endorsement would be in lieu of the Trout and Salmon stamp...so if you fish exclusively on Lake Superior and tributaries, you would not need both.

More on this subject can be found on the thread titled "Superior Angling Endorsement"

Cashcrews

[Guest]

Here is a link to find your local public officials I personally sent emails to both senetor Dayton and Colman along with my local rep

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder.asp

[Surface Tension]

Quote:

---

Here is a link to find your local public officials I personally sent emails to both senetor Dayton and Colman along with my local rep

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder.asp

---

Fisher Dude, thanks for getting that link.

Get those emails out fellas

[Northlander]

Cashcrews what are the Trollers plans for the St.Louis River? Im sorry but I dont see the Trollers Association doing much to improve the river with the $15. Their $ is made on the lake and Im betting thats where the money will go? Sounds good but still a lot of ? on this and Im trying to get all the info I can.

[OUTDOORNUT]

The DNR department in charge of Lake Superior is really starting to chap my hide! This is all becoming way to much to swallow.

Northlander,

I agree, but I also see the river as a natural spanning area for some invasive species. Now if the proposed $$ doesn't include anything addressing those concerns, then you have a legit argument there! I still see this as an additonal monatary contribution (I know myself and many others are still going to have to buy the inland stamp)to an already disfunctional DNR.

You could always petition for more Pout stocking efforts!

[cashcrews]

Northlander,

The Lake Superior Angling Endorsement proposal is currently very general in terms of the allocation of dollars. WLSTA has proposed five areas where the money would be spent, which includes things like stocking, habitat improvement, access facilities, enforcement, and other things.

If the endorsement idea is accepted, the fund would be administered by an Oversight Committee which would represent interests from many sectors of the angling community, as well as the biological perspectives of the DNR. We would hope (expect) that this Oversight Committee would include the St. Louis River anglers.

The idea for the endorsement proposal came up from angler input to the WLSTA. It is not strictly a charter captain's interest. The proposal is intended to gather input from as many perspectives as possible from within the angling community--from the occasional casual angler, to the professional guide--and from all geographic areas from Grand Portage to the St. Louis River.

WLSTA encourages anglers to check out the details of the proposal at their website (www.wlsta.org) under the "What's New" section. Comments from anglers are welcomed. This is a first draft of the proposal, and WLSTA will take angler input into careful consideration when putting together future drafts.

Cashcrews

[Northlander]

Cashcrews if you need input from a hardcore St.Louis River Fisherman send me a e-mail and Ill see what I can do to help. I agree that the invasive species are surely a threat in the St.louis and if I knew that some of this $15 was going help get rid of them and improve landings etc.I would surely donate my $15.

[Steve Foss]

Cash, thanks, that's as clear an explanation as seems possible at this early time. I'll have a look at that plan. Though I'm not an L.S. or St. L. River guy anymore, I was for a couple years, and may be again. I assume there's "contact us" link on the site so I can e-mail any thoughts I have to the organization.

[evntam]

A slot limit on lakers?

Anyone ever try to release a laker that came from 120 feet? Maybe it'll work if the bugger's air bladder purged, but what if it didn't? Then, I'm trolling and I have to let a fish go so it'll float around and die on the surface?

Give me a break.

[Guest]

I was wondering if it would do any good to contact someone at outdoor news and have them do a write up about this subject. Do you think it might do any good and if so does anyone have a inside contact that might help? Just curious

[kingr]

I believe there was a story involving Lake Superior and Trout fishing...It might have been just about the fees now that I think about it.

[I'llTakeWhatiCanGet]

If you're looking to submit an article, give the editor, Rob Dreislen (sp?) a call. I've talked with him several times- he'd probably hear out any ideas you've got.

[Guest]

Here is a intersting article out of the cook county paper writen by Mister Siverton this really scares me and I hope it is not the attitude from all comercial fisherman or we are in trouble!!

Lake trout -- is it food or merely entertainment?

Cook County News-Herald

Last Updated: Friday, February 03rd, 2006 09:59:11 AM

There are probably millions of tons of lake trout in Lake Superior and some sportsmen think they own them all. Thanks to the management policies of the Departments of Natural Resources from all the states and provinces bordering Lake Superior in controlling trout predators, the lake has come back from the devastation of trout by sea lampreys and smelt during the mid-1900s.

Some old-timers claim there are more trout in Lake Superior now than they can remember.

All the citizens from around Lake Superior own all the trout in the lake and deserve their share. Because of pressure by sportsmen, our lake trout have been reserved just for a special privileged few who can afford the expensive boats and high tech equipment necessary to sport fish for them.

Now it’s time for the rest of the citizens to share in this nutritious and delicious food source. Commercial fishermen under DNR control could harvest fish for all those who can’t afford to angle for them. The trout are back. Under proper management there’s enough to harvest for the market on a limited basis and for sportsmen. They’re not just for sportsmen anymore.

We should decide now that the lake trout’s primary use should be for food for all, not just entertainment for the few well-heeled sportsmen. It would be decadent to manage lake trout as a tool of the entertainment industry and tourism.

Trout is food first, entertainment second.

Howard Sivertson

Grand Marais

Howard Sivertson’s family fished for a living off Isle Royale until the island was made a national park.