DNR Seeks Comment on Trout Water Designation Changes

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment on a proposal that would change which streams and lakes across the state carry official trout designations.

Under the proposal, some waters with the cold, clear conditions trout need would be newly designated as trout streams and stream trout lakes, giving them a higher level of protection under state law. Other waterbodies that can no longer support trout would lose the designation.

The proposal covers roughly 125 miles of trout waters in 11 Minnesota counties.

“The list of designated trout streams and lakes would change under this proposal,” said Dean Paron, DNR stream habitat supervisor. “Every few years we update the list to make sure management and regulations align with the potential of the streams and lakes to support trout.”

Seven area fisheries offices are involved in the proposed changes. Duluth proposes designating 28 miles of streams while removing the designation from 16 miles of stream and one stream trout lake. Lanesboro proposes adding 72 miles of streams, Lake City proposes adding 24 miles and West Metro proposes adding one mile. Grand Rapids proposes removing the designation from 18 miles of streams and one lake. Finland proposes removing the designation from three stream trout lakes, and Grand Marais proposes removing it from one stream trout lake.

Trout stream and stream trout lake designations allow the DNR to regulate trout fishing seasons and methods. They also let staff improve angler access and fish habitat and provide heightened protection for sensitive areas.

“People might wonder why designations change for trout waters. In some cases, environmental conditions improve or worsen. In others, new information about trout habitats shows us they need to be protected, or conversely, that we’re focusing resources to protect some streams and lakes that can’t support trout,” Paron said.

Landowners along the affected waters have already received letters at their homes, and the DNR has met with those who wanted more information about the potential changes.

A list of the proposed changes and a map are posted at mndnr.gov/fishing/trout/trout-stream-designations.html.

Comments, questions and requests for information about specific waters can be directed to the relevant area fisheries office, listed at mndnr.gov/areas/fisheries, or to Paron at 651-259-5205 or dean.paron@state.mn.us. Comments can also be mailed to Minnesota DNR, 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 415, Duluth, MN 55802.

The DNR will accept comments until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 11th.

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