Public Input Sought on Potentially Permanent Increase in Channel Catfish Limits for Local Lakes

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for your thoughts as they review experimental fishing regulations for channel catfish on several local lakes.

The change increased the catfish limit from five to ten on the Sauk River chain of lakes and Long, North Brown’s, Eden and Mud lakes. The increase expires in March. The DNR says that, with few anglers keeping more than five catfish on these lakes, there is no indication that the larger limit is harming the fish population.

The DNR is taking public comment on whether to make the increased limit permanent or let it expire. Officials say local anglers have voiced support for keeping the limit at ten.

A meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10th, at Richmond City Hall. A short presentation will summarize the results of the last decade of data, and attendees will be able to offer their two cents.

If you can’t make it, you can comment online through a survey from the Minnesota DNR until October 11th or by calling Sauk Rapids Area Fisheries Supervisor Joe Stewig at 320-223-7867, emailing joe.stewig@state.mn.us, or mailing your comments to 1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56369.

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