DNR to hold public meetings on future of experimental northern pike regulation for Lake of the Woods, Rainy River (2005-08-09)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold three public open houses to solicit public comments on the existing northern pike experimental fishing regulation for Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River from Wheelers Point upstream to the Boise Cascade Dam in International Falls. This regulation also covers the Warroad River, Baudette River and Winter Road River.

The DNR will consider public comments in determining whether to extend, remove, modify or make permanent the experimental northern pike regulations. Currently, all northern pike from 30 through 40 inches must be immediately returned to the water; the possession limit is three, with only one over 40 inches.

This regulation was implemented in 1996 following local concern by northern pike anglers about potential loss of trophy-sized pike. The main objective was to maintain the high-quality northern pike population in light of projected increases in fishing pressure.

A Baudette open house will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Sept. 28 in the auditorium of Lake of the Woods High School. A Roseau open house will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., on Sept. 29 in the Study Hall Room of Roseau High School. In addition to local meetings, the public can also provide input during a statewide open house at the DNR Central Office, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, on Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People unable to attend a public input meeting may submit written comments to Mike Larson, DNR Area Fisheries Office, 204 Main Street E, Baudette, MN 56623.

For more information, call the Baudette DNR Office at (218) 634-2522 or e-mail mike.larson@dnr.state.mn.us.

All comments must be received no later than Oct. 10.

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