Dockside Spring 2019

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SPRING 2019

A MAGAZINE FOR LAKE AND RIVER LIVING

Focused on

FISHING Whether you’re an avid angler eagerly awaiting the state fishing opener or you plan to cast a line for the first time May 11, find out what’s new for 2019

Student bass clubs in Hutchinson, Litchfield have promising start Minnesota DNR makes upgrades to Greenleaf State Recreation Area Local lakes have much to offer for swimming, boating, fishing and camping

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2 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

A magazine for lake and river living Litchfield fishing team grows in fi rst year, works in off-season to prepare for 2019

SPRING 2019 | VOL. 11, NO. 1 PUBLISHED BY

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Litchfield Independent Review P.O. Box 307 Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3266 Hutchinson Leader 170 Shady Ridge Road NW, Suite 100 Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-753-3635

PUBLISHER Brent Schacherer: 320-753-3637 email: schacherer@hutchinsonleader.com

NEWS Juliana Thill: 320-593-4808 email: thill@independentreview.net

ADVERTISING Kevin True: 320-753-3649 email: true@hutchinsonleader.com

Sales representatives

12 Find out what’s new for fishing regulations before Minnesota’s fishing opener May 11

Colleen Piechowski: 320-753-3653 email: piechowski@hutchinsonleader.com

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Ronda Kurtzweg: 320-753-3652 email: kurtzweg@hutchinsonleader.com

Hutchinson fishing team builds on its success in fi rst year, gets ready for new season

Hayley Anderson: 320-753-3651 email: anderson@hutchinsonleader.com Nichole Elke: 320-753-3650 email: elke@hutchinsonleader.com Sara Evenson: 320-593-4803 email: evenson@independentreview.net

SUBSCRIPTION OR ADDRESS CHANGE Mark Theis: 320-753-3663 email: mark@crowriverpress.com

PRINTED BY Crow River Press 170 Shady Ridge Road NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 Dockside is published four times a year by the Litchfield Independent Review and Hutchinson Leader newspapers.

It is distributed free to lake and river property owners around Litchfield and Hutchinson. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

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Celebrate Earth Day at Prairie Woods ELC

10

See changes to Greenleaf State Recreation Area

22

Check the calendar of events for lake association meetings, other local events

SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 3

H

i, remember me? Yes, I announced in the winter magazine that I was leaving my job as Dockside editor to accept a new job. And I did disembark. But I’m back on board.

For health reasons, I had to leave behind the new job. Thankfully, the publisher of Dockside tossed me a life preserver and rescued me. I’m excited to be back working on the magazine again.

Welcome aboard if you’re new to this magazine, and welcome back to all our faithful readers and devoted advertisers after a long, record-breaking winter.

Stowed inside this magazine, we have information, stories and updates to share with you. We have two inspiring stories about students in Hutchinson and Litchfield who have formed youth bass fishing clubs. Adult mentors are sharing their love of the sport and inspiring a new generation of anglers. We also have a story on the changes that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources made to Greenleaf State Recreation Area, located between Litchfield and Hutchinson. The state relocated the fishing pier for better fishing, added picnic tables and firepits, and

Apply to be a DNR conservation officer The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting conservation officer trainee applications. Deadline to apply is April 12.

The CO trainee program is designed for applicants who have a two- or four-year degree in any discipline and want to become a conservation officer.

The DNR provides CO prep candidates with the educational requirements necessary to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training exam, required to become a licensed peace officer. Candidates must pass the P.O.S.T. exam to be eligible for permanent employment as a conservation officer. As a CO prep candidate, people receive an hourly rate of pay, paid tuition and books to attend school to earn a Minnesota peace officer license.

For more information, go online to www.dnr.state.mn.us.

4 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

made changes to improve water quality.

Some lake associations have changed meeting times and dates, so check our calendar of events, attend a meeting and become involved in your lake association.

Lake association members dedicate countless hours to help maintain and improve the health of the lake you live on, play on, or visit. To learn more about what your loJuliana Thill cal lake association is doing, check the list EDITOR of social media sites (websites, Facebook, Twitter) I’ve compiled at the end of the magazine.

If you have story ideas, events for the calendar, photos of your big catch, your fun day on the lake, or a favorite campfire recipe you’d like to share, send them to me and I will try to publish your submissions.

For now, I’m hoping Old Man Winter has packed up his belongings and is on his way out the door. Here’s to a happy spring, a successful fishing opener, and a safe Memorial Day weekend. We’ll be back in your mailbox in June.

DNR Enforcement honors local conservation officers Minnesota Department of Natural Resources honored conservation officers at the Enforcement Division’s annual awards ceremony and training conference in January at Camp Ripley.

The Enforcement Division’s honorees included two local conservation officers:  The Boat and Water Safety Achievement Award was presented to Conservation Officer Nick Klehr, who patrols the Litchfield area. He has prioritized boat and water safety education and enforcement since he became a conservation officer in 2014.

“CO Klehr’s involvement in boat and water safety goes well beyond simple law enforcement,” said Enforcement Division Director Rodmen Smith. “Whether he’s talking with anglers or giving presentations to citizen groups, he never misses an opportunity to incorporate a safety message.”  Wi l l a rd M u n g e r We t l a n d s

Achievement Award was given to Conservation Officer Shane Vernier, who patrols the Willmar area.

The award, which recognizes an officer who’s devoted Nick to water resource Klehr protection, is named after the state House of Representatives member who was focused on conservation and the environment.

“The water in CO Vernier’s patrol area receives heavy use, Shane including from agriVernier cultural operations and people out recreating, but he does an outstanding job of making sure those valuable water resources are protected and preserved,” Smith said.

Minnesota’s cold winter means good news for state’s lakes, fish For the good of Minnesota lakes, science says bring on the cold weather. The arctic cold spell Minnesota experienced this winter might have been bad for your nose and toes, but Minnesota lakes benefit from the extra deep freeze, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which monitors water quality across the state.

Extended cold periods can build thicker ice on lakes. Thicker ice takes longer to melt in the spring, and helps keep the water cooler longer.

The warming of the climate during the last quarter century has warmed the water in lakes, too.

This causes stress for fish and bugs that evolved to thrive in cooler water, and eventually this stress could wreak havoc with the ecology of lakes, the MPCA says.

Lake Superior shows another benefit of more ice. The fish and other creatures that form the ecosystem of Superior’s cold, deep water rely on two other less-obvious benefits of ice cover: It reflects solar radiation, preventing more heating, and it reduces water loss through evaporation, according to the MPCA.

Prairie Woods plans free Earth Day event Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center will celebrate Earth Day with food, fun and information.

The Earth Day celebration runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13 at the ELC, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer. Prairie Woods will present a day of food, activity, fun and information. Admission is free.

There will be exhibits, activities such as an indoor climbing wall and nature scavenger hunt, as well as information on how to “green your life” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. for a freewill donation. The Audubon Center of the North Woods will have live animal presentations at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sloppy Joes and hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Prairie Woods ELC will have a recycled outdoor gear sale during the Earth Day celebration. Prairie Woods also is collecting donations of good used shoes for its WorldWear fundraising project. To donate shoes or items for the outdoor gear sale, or for more information, call 320-354-5894 or go online to www.prairiewoodselc.org.

The annual Earth Day event is a collaborative effort of Prairie Woods, Middle Fork and North Fork Crow River watersheds, Kandiyohi Soil & Water District, Crow River Organization of Water, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

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SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 5

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Left — Hutchinson’s Carson Pink, left, and Jace Drape had the highest total weight tallied for Hutch Bass in 2018, helping the team finish atop the Greater West Conference. Right — Alec Hatlestad, left, and Paul Nass, members of Hutch Bass, pose with Nass’s prized bass, the biggest caught at the 2018 Minnesota High School B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship.

Hutch Bass finds first-year success Student anglers grow as a team, prepare for 2019 season

BY RYAN KASTENSCHMIDT HUTCHINSON LEADER SPORTS EDITOR

T

he chase for the biggest bass was on for the Hutch Bass fishing team last summer, and it finished the season with a conference championship trophy.

Not bad for a team that didn’t exist a year ago.

The wheels were first put into motion for Hutchinson Public Schools to form a team after a trip to watch a professional fishing tournament at Lake Mille Lacs last year, according Alecia Portele, one of Hutchinson’s coaches.

“The kids had gone there to meet all the pros and stuff, and all of them were like, ‘You have a team at your school that you fish with?’” Portele said, “and they’re like, ‘No.’” The Hutch Bass youth club hit the water for the first time in May 2018, with 21 boys and girls in grades 8-12 signing up for the inaugural season.

“I’ve been fishing since I was little,” sophomore Isaac Nass said. “(I) grew up on a lake fishing and I just really enjoyed fishing. I never really fished in a tournament or against people. (I) wanted to give it a try.”

6 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

Hutch Bass members hosted weekly scrimmages and their own tournament, and also traveled to tournaments in other areas including Paynesville, Alexandria and Grand Rapids.

During each event, the anglers paired up and rode with a boat captain to various fishing spots. Boats were brought to each event by parents or team members, and each angler supplied his or her own equipment.

Scrimmages lasted two hours, but tournaments went for six to seven hours. Each pair or “team” was allowed to keep up to five bass, with the hopes of weighing in with the heaviest overall catch at the end of the day.

Hutchinson’s teams competed against teams from other schools, which included Sartell, Howard Lake, Osakis and Worthington.

“You get to see how your whole team did, and you’re competing against different schools, so that’s fun,” junior Gavin Weseloh said.

As the season went on, they saw an influx of interest from people visiting the Hutch Bass Facebook page.

“I think the kids gained interest through the summer,” Portele said. “There was a lot more people viewing our pictures and stuff.”

Hutchinson also earned a Greater West Conference championship trophy, courtesy of the school’s top duo of Carson

Pink and Jace Drape.

Drape participates in a number of other sports for Hutchinson High School but thinks this sport will serve him well beyond his teenage years.

“It’s more of a sport you can do when you’re older,” Drape said. “With all the other sports, they just kind of quit when you’re done with high school, or you might go to college. This is a sport you can use the rest of your life.”

The season concluded with a bang at the Minnesota High School B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship at Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, thanks to freshman Paul Nass. Nass reeled in the largest catch of the 182-angler, two-day tournament, catching a 6.57 pound smallmouth bass.

Nass said it was the highlight of the season, and he and his teammates look forward to seeing what’s in store for Hutch Bass this year.

He hopes more Hutchinson kids become interested in the team. “We could always use more people,” Nass said. “It’s more fun with more people.”

With the first year of competition completed and year two starting, Drape has a goal in mind for this season.

“Try to make it to nationals, that’d be sweet,” he said.

It would take a state title to earn a spot in the national tournament, and with how Hutch Bass performed in its first season, it might not be too far-fetched of an idea.

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SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 7

Inspiring a new generation of anglers Litchfield fishing team sees growth in first year, gears up for new season

BY JULIANA THILL EDITOR

W

ithin one year, the Litchfield Student Anglers Club easily caught the attention of students and parents, and reeled in some early successes.

The Litchfield fishing team, which consists of middle school and high school students, started with 28 students in 2018 and had up to four teams participating in four Student Angler Tournament Trail tournaments.

As word spread about the competitive youth fishing team, interest grew among students and parents.

“We have been going for a full year and have 40 kids signed up to fish our Litchfield Student Anglers Club league for 2019,” said Daniel Anderson, the club’s founder.

“Plus, we are doing a full schedule of four teams on the Student Angler Tournament Trail around the state,” he said.

Anderson, an avid fisherman with a lifelong passion for catching trophy walleye and other freshwater fish, is using his love for the rod and reel to enrich the lives of local youth.

He wanted to provide youth with opportunities to fish, learn and grow as anglers, so he started the club last year.

“This is going to give the kids who aren’t athletic a chance to compete and be a part of something,” he said. “I definitely have the tools to teach and knowledge. I like kids.

I like to teach them how to fish and spend time with them.

It’s rewarding to me.”

Litchfield Student Anglers Club is open to middle school and high school students. Members participate in meetings, practices, local fishing competitions, state youth tournaments, educational seminars and local events/fundraisers.

In addition, last year, “we ran a catch, record, release league keeping score of fish caught, and awarded trophies and prizes to the kids,” Anderson said.

The club’s first fishing tournaments took place this past the summer, with members competing through Rapala Student Angler Tournament Trail.

The Litchfield fishing team wrapped up its season in September, coming in 30th out of 63 teams at the SATT Tournament of Champions on Lake Minnetonka.

During the winter and into spring 2019, as lakes remained frozen, the fishing team conducted informational meetings and hands-on activities at Litchfield High School.

In February, a representative from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fisheries and Granite City Bassmasters gave a presentation about lake science and bass. In March, students and parents reviewed rod, reel and line setups, practiced knot tying, and brushed up on casting techniques in the LHS pool. They are staying active so they are prepared for the 2019 season.

“We also have two special needs kids we have been tak-

8 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Daniel Anderson, Tyler Hansen and Jesse Heid Jr. participated in the SATT Tournament of Champions in September, coming in 30th place out of 63 teams. ing out, and have added a fishing with seniors night in June 2019,” Anderson said.

Additional changes to the program are in the works.

Last year, “we ran a five -night leag ue, and this year have expanded to eight nights, running every other Sunday throughout the summer,” Anderson said.

I n addition, t he Minnesota State High School League plans to meet this spring with directors of the Student A n ger Tou r n a ment Trail, Anderson said, about making bass fishing a school sport.

“Last fall, there was a

Jesse Heid Jr. shows one of the bass he caught in the SATT Tournament of Champions in September.

big petition push, which is why

they are considering it for a state-sponsored sport,” he said.

For now, Litchfield Student Anglers Club is a Litchfield Community Education offering.

“However, we have the full support of (Litchfield High School Activities Director) Justin Brown. We meet at the school, associate as the Dragons’ fishing team and continue to hope for some funding at some point,” Anderson said.

Anderson is impressed with the support he and the team have received in the past year.

“We have had a great response from our community in sponsoring our team to help fund everything we have been doing, and it’s the only way we exist,” he said.

“We have also had a great volunteer response that has allowed us to get this big.”

For more information, contact Anderson by email at danderson144@gmail.com or visit Litchfield Student Anglers Club on Facebook.

Ellarry Prentice contributed to this story.

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SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 9

State invests in Greenleaf SRA PHOTOS BY BRENT SCHACHERER

The fishing pier, which at one time was in close proximity to the parking area at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area, was moved to the east, a change aimed at improving fishing and accessibility, according to Erika Rivers, director of State Parks and Trails at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota DNR makes improvements to Greenleaf State Recreation Area

BY BRENT SCHACHERER PUBLISHER

M

ore than a decade after its founding — as a state park — Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area celebrated with a birthday party of sorts in September.

“This was a long time coming,” state Rep. Dean Urdahl said as he sat at a table in the newly created picnic area. “This was one of the first things presented to me when I was elected (in 2002), was the desire of folks to get this done.”

While it has taken some time — and there may be even more improvements to consider — there was reason to celebrate. The open house event in September 2018, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, highlighted

10 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

significant improvements at the recreation area, located seven miles south of Litchfield, off of Minnesota Highway 22 on 640th Avenue.

Among the upgrades:  Construction of a day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and an aggregate pad for a portable restroom facility.  Grading of the road into the recreation area and parking area near the public water access.  A fishing pier, previously located near the public access, was moved to the east where, DNR officials say, fishing and access should be greatly improved.  Upgrades to a one-mile hiking loop to the south of the main entrance.  Stormwater management and buffer areas also were constructed

to improve water quality.

“This is the first real development that we’ve done here,” said Erika Rivers, director of State Parks and Trails for the DNR. “There are fewer and fewer new parks and rec areas that have been developed ... in the last decade. So it’s a great thing.”

Among those who attended the celebration were Mark and Mary Geyer, who sold the land to the state to create the recreation area.

“All in all, it’s just so rewarding to see what they’ve done and know that it’s going to continue to be preserved … that’s really the payoff,” Mark Geyer said.

He purchased several parcels of land through the 1990s and early 2000s, deals that kept shoreline around Greenleaf Lake from falling into the hands of developers who

sought to create high-density housing.

He and other landowners in the area approached the DNR in 2001 about establishing a state park, and he waited.

And waited.

He said that he might have been able to sell his nearly 400 acres to private developers for a handsome sum.

However, “that wasn’t the driving force,” Geyer said. “The main thing was to preserve it.

“It was all worth it,” he continued.

“I have confidence in the state DNR because of their history. They know more how to get things done politically, to get funding. They know what’s best for the land. They’re good stewards.”

The DNR’s Rivers reciprocated that appreciation.

“It’s really a testament to what they’ve done for the people of Minnesota, their land has become this,” she said. “That’s a pretty nice thing.”

In his remarks during a short program at the start of the day, Urdahl recalled that original plans called for a state park. Its creation was tucked inside a public lands bill, escaping the scrutiny and possible objections of some legislators.

But despite that — or maybe in part because of the way it happened — “we really couldn’t move it beyond that,” he said.

Greenleaf State Park at that time faced stiff competition — an effort by others to purchase land near Lake Vermillion in northern Minnesota to create a state park there.

“When the governor (Tim Pawlenty) was balancing Greenleaf and Vermillion, Greenleaf was losing,” Urdahl said, “but we had it established, and the governor knew it was important to this area and to what I was trying to do. So, we reached an agreement in the next legislative session where they would put some funding into Greenleaf as a state recreation area and allow for some land purchases.”

The original expenditure for land purchases was $500,000, with remaining land purchased through the DNR’s appropriations fund. Part

Above — Visitors at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area’s open house in September stand in the new picnic area, which includes fire pits and picnic tables overlooking Greenleaf Lake. Right — Mary and Mark Geyer of Victoria, Minnesota, stand in the picnic nic area overlooking Greenleaff Lake, said they are gratified d to see the land they sold to the state ate become a state recreation area that can be enjoyed by everyone. of the deal that funded the first land said, they might want to reconsider. purchases, Urdahl said, also speciWhile state parks are established fied that improvements should not to preserve natural and cultural rebe expected in the first decade. sources, a state recreation area has those goals along with accommodat“We got to 12 years, and I’m saying multiple forms of outdoor recreing, ‘You know, it’s really time to do ation such as hunting and fishing. something,’” Urdahl said.

In most cases, waterfowl hunting is Rivers acknowledged that, as she not allowed in state park boundaries. praised Urdahl’s work on the project.

“Because this is a great waterfowl “This is really a great testament lake and because this is a pretty deto Rep. Urdahl’s support of outdoor cent — for this area — fishing lake, recreation in general,” she said. “…I we wanted to make sure that those walk down the hallway for my legacy forms of outdoor recreation were fund (meetings at the state Capitol), accommodated,” River said. “And so, and when I’m over there testifying, making this an SRA allows for that he always has that little twinkle in fish and wildlife use, as well as, you his eye, and he’ll stop me and say, know, hiking and snowshoeing and ‘What’s going on with that? Don’t horseback riding, that kind of thing. forget Greenleaf.’ He’s really been a So, I personally think that this SRA great champion of this.” was the best outcome here, because it As for those disappointed that does really support and even encourGreenleaf became a state recreation age multiple forms of recreation.” area rather than a state park, Rivers

SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 11

Looking forward to fishing Before casting a line during Minnesota’s fishing opener May 11, be aware of new regulations

BY JULIANA THILL | EDITOR

A Anglers who have questions — whether it’s about what species they can fish for, what kind of bait is legal, or what kind of fish they can keep — can fi nd many fishing-related answers in the DNR’s 2019 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet or at Fish Minnesota, the fishing information webpage at www.mndnr.gov/fishmn.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

12 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

fter a record-breaking winter for snow and cold in Minnesota, which made for good ice fishing, anglers are eager to venture out on open waters to cast a line May 11.

The tradition of fishing opener in Minnesota centers around roughly half a million anglers going fishing the day the season opens for walleye, sauger, northern pike and trout in lakes.

To help ensure Mom isn’t home alone on Mother’s Day, May 12, and perhaps to expose her to the thrill of reeling in a prizewinning fish, the DNR allows mothers who are residents of Minnesota to fish without a license during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend, May 11-12.

“When you share your passion by taking someone else fishing, you are helping sustain the future of great fishing in Minnesota,” said Jenifer Wical, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’s Fish and Wildlife marketing coordinator.

A key element required for most anglers is a fishing license. In Minnesota, anglers from the ages of 16 to 89 are required to have a valid fishing license.

“Whether you are after the fish of a lifetime or some bluegills for the frying pan, when you buy a license you are helping fund work that sustains Minnesota’s unique fisheries,” Wical said.

In addition to purchasing a fishing license, the DNR encourages people to pick up a copy of the 2019 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet, which is available anywhere Minnesota fishing licenses are sold, as well as online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

REVIEW NEW FISHING REGULATIONS Anglers will find a variety of updates in the booklet, including a continuous fishing season on South Dakota border waters, fall trout fishing in Rushford, and changes for walleye regulations on large lakes like Leech, Kabetogama and Lake of the Woods.

“Before going fishing, anglers should be sure to check Page 7 of the fishing regulations that details what’s new for 2019,” said Al Stevens, fisheries program consultant with the Department of Natural Resources.

Regulation changes include:  A continuous season began March 1 for walleye, northern pike and bass on South Dakota border waters of Big Stone, Traverse, Mud and Hendricks lakes.  The 17- to 28-inch protected slot limit for walleye in Namakan, Kabetogama, Sand Point, Little Vermilion and Crane lakes is now a protected slot limit of 18 to 26 inches.  On Lake of the Woods, the DNR reduced the combined possession limit for sauger and walleye to six. Of that, no more than four can be walleye.  On the Rainy River and Fourmile Bay of Lake of the Woods, the spring walleye season from March 1 to April 14 was changed to catch-and-release only.  Anglers no longer have a protected slot limit for walleye in Leech Lake, but the bag restriction remains.  Anglers no longer have special regulations for northern pike in Lake Vermilion in St. Louis County, East and

PHOTO COURTESTY OF MINNESOTA DNR

Youth ages 16 and 17 can buy an annual license for $5. Minnesotans 15 and younger are not required to buy a license to fish but must comply with fishing regulations.

West Sylvia lakes in Wright County, Sturgeon Lake in Pine County and Big Fish Lake in Stearns County.  Anglers will no longer have special regulations for walleye in Pearl Lake in Stearns County.  Within the city limits of Rushford, anglers in the fall will be able to catchand-release stream trout in Rush Creek.

The DNR also offers a reminder that possession and size limits for northern pike in inland waters were changed in 2018. The state is divided into three zones, and each zone has a specific regulation for harvesting norther pike.

Before making changes in any regulation, the DNR evaluates the regulation, shares what’s found in the evaluations and angler surveys, hosts public input meetings in the fall, and reviews comments from the public about the regulations. The DNR also considers goals of individual lake management plans.

“We’re always trying to improve fish populations and make fishing better or more sustainable, and we sincerely value the public’s input in this process,” Stevens said.

PURCHASE A FISHING LICENSE People can purchase licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device at mndnr.

gov/buyalicense, or by phone at 888665-4236. Mobile buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

Licenses must be in anglers’ possession when fishing or traveling from an area they were fishing. The top two fishing-related regulation violations are for not having a license in possession, and not having a valid license.

Adult individual angling licenses are $ 25, and licenses for married couples are $40. Anglers can buy licenses for 24-hour, 72-hour, one-year and three-year time periods, as well.

Youth ages 16 and 17 can buy an annual license for $5. Lifetime licenses, which can be purchased for oneself or given as a gift, can keep someone fishing long into the future.

Minnesotans 15 and younger are not required to buy a license to fish but must comply with fishing regulations.

All nonresidents need a license, except those age 15 and younger do not need one if a parent or guardian is licensed.

People can buy licenses at any DNR license agent (see local listing below), online with a mobile or desktop device at www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense, or by phone at 888-665-4236. Mobile buyers receive a text or email that serves as

SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 13

proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

MOBILE-FRIENDLY INFORMATION Anglers who have questions — whether it’s about what species they can fish for, what kind of bait is legal, or what kind of fish they can keep — can find many fishingrelated answers in the DNR’s 2019 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet or at Fish Minnesota, the fishing information webpage at www.mndnr.gov/fishmn.

Fish Mi n nesot a is a mobi le friendly destination for information on when, where and how to fish.

Users also will find a link to LakeFinder, which provides detailed information on more than 4,500 lakes throughout the state.

“Fish Minnesota has become a

Wear a life jacket Cold water kills. Anglers are reminded to not just bring a life jacket, but wear a life jacket. It’s the one action most likely to help in surviving a fall into cold water.

Thirty percent of boating fatalities take place in cold water defined as generally below 70 degrees. In spring, this is typically from ice-out until early summer.

jacket. A life jacket gives people a fighting chance in cold water.

The cold water shock “gasp reflex” can incapacitate even the strongest swimmers if they aren’t wearing a life

“In addition to fishing regulations, there is a trove of information available through Fish Minnesota, including maps and stocking reports.”

go-to resource for many anglers because it can be accessed anywhere there is mobile phone service,” said Al Stevens, DNR fisheries lake and stream survey program consultant.

DNR fishing license agents in Meeker and McLeod counties People can purchase hunting and fishing licenses, cross-country ski passes, snowmobile trail stickers, horse trail pass, and apply for hunting lotteries through the Electronic License System.

ELS gives people three options for buying licenses: online, by phone or in person.

To purchase in person, visit a DNR licensed agent. Local sites to purchase a license in person include:

MEEKER COUNTY

MCLEOD COUNTY

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Outpost 914 Sibley Ave. N. (320) 593-0025 Litchfield Licensing 702 Sibley Ave. N. (320) 593-5932 Walmart 2301 E. Frontage Road (320) 693-1022 Watkins Ertl Hardware Hank, 101 Central Ave. (320) 764-2890

14 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

McLeod County License Bureau 2391 Hennepin Ave. N. (320) 864-5551 Hutchinson Speedway 1210 Highway 7 W. (320) 587-6223 Hutchinson Motor Vehicle 111 Hassan St. SE (320) 234-2599 Ace Hardware 105 E. Washington Ave. (320) 587-8888

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA DNR

Outpost 1201 N. Main St. (320) 587-8177 Runnings 1090 Highway 15 S. (320) 587-7104 Walmart 1300 Highway 15 S. (320) 587-1020 Lester Prairie Big Don’s Carthedral 601 Central Ave. (320) 395-2214 Casey’s General Store 1018 Central Ave. (320) 395-4388 Winsted Habisch Outdoors 21948 Babcock Ave. (320) 485-4867

DNR offers free fishing weekends PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA DNR

Anglers can catch some fish such as crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead any time of the year. Other fish can only be caught at certain times of the year.

Answers to common questions The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources answers some frequently asked fishing questions: Do I need a license?

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you’re 16 or older.

Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lowercost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. In most cases, Minnesotans don’t need a license if you’re fishing in a state park. The DNR’s complete listing of fishing licenses can help you decide what to buy.

When can I fish?

You can fish in spring, summer, fall and winter. You can fish any day of the year if the kind of fish you’re trying to catch can be legally caught on the day you’re fishing.

What can I catch?

You can catch some fish such as crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead at any time. Fish such as walleye, northern pike and bass — commonly called gamefish — can only be caught during certain times of the year. Those time periods can vary depending

on where you are fishing. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

How can I fish?

You can catch fish with a line attached to a fishing pole. When the water isn’t frozen, you must use only one fishing pole. When the water is frozen, you can use two lines, which don’t have to be attached to a fishing pole. Regardless of the time of year, if your line is in the water you have to be right there. In some places and for some fish, spearing, netting and using a bow with an attached arrow are allowed. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

Where can I fish?

You can fish on lakes, rivers and streams. To get to a fishing area, don’t cross private property without permission. Some areas may have fishing and access restrictions posted. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

For more information, go online to the DNR’s website at www.dnr. state.mn.us

TAKE A MOM FISHING WEEKEND: MAY 11-12 Mothers who are residents of Minnesota can fish without a license during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend. During the weekend, mothers can fish only for species that have open fishing seasons.

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend each year coincides with Mother’s Day. For possession limits and other details consult the fishing regulations at www. dnr.state.mn.us.

TAKE-A-KID FISHING WEEKEND: JUNE 7-9 Fish for free during Take-A-Kid Fishing Weekend. Minnesotans 16 or older who take a child 15 or younger fishing don’t need a license that weekend. The weekend offers opportunities for inexperienced, beginner anglers.

Catch some quality family time and plan a special fishing day or weekend.

There are organized fishing opportunities throughout the state during Take a Kid Fishing Weekend. For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us.

SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Dock and dock platform size are regulated to provide a balance between the protection and use of public waters.

Spring is good time to review dock regulations Docks must comply with state, local regulations Before installing or investing in a new dock or dock platform, lake home and cabin owners should check to ensure it will meet state requirements, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggests.

Lake service provider businesses also should review the regulations, to ensure the equipment they sell or install is in compliance, the DNR added.

“The current dock and dock platform regulations have been in existence for many years, but not everyone is familiar with them,” said Jack Gleason, DNR public waters hydrologist.

“Residents might assume that if another lakeshore owner has a dock with a large platform, it meets the rules for the state,” Gleason said. “Sometimes, that isn’t the case. We want residents

16 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

to understand the requirements before they purchase and install dock sections, rather than telling them later that they need to remove an alreadyinstalled structure.”

Dock and dock platform size are regulated to provide a balance between the protection and use of public waters.

Extensive dock systems may shade out important aquatic plants and eliminate critical habitat where fish spawn, feed, grow and find shelter from predators.

A dock cannot be more than 8 feet wide and cannot be combined with other similar structures to create a wider dock.

A modest platform at the lake end of a dock is allowed under certain conditions. A single, temporary platform up to 120 square feet measured separately from the access dock, or 170 square feet including the area of the adjacent access dock, is allowed if the following conditions exist:  The access dock must be 5 feet wide or less, and

 The dock must be on a lake with a shoreland classification of general development or recreational development.

Docks must not be a hazard to navigation, health or safety and must allow the free flow of water. A dock should not close off part of the lake to other users.

Docks must also comply with any local ordinances.

A document about state dock requirements is available on the DNR website https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/ publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_water_access.pdf.

Also find DNR hydrologists who can assist lake home owners with questions at https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/ waters/area_hydros.pdf .

The DNR website contains links to other information for lakeshore owners about shoreline erosion control and restoration projects to help improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat.

State’s fish hatchery system plays role in stocking efforts

M

innesota D epa r tment of Natural Resources’s hatcheries produce fish that are a critical part of the DNR’s efforts to maintain and enhance fishing opportunities in 4,300 managed lakes and 16,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers throughout Minnesota.

Stocking these hatchery-raised fish enhances fishing in Minnesota by providing angling opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Each of the DNR’s 15 hatcheries plays a unique role in our stocking efforts. The fish

each produces helps supports the $4.2 billion contribution anglers make each year to the state economy.

Every year, cold-water hatcheries in Altura, Lanesboro, Peterson and Remer provide 1.7 million trout for stocking into 200 lakes and 100 streams throughout Minnesota. Trout raised at these hatcheries include brook, brown, lake, rainbow and splake.

Cool- and warm-water hatcheries in Walker Lake, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Glenwood, Grand Rapids, New London, Park Rapids, St. Paul, Tower and Waterville provide walleye, northern pike, muskellunge and channel catfish for stocking in 1,100 lakes and some rivers.

Map shows locations of DNR fish hatcheries. Red circles designate cool-water hatcheries. Stars designate coldwater hatcheries. Squares designate cool- and warm-water hatcheries.

IMAGE COURTESY OF MINNESOTA DNR

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Fishing is about more than catching fish. It’s also about enjoying nature and making memories.

The water’s fine; let’s go fishing

BY JEFF LEDERMANN

S

o you might have heard that fishing is a big deal in Minnesota. Maybe you’ve even thought it sounds kind of fun. Then reality sets in and here comes the list of chores, hassles and other plans — all those reasons we end up watching beautiful vistas through our friends’ social media feeds instead of enjoying Minnesota’s great outdoors ourselves.

Well I’m here to tell you, you can fish and I’m here to stoke your fear of missing out. That’s right, chores and other plans will always be there. But not the fishing.

No, it’s not mandatory that you fish. Nobody is forcing you to get out and see beauty in Minnesota so striking that it takes your breath away — lakes, streams, rocks and forests that are better in person despite any afterthe-fact social media filter. That loon that swims by won’t notify you when it’s going to do that again. The turtle may continue to sit on a nearby log, but then how would you know? And then there’s you — how do you know what your problems will look like with the perspective you gain in a day of relaxing on the water with some peace and quiet?

The paradox is that fishing is about more than catching fish. And for people who do catch fish, many find it’s all they think about this time of year.

Out of the 1.4 million licensed anglers in Minnesota, about half a million take part in the great annual tradition of fishing opener, this year on Saturday, May 11.

18 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

Of course, “fishing opener” is a bit of a misnomer since fishing remains open all year for many species including popular and fast-biting species like bluegill or crappies.

Fishing opener marks the day fishing can begin for walleye, northern pike and trout in lakes. But it’s more than that. For many, fishing opener is a time to be with family and friends, reminiscing on old memories and making new ones. For others, fishing opener is the first chance to feel that tug on the line and the excitement and anticipation to see what is on the other end. That first fish fry is the hope for some who aim to bring home a healthy and tasty meal of fish they catch and prepare themselves.

You can even pat yourself on the back for fishing. It’s good for Minnesota. Fishing supports local businesses and rural economies. And purchasing licenses, fishing equipment and boat fuel supports conservation. That’s because license sales and federal excise taxes on fishing equipment and boat fuel fund the majority of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ basic fish management and fishing programs that help continue great fishing for future generations.

I hope you don’t miss out on great fishing during the opener or sometime this summer, and make some new memories with old and new friends. If you want to start fishing, I encourage you to ask someone who does if they’ll take you along. You can check out mndnr.gov/ fishmn for what you need to get started.

Jeff Ledermann is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources education and skills supervisor.

PHOTO BY BRENT SCHACHERER

Above — Anglers on Belle Lake land a carp during a lake association bowfishing tournament.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Top right — Boaters venture out on Lake Jennie.

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Right — A quiet, misty morning on Lake Washington.

Area lakes offer numerous opportunities

BY JULIANA THILL EDITOR

Whether it’s boating on Big Swan Lake, swimming on Lake Stella, jet skiing across Lake Jennie, camping near Collinwood Lake, or dropping a line in Lake Washington, area lakes provide plenty of opportunity for enjoyment.

To lea r n more about lakes i n McLeod, Meeker and western Wright counties, as well as those across the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ website provides a wealth of information. People can search a specific lake at www.dnr. state.mn.us/lakefind and learn about a lake’s size, fishing opportunities and more.

The following lake listing is based on information the DNR provided on its website in spring 2017. Some information is current, however some lake surveys are as old as 2005.

FISH FOUND IN THE AREA Due to space limitations, we combined all of the fish species from local lakes into one list. To find out what species are in a lake, search the DNR’s website.

The following fish have been found in one or more of the lakes listed: banded killifish, black bullhead, black crappie, blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, bluegill, bigmouth buffalo, bluntnose minnow, bowfin (dogfish), brook silverside, brook

stickleback, brown bullhead, central mudminnow, channel catfish, common carp, common shiner, creek chub, emerald shiner, fathead minnow, f lathead catfish, freshwater drum, golden redhorse, golden shiner, greater redhorse, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, largemouth bass, least darter, Lepomis sp., logperch, minnows, northern pike, orangespotted sunfish, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, rock bass, sand shiner, shiners, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, smallmouth bass, smallmouth buffalo, spotfin shiner, spottail shiner, tadpole madtom, tullibee (cisco), walleye, white crappie, white sucker, yellow bullhead, yellow perch.

SPRING 2019 | DOCKSIDE 19

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Calendar of local events, lake association meetings April Winsted Lake Watershed Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month (unless it’s a holiday) at Winsted City Hall, downstairs in the Vollmer Room.

Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. April 5 at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.

Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale.

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille, 16818 Minnesota 22, Litchfield.

Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location.

May Winsted Lake Watershed Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Winsted City Hall, downstairs in the Vollmer Room.

Lake Washington Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. May 1 at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.

Lake Washington Improvement Association will have a porkchop dinner May 5 at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.

Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion.

Lake Marion Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. May 16 at Brownton Rod and Gun Club.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the

22 DOCKSIDE | SPRING 2019

PHOTO BY JULIANA THILL

Canada geese and their goslings swim the Crow River in Hutchinson. month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale.

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location.

June Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 18 at Cass Lake, with a location to be announced. Additional meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 and Dec. 17, with locations to be determined. Lake associations that would like to host a meeting should send an email to minnesotacola@gmail.com. During the meetings, time is set aside for the host to provide insights about its local organization.

Winsted Lake Watershed Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Winsted City Hall, in the Vollmer Room.

Lake Washington Improvement

Association meets at 7 p.m. June 7 at Dassel Rod & Gun Club.

Lake Marion Improvement Association meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in April, June and August at Brownton Rod and Gun Club.

Lake Stella Homeowners Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Litchfield American Legion.

Belle Lake Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

Greater Lake Sylvia Association meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at Southside Township Hall, Annandale.

Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Bonfire Bar & Grille.

Lake Jennie Improvement Association meets the third Saturday of the month. Contact a board member for time and location.

Free listing If your lake association has a meeting or event to list, contact editor Juliana Thill by email at thill@independentreview.net or call 320-593-4808.

Find lake information online Belle Lake Association Facebook: Belle Lake Association

Stay connected Anytime, anywhere

Brooks Lake Area Association Website: www.brookslake.info Facebook: Brooks Lake Clearwater Lake Property Owners Association Website: www.clpo.org Facebook: Clearwater Lake Property Owners Collinwood Community Lake Association Website: www.collinwoodlake.com Crow River Organization of Water Website: http://crowriver.org Twitter: @crowriverorg Facebook: Crow River Lakes and Streams French Lake Improvement Association Website: http://frenchlake.wix.com/flia Facebook: French Lake Improvement Association

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Greater Lake Sylvia Association Website: www.lakesylvia.org

Availability based on location.

Hutchinson student bass fishing team Facebook: Hutch Bass Koronis Lake Association Website: www.koronislakeassociation.org Facebook: Koronis Lake Association Lake Francis Area Recreation and Conservation Club Website: www.lakefrancismn.org Facebook: Lake Francis Lake Association

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Lake Jennie Improvement Association Website: www.lakejennie.com Facebook: Lake Jennie Improvement Association Lake John Association Website: http://lakejohnassociation.com Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association Website: https://sites.google.com/site/lmbiaorg Facebook: Lake Minnie Belle Improvement Association Lake Ripley Improvement Association Facebook: Lake Ripley Improvement Association Lake Stella Homeowners Association Facebook: Lake Stella Association Lake Washington Improvement Association Website: www.lakewashingtonassn.com Facebook: Lake Washington Improvement Association Litchfield student bass fishing team Facebook: Litchfield Student Anglers Club Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center Website: www.maisrc.umn.edu Twitter: @AISresearchMN Facebook: Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center Minnesota Coalition of Lake Associations Website: mncola.angelfire.com North Browns Lake Association Website: www.northbrownslake.org Facebook: North Browns Lake Association Winsted Lake Watershed Association Website: www.winsted.mn.us/pages/watershed.html

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