Urged By MN-FISH After Historic Low Angler Harvest Last Winter
The Minnesota DNR announced recently it recommends stocking 7.5 million walleye fry in Leech Lake next spring after fish surveys showed the lake’s walleye numbers are lower than expected. The plan must be approved by the Leech Lake Input group when it meets in February.
Stocked walleye would be marked using the Oxytetracycline technique to show if stocked fish were adding to overall walleye population.
MN-FISH President Ron Schara praised the DNR’s decision to stock Leech to help increase the walleye population and improve fishing success on this iconic lake.
In August, the Minnesota DNR released the results of the 2023-24 Winter Creel survey from Leech Lake that showed anglers caught only 0.046 walleyes per hour of angling effort, the “lowest observed during the winter season since 2005.”
Concerned about the walleye fishing, MN-FISH board member Jeff Arnold with the support of the Leech Lake Guide Team, submitted an application to privately stock 6.5 million walleye fry in Leech next spring. That application has since been withdrawn following DNR’s decision to stock.
Arnold said he is hopeful that DNR’s stocking efforts will restore a brighter future for Leech Lake walleye anglers.
MN-FISH Foundation Adds Five New Board Members
Henry, Smith, Xiong, Bahr and Gildow Elected
ROGERS, MN—MN-FISH Foundation added five new board members at its recent October meeting. The board now sits at 20 members.
“Our goals for adding to the board came down to two things,” said Executive Director Mark Holsten, “enhancing organizational capabilities and strengthening areas in which help was needed. These new board members are all outstanding additions.”
New board members include:
- Joe Henry, executive director of Lake of the Woods Tourism.
- Jeremy Smith, general manager-television at Lindner Media.
- Dr. Suav Kao Xiong, avid angler and leader in Hmong community.
- Jason Bahr, owner of Tutts Bait Shop on Mille Lacs, dedicated to youth angling (coach of Brainerd 150-member high school fishing team)
- Ray Gildow, hall of fame angler, television host and fishing guide in Brainerd area for 38 years.
“We’re excited to bring new board members up to speed on MN-FISH’s initiatives for the rest of 2024 and next year,” said Ron Schara, foundation president.
The MN-FISH Foundation and Coalition holds nonprofit status, recognized by the IRS under section 501(c)3 and 501(c)4.
“Give to the Max” is November 21st this year. Ron Schara is donating “Lunch with Ron and 4 tickets to 2025 Game Fair” winner will be selected from those who participate and make a donation to MN-FISH through GiveMN.
