April 10, 2025: Note From Muskie Enthusiasts
Note from muskie enthusiasts Dan Craven and Bob Landerville:
Many of you may have seen us (or the recording of us) speak our concerns at the recent MN-FISH summit in Grand Rapids, MN regarding the Leech Lake muskie situation. Without sounding too “pushy,” it is our belief that now is the time to jump on an opportunity that rarely comes around– all the while giving back to the lake/resource/species that is the very heart of Minnesota’s muskie fishery – Leech Lake’s muskie population.
We have NEVER asked for donations for a cause like this before, because there has not been a cause like this– a world class, one-of-its-kind, muskie study – on a world class lake.
It is hard for us to do; so please hear us out regarding the upcoming Leech Lake Muskie Survival and Movement Study.
The Bemidji State University (BSU) graduate program, Leech Lake Band and the MN DNR have agreed to conduct a behavioral tracking study (telemetry) focusing on the muskies of Leech Lake. BSU will supply the manpower to track the fish and compile data throughout the three-year study. This will begin in May.
A musky study of this importance hasn’t been done since the 1979-1981 research conducted by Bob Strand, Regional Fisheries Manager, out of the Bemidji office. The Leech Lake Advisory Counsel, Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters and concerned muskie anglers have pushed for more data on Minnesota’s “capstone” muskie lake/resource.
Appropriate muskie management decisions cannot occur without solid data. The MN DNR gets pulled in many directions for allocated dollars, so we are excited that all parties have agreed to move forward, and thank MN-FISH for stepping up to financially support this study, which has a $177G price tag.
We’d also like to thank MN-FISH for its great work on behalf of Minnesota’s anglers and the businesses that support us. You probably heard that MN-FISH helped secure more than $98 million to improve state hatcheries and boat ramps two years ago.
If you are not a dues-paying member of MN-FISH, we ask you to join right now (https://mn-fish.com/mn-fish-membership/). We also ask that you donate generously. Here’s the great news—MN-FISH recently received a $40,000 challenge grant from a generous benefactor, which will automatically DOUBLE your donation (up to the $40G match).
Here’s the link to donate online: https://mn-fish.com/donate/. If you prefer to send a check, please send it to: MN-FISH, 125 1st Ave NW, POB 7, Osseo, MN 55369-9906.
Thanks for your consideration.
