Presidential Message & Invite to the 2026 Angler’s Summit
At this time of year, an anglers mind begins to think about open water, open seasons and do I need to change fishing line on all those reels? We wonder about the boat still in winter storage and are the batteries okay? Will the outboard start? Lots of stuff floating these days in the minds of Minnesota anglers.
True also for the board of directors of MN-FISH. Always lots to do to strive to keep Minnesota as the State of Fishing. (Sorry hockey fans.). And we also have lots of good fishing news…some exciting.
For several years, MN-FISH has called attention to the decrepit condition of DNR’s metro fish hatchery. It’s something like 125 years old and looks it. Thanks to duck tape, the hatchery still pumps out some walleye fry and muskies. It’s not open to the public to observe because it’s too dangerous to walk around. Wow, are we ever proud of this hatchery. Not.
The good news is the DNR testified before a legislative committee urging support of a $3 million bonding request to begin the search for new hatchery location or building a new one at the current site on Warner Rd in St. Paul. In addition, a legislator in the committee strongly supported the request because she visited the hatchery and saw its deteriorated condition. None of this means the hatchery will get the bonding money this session. But it’s still good news because this embarrassing hatchery is finally getting some attention. Plus it’s a feather in the MN-FISH hat. Click here to watch committee hearing video.
SUMMIT COMING APRIL 17
Yes, a second MN-FISH summit will be held in the Alexandria area (Arrowwood Resort) on April 17. The day-long gathering to hear and discuss fishing issues will be kicked off by the state’s most famous fisherman, Al Lindner. Register now space is limited. More details below.
WALLEYE LIMIT—6 TO 4?
Yes, the MN-FISH board discussed the question and created our position statement, which is attached here.
One of our main concerns is this: Will the reduced limit improve walleye fishing in all the lakes? We don’t know and DNR isn’t saying much. We do know DNR’s fish management budget is greatly constrained, which means the individual lake management that we all think is happening is NOT happening. Consequently, we are asking the governor and key legislators to appropriate general tax revenue dollars to expand DNR’s ability to manage walleye fishing in more lakes, otherwise, the change in the walleye limit probably won’t change our walleye fishing success.
WALLEYE LIMIT—6 TO 4?
Yes, the MN-FISH board discussed the question and created our position statement, which is attached here.
One of our main concerns is this: Will the reduced limit improve walleye fishing in all the lakes? We don’t know and DNR isn’t saying much. We do know DNR’s fish management budget is greatly constrained, which means the individual lake management that we all think is happening is NOT happening. Consequently, we are asking the governor and key legislators to appropriate general tax revenue dollars to expand DNR’s ability to manage walleye fishing in more lakes, otherwise, the change in the walleye limit probably won’t change our walleye fishing success.
KEEP. FISHING. STRONG.
Please do what you can to help MN-FISH. Your time and money will help. Tell your fishing friends to join MN-FISH. Get involved. Call your legislators and ask them to support fishing issues, such as the St. Paul fish hatchery. How to find walleyes on opening day might make a good story to read but if the walleyes are few and far between in your lake…well, good luck,
Good fishing,
Ron Schara, MN-FISH president
You’re Invited!
MN-FISH & Viking Sportsmen LLC
Invite you to the 2026 Angler’s Summit
Arrowwood Resort
Alexandria, MN
April 17, 2026
Keynote speaker Legendary Angler Al Lindner
Join us and share your thoughts as we discuss issues important to the future of Minnesota fishing!
As a member of nonprofit MN-FISH you are invited to join us at this free event. Click HERE to register.
We expect this event to fill quickly so act now if you want to join other passionate angler working to improve fishing in Minnesota.
