Results:MNDNR Comment Period

As it pertains to the closing of the Flathead Catfish season during the dormant months.

13 comments in support of closing the season.

1 comment not supporting it.

Year Round Catch and Release Sturgeon Season.

10 comments in support.

0 comments against

Note: most were concerned with a C&R season during the spawn. If I can group them together and paraphrase, the comments wanted to know if we had enough data to feel comfortable if catching Lake Sturgeon during the spawn would be harmful or not. With the slow maturity and only spawning every 4th year, folks didn’t want to slow down the recovery of this fish.

Some good news there.

When is the typical sturgeon spawning season? I’m sure that they could close it for a period of 4 weeks or more without much resistance.

I thought they spawned around May-Juneish.

That’s about right Bgill,

The DNR guys up at LOTW’s and Big Nick should have some info on this I would think.

I think IMHO, that they way they are handled could be more of a concern more so as it comes closer to spawn, but anytime.

There still plenty of people that fold those gill plates up around their nose.

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That’s about right Bgill,

The DNR guys up at LOTW’s and Big Nick should have some info on this I would think.

I think IMHO, that they way they are handled could be more of a concern more so as it comes closer to spawn, but anytime.

There still plenty of people that fold those gill plates up around their nose.

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Understood. Although, I’m sure the mortality rate is so much lower during the cold water months. For us sturgeon fisherman, cold water means calm water. I sent them an email with my thoughts explaining that I would like to see an early spring c&r season for us to have more time during the calm water months.

whats the point of closing the flathead season during the dormant months? How many really get caught when they are dormant? Not tring to stir the pot or anything rude BK, just an honest question

I can’t speak of the inland waters, but more then a person would think on P4.

I’m trying to talk a fella that had his “best” flathead trip in January a few years back in to talking about it on video. He couldn’t believe the number of flats they caught vertical jigging in one area.

Then there’s the videos of people fishing for them through the ice..and after short time the videos are taken off YouTube. Not sure why that happens.

Then there’s the guys fishing with daredevils up by the dam.

Muskies bite in the winter months. That season is closed.

Since none are taken <cough cough> in the winter dormant months, why would anyone care if the season was closed?

Sorry, I didn’t answer your question.

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How many really get caught when they are dormant?

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None legally.

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I sent them an email with my thoughts explaining that I would like to see an early spring c&r season for us to have more time during the calm water months.

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I saw that in the comments.

If they spawn in May-June, I’d like to see those moths remain close and error on the side of caution. Don’t they normally stack up in shallow areas to spawn. That would make them vulnerable. And the stress from one fight “could” cause a female to drop her roe or turn a male or female off on spawning for the year.

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If they spawn in May-June, I’d like to see those moths remain close and error on the side of caution. Don’t they normally stack up in shallow areas to spawn. That would make them vulnerable. And the stress from one fight “could” cause a female to drop her roe or turn a male or female off on spawning for the year.

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That was my comment unless they have data that proves otherwise. I haven’t paid much attention to the LOTW’s harvest and C&R seasons…but I think it’s close during the actual spawn(?)

Heres the question none of us probably know the answer to… Do they spawn on P4 around the same time they do on LOTW? Thts a very significant climate change and I wouldnt be surprised if the spawn on P4 happened a few weeks earlier on the average.

Anyone who knows me knows id love to see the C&R become legal, the question im asking is do we really know the period of time the fish would need to be protected. Im sure the fishermen arent the only thing on the mind of the dnr, Im guessing Egg strippers are also a concern.

Brian, was there any talk of a time frame as to when a C&R season for sturgeon may open up?

The rule making process normally takes two years…unless it has to do with bullheads. LOL!

If it gets attached to some other change it could take longer too. The WI side takes some time unless they are motivated. I’m not very familiar with their law making process. Although that’s slowly changing. :whistle:

Personally I can’t see any objections and it should go through smoothly.

…but then again, I don’t think anyone is going to go out on a limb to speculate. We are at the front end of the change. I’m very very happy it’s started!

Thanks for the info Brian. sounds like this change makes sense, hopefully it goes through smoothly

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Heres the question none of us probably know the answer to… Do they spawn on P4 around the same time they do on LOTW? Thts a very significant climate change and I wouldnt be surprised if the spawn on P4 happened a few weeks earlier on the average.

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That’s why I say be as conservative with the season as possible. A 6 month season would be better than the 6 week season we have now.

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If they spawn in May-June, I’d like to see those moths remain close and error on the side of caution. Don’t they normally stack up in shallow areas to spawn. That would make them vulnerable. And the stress from one fight “could” cause a female to drop her roe or turn a male or female off on spawning for the year.

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That was my comment unless they have data that proves otherwise. I haven’t paid much attention to the LOTW’s harvest and C&R seasons…but I think it’s close during the actual spawn(?)

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You are correct. I believe it opens sometime in July. Not quite sure when it closes. I’m too lazy to look it up.

You going to the excursion this year? I know pug wants to go. I’ve never done it myself because I chase the scaly critters with all the other fools. I might do it this year.

They open up the season to catch and keep sturgeon on the rainy on April 24th I believe

And usually ends after the first week in may and reopened up in the fall for longer but not sure of those dates so they must became vulnerable in mid may on the rainy