Passing of a great friend of MN Fishing/Natural Resources

Jim Lilienthal I regret having to inform folks that Jim had passed away this past weekend due to complications related to COVID. I will miss his dedication, humor and insights. Jim was the previous Area Fisheries Manager in Little Falls beginning in 1980. Jim was truly was a nice guy and loved angling as much as he did visiting. He had a large, true, endearing heart for the resource. Although during his tenure Little Falls was known for walleye fingerling rearing prowess, Jim’s true passion was protecting natural fish habitats, and individual lake management. He remained an advocate for fish and habitat after retirement in the Anglers for Habitat group, and I personally enjoyed his occasional phone calls and visits at the Roundtable.

May he R.I.P.

RIP Jim

Jim was the catalyst for the Northern Pike Zone regulations. He spent countless hours compiling data on small pike numbers in walleye stocked lakes. Along with AFH we got the attention of the DNR Roundtable and DNR Commissioner. Working closely with the Esox Workgroup the new regs were adopted. They aren’t a guaranteed solution, just another tool. The more we can do to harvest small pike, the more effective our walleye stocking would be.

RIP Jim ! You are on a Great journey now.

Appreciate you relaying this info here buzz.

May the man rest in peace.

Sounds like he was one heck of a person for us anglers. I sincerely thank him for that.

Anyone who’s ever fished for muskies in MN owes Jim a debt of gratitude. It will be very difficult to replace his effective and influential voice on behalf of fact- and science-based management.