On East and West Lake Sylvia in Wright County
Fisheries staff with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a meeting to gather public input as they review an existing experimental fishing regulation for northern pike on East and West Lake Sylvia in Wright County. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Southside Township Hall, 8209 County Road 3, Annandale.
Under the current regulation, which has been in place on East and West Lake Sylvia since 2009, all northern pike from 24 to 36 inches must immediately be released, and one northern pike over 36 inches is allowed in a possession limit of three.
Since the regulation has been in place, the average size of northern pike has decreased from 22 inches to 19 inches; the percentage of northern pike larger than 24 and 30 inches also has decreased. Recent data suggests the fishery would be better served by applying the new statewide northern pike zone regulations adopted in 2018.
People who are unable to attend the meeting may submit written comments, which will be accepted through Oct. 18. For more information, or to comment, contact Joe Stewig, DNR Sauk Rapids area fisheries manager, 1035 South Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, (320) 223-7867, joe.stewig@state.mn.us.