DNR reviewing regulations for northern pike and walleye on Pearl Lake in Stearns County
Fisheries staff with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a meeting to gather public input as they review existing experimental fishing regulations for northern pike and walleye on Pearl Lake in Stearns County. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Holy Cross Catholic School, 10672 County Road 8, Kimball.
Under the current regulations, which have been in place since 2009, all northern pike from 24 inches to 36 inches must immediately be released, and one northern pike over 36 inches is allowed in a possession limit of three. For walleye, there is a minimum size limit of 17 inches, with a possession limit of three.
Since the regulation has been in place, the average size of northern pike has remained unchanged at about 20 inches and about two pounds, but the percentage of northern pike larger than 24 and 30 inches has increased. The size structure for walleye, on the other hand, has not improved under the experimental regulation, with average size decreasing as well as the percentage of fish over 17 and 20 inches
People who are unable to attend the meeting may submit written comments, which will be accepted through Oct. 25. 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.