Panfish meeting-Long Prairie Jan 8th , 7 PM

[smallie_hawgin]

Hey folks, some may recall a survey posted here regarding the options for panfish management in the Little Falls Area (Morrison and Todd Counties mostly). We will be having a meeting(information below)to discuss implementation options. We would like it if some of you who replied to the online survey to consider attending to offer your opinions. Thanks in advance.

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 9, 2013

Media contact: Eric Altena, DNR Little Falls area fisheries manager, 320-616-2450 X225 [email protected].

DNR to discuss options for bigger panfish in Little Falls area lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Little Falls fisheries office will host a public meeting to discuss options for producing larger panfish in area lakes at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Long Prairie City Hall, 615 Lake Street South, Long Prairie.

DNR Fisheries staff have collected extensive data on local panfish populations since 1999. Several lakes have been identified that show potential to produce a greater number of larger sunfish if harvest levels are reduced. An angler survey conducted by mail last winter in the Little Falls area indicated that a reduction of the sunfish bag limit to 10 fish was the most acceptable approach to improving catch size.

Because past research indicates that a 10-fish bag limit can produce better sunfish quality, the DNR would like to evaluate public acceptance of such a limit on three to six lakes in Morrison and Todd counties. Lakes under consideration include: Buck, Green Prairie Fish, Lady, Lily, Little Swan, Long(Higgins), Maple, Mary and Moose. DNR also is considering increasing the bag limit for crappie on Mill and Latimer Lakes in Todd County to help manage abundant and slow growing populations there.

The January meeting will include an informational presentation and opportunity for discussion and public input. Questions or comments can be directed to DNR Little Falls area fisheries manager Eric Altena, 16543 Haven Road, Little Falls, MN 56345; 320-616-2450 X225; [email protected]

[smallie_hawgin]

Bumping this up. We have a tendency to only get the vocal anglers against any proposals at meetings like this. If you have an interest in seeing panfish managed differently, please try and attend this meeting.

Thanks

[smallie_hawgin]

Another bump. The meeting is next Wednesday 7PM in Long Prairie. Hopefully we'll see some of you who care about panfish show up!!!

[EBass]

Good luck with that SH!

[smallie_hawgin]

OK Folks tomorrow night Long Prairie City Hall, 7 PM. If you can make it, great, if not please take some time to fill out the electronic comment sheet we have put together. If you want changes in the area, this is your opportunity to help us decide which lakes might be good options.

Little Falls Panfish Comment Form 2014

I will close the sheet by Friday. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[hoppe56307]

I would love to attend but do not have the time, I filled out the survey.

[hoppe56307]

Any info on how the meeting went?

[smallie_hawgin]

Any info on how the meeting went?

Meeting went well, we had 45 folks in attendance, some lively discussion both pro and con. The information that was presented regarding the unique ecology on panfish can be found at our Little Falls Fisheries Events Page. Since we had significant support for doing some regulations, we will be posting the potential lakes for consideration soon.