Working to Preserve, Promote and Advance Muskie and Pike Education and Research in Minnesota. February 1, 2015 Eighty Second Edition From Aaron Meyer, MMPA Co-chair Hi everyone, This month I have several tidbits of information that came from presentations at the recent MMPA meeting, the 2015 DNR Roundtable, and the latest Esox Workshop. Some of these are just interesting things to think about. Some are directly related to issues we are currently involved in, and hopefully I'll be able to delve further into these in future newsletters. >It's well known that Lake Mille Lacs is currently under scrutiny because of problems with the walleye population. A lot of effort is being put forth to find answers. It appears that the adult walleye population is healthy, and also that reproductive rates are good. Walleye fry are hatching in good numbers and appear to be surviving their initial stage of life. Something is causing high mortality in these young walleyes in approximately the first 1.5 years of their life. The fry are not surviving to the age/size where they become targeted by anglers. Among many other things being studied, there has been stomach content studies conducted to see what the various predators in Mille Lacs are eating. None of them have turned out to be the obvious culprit. There's much more to this complex puzzle than just pointing at one species and saying it is eating all the walleyes. A couple of interesting notes: Because of their overall population size, walleyes eat significantly more total food than any other species in Mille Lacs. Some of what they eat is other walleyes. It was shown than small northern pike eat more walleyes than large pike do. >We've been given some initial (and incomplete) creel survey data from Mille Lacs winter pike harvest under the current expanded harvest regulation. Overall, it shows fairly moderate levels of harvest. It shows most harvest is by spearing. It shows most harvest has been from 22-30 inches. So far it shows only 5 fish over 40 inches being taken by spearing and 2 by angling. I personally have firsthand accounts (and have seen the pictures) of more than that, and I know several others who could say the same. I've seen harvested fish up to 45 inches. I question how much time/effort/manpower
has been put into the creel surveys. It's important for the public to know that these expanded harvest regs are NOT meant to reduce pike populations or to imply that northern pike are causing the walleye problems. This regulation was put in place solely for economic reasons. The Commissioner imposed this regulation in hopes that expanded pike and bass bag limits would draw more anglers to Mille Lacs and hopefully provide economic stimulus to local businesses that usually rely on walleye anglers. This regulation was put into place on a one year basis. It might, or might not, be used again next year. >The DNR is getting serious about statewide pike regulation changes, but the current indication is that they may not be fully prepared until next year. The goal is to allow acceptable levels of pike harvest while finding a way to improve the balance and size structure of pike populations... a difficult proposition to say the least! The MMPA is closely involved in this, and we hope to make significant progress towards managing pike much better across Minnesota. >There is a smartphone app in the works that would allow anglers to enter similar data to what you would provide when talking to a creel clerk. Creel surveys are used to determine angling success and help establish population estimates and trends. However, they leave a lot to be desired in terms of collecting good information. Creel clerks simply cannot be everywhere, and are rarely present at peak times such as early morning, late evening, and after dark, when many of the more successful anglers are on the water. And, many lakes never even get creel surveys done. This app would fill a lot of voids and provide infinitely more data than the current methods. >Lake Rebecca is an important muskie brood stock lake in need of a new/improved aeration system. A Hugh C. Becker Foundation grant application is being put together to help fund this project. Muskies, Inc. chapters throughout the state might provide additional funding if necessary. >"Bioenergetics" is a scientific way for biologists to determine the energy fish require to sustain various life processes, and determine how much food is required to provide that energy. A couple noteworthy facts here: Because of population dynamics, northern pike populations with a healthy balance of larger fish actually consume less total food than damaged populations consisting of high numbers of small pike. In an "average" Minnesota muskie lake, with an average northern pike density, the pike population consumes roughly 96% more total food than the muskie population does! Now obviously a single large muskie needs to eat more than a small to medium sized pike does, but this really demonstrates the impact population density has on how a fish species fits into its ecosystem. It also solidifies the fact that muskies have very little impact on their prey species. >We've had extensive discussion on initial findings, ideas and theories about the current state of our muskie fisheries and possible "problems" with muskie stocking methods. Many lakes seem to be on a downward trend. It's a complex situation. Overall, in the last 8 years, stocking quotas have been met. However, consistent stocking rates from one lake to another really haven't existed. Many people don't realize that even below average stocking levels have produced excellent fisheries. Often, these fisheries have been just as good as lakes with higher stocking rates. "Recruitment suppression" seems to explain the current downturn in some of our muskie populations. The concept is that once an adult muskie population is established, the survival of the muskies being stocked goes down significantly. Basically, the adult muskies self-regulate their population numbers. The difference between these stocked fisheries and a natural, self-sustaining one is that in these relatively "new" populations, most of the adult fish are roughly the same age, so when they reach maximum age and start to die, most of them go within a relatively short span of time. At that point, survival of stocked fish increases and there is noticeable lag time before these fish reach large size again. Every new angle of looking at it seems to indicate the same thing. It's actually exactly the same population dynamic that is well known among pike populations where people over-harvest the large pike. It's possible that stocking based on total acreage makes more sense than the current littoral acreage plan. And/Or...It may be that stocking rates should reflect a lake's relative structural complexity. It also may be that
muskies need "x" amount of space per fish, regardless of littoral acreage or lake size. Much more research needs to be done. I do think we're getting closer to understanding the complexities of muskie stocking, and I suspect we'll end up making changes to stocking methods that will result in better results in the future. Request of all Chapters Lake Rebecca, Hennepin County, Minnesota is the primary broodstock lake for the state s Muskellunge production program. The lake is stocked at a high rate to insure adequate numbers of fish are available to spawn and to provide proper genetic diversity. Every spring, Muskellunge are netted and stripped of their gametes (sperm and eggs), which are then combined to produce fertilized eggs. These eggs are incubated in a hatchery then transferred to rearing ponds. On a typical year, 30,000 to 35,000 fall fingerling muskellunge are harvested from rearing ponds and are stocked into lakes around the state. Most of these fish originate from Lake Rebecca. This 260-acre lake is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 30 ft. To prevent winterkill, the DNR uses winter aeration to provide oxygen to these valuable adult fish throughout the long winter months. Significant winterkills have been avoided since the initiation of winter aeration. The two aerators currently being used are ageing and need periodic repair. New, modern aerators are more efficient and reliable than the ones currently in use. To protect the muskellunge in this important brood stock lake, we are proposing to purchase two new aerators to be used at Lake Rebecca. The North Metro and Twin Cities Chapter, in cooperation with the DNR, are writing a grant to the Hugh C. Becker Foundation to purchase these two aerators for the DNR to maintain this critical resource for the statewide muskie fishery. We are asking for support from all chapters, no matter how small, to make this a truly state-wide request. If your chapter has any questions or can provide any support, please contact Dan Mruz, North Metro or Tom Keith, Twin Cities Chapter. Thanks, Tom and Dan Information from Chapter 15 On Tuesday, February 24th we will be holding our monthly meeting. This meeting is a little special, as we will have Duane Williams from the MN DNR Tower Fisheries Office. He will be giving a presentation on the current status of the Vermilion muskellunge fishery as well as talk about the current management plan. This will be a very informative event. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Pengilly Community Center located on Half Circle Drive in Pengilly at 7:00 PM. We will also be holding our annual banquet fundraiser on Saturday, March 21st. This event will take place at the Grand Rapids Eagles Club at 5:00 PM. $15 for a meal and door prize ticket. We will also have many other drawings for lures, rods, reels, etc. these tickets will be available for purchase varying from $1-$10 depending on the drawing. Hopefully you can get this info put into the newsletter. Thanks, Cliff Arola Chapter 15 President
From Steve Wernersbach (MMPA PAC) MN Muskie and Pike Alliance Legislative Fund Events at the legislature every year have shown the need for a strong lobbying effort. This year has also identified several legislators willing to get involved and initiate actions that support the musky fishery. And the MMPA Political Action Committee Legislative Fund will be used to do exactly that at the end of this year s session. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to allow this to happen.
For those of you that haven t yet contributed, but would like to support this critical effort the form attached is your means to do so. This money can only be used to contribute to our selected legislator s re-election funds. The MMPA is not allowed to use any general funds for this purpose. If we are to successfully secure the legislative actions needed to promote and advance the musky fishery in Minnesota it is imperative we maintain strong connections with these collaborative legislators. These PAC fund contributions are our best method for doing this. The fund can accept a maximum contribution of $20 from any single individual per calendar year. Strong legislative support is more important now than ever. The legislature is extremely influential in determining where the DNR spends its fisheries dollars and in setting fishing regulations. Please consider making this all important contribution. Thanks. Steve Wernersbach Treasurer, MMPA PAC Minnesota High School Muskie Tournament Hi guys. My name is Mike Riha and I am the new director of the 2015 HS Muskie Tournament. I am also the regional VP for the North Metro Chapter of MI. Please forward this email to whoever in your chapter is running the sectional for the 2015 HS State Tournament. Have them get back to me so that I can create an information address list. Here is what I know so far: 1) the date of the HS State Tournament will be Friday, June 26, 2015. Hours 6:30am-2:30pm 2) Sections have to be completed and HS State Tournament participant s names emailed to me by 10pm June 15. 3) The State Tournament will be held on Lake Vermilion. The Vermilion Dam Lodge will be tournament headquarters. 4) A tournament banquet meal will be provided for participants and their mothers and/or fathers free of charge. 5) Much of the tournament rules will remain the same as in years past. 6) I will need judge boats for that day. 3-4 should suffice. More than that are welcome. It is a big lake. I will be in one judge boat. Here is my contact information: Mike Riha 2401 Northdale Blvd Coon Rapids, MN 55433 763-607-2800 text or call mwriha@aol.com Thanks so much for what you do. Encourage HS age boys and girls to participate wherever and whenever you see them. They are the future and the future of MI. Feel free to give individuals my contact info. Mike
District Finder - Use the district finder to retrieve a list of your representatives with contact information. Buy some MMPA Swag today. We send many thanks to those that have supported this effort. 100% of the profits go to fighting for your fish. http://www.cafepress.com/mnmuskie Join Us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/minnesota-muskie-alliance/340864160658 Minnesota Muskie and Pike Alliance http://www.mnmuskie.org/ Communications Please look over the contact information in the back of the newsletter to make sure the information is correct. Send me any new or updated information so the newsletter can get to those who need it. Our MI chapters and related groups have banded together as the MMPA to improve the fishing in our state. This is done by working together. Don t be afraid to ask for support on your projects, that s what we are here for. My job as communications co-chair is to get the information out. It s up to YOU to share the information and pass it along to your friends. If you know someone that wants to receive the MMPA newsletter please send me their e-mail and I will add them to the newsletter list. Try to get your information to us by the 25th of the month so we have time to include it in the newsletter. Keith Okeson green@lcp2.net Dan Crooms dcmusky@msn.com DNR NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 28, 2015 DNR postpones AIS training and trailer decal program The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will postpone the new aquatic invasive species training and trailer decal program that was due to launch at the end of the month while legislators consider changes to the program. Under a law passed by the state Legislature in 2012, anyone trailering a boat or water-related equipment such as docks and lifts in Minnesota is required to take aquatic invasive species training and display a decal on their trailer. The effective date is July 1, 2015. With the legislative interest in this educational program and ongoing discussions about possible changes, we are postponing the launch until we see if the Legislature acts this session to modify the program, said Bob Meier, DNR assistant commissioner. The DNR supports the education that would be provided under this law, but recognizes there are some concerns with the way the law is currently written. For example, people transporting boats on trailers through Minnesota to another destination are required to take the course and display a decal even if they don t put their boat in Minnesota waters.
Since the training and decal are currently not required until July 1, the DNR wants to remind people that there will be time to see what happens legislatively and still take the course and receive decals. The agency will post any updates on trailers at www.trailers.mndnr.gov and alert the media if there are any program changes. Department of Natural Resources Contacts: Don Pereira, Central Office, Fisheries Management Chief, 500 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN 55155 651-259-5229 don.pereira@state.mn.us Neil Vanderbosch, Program Coordinator (St Paul) 651-259-5178 neil.vanderbosch@state.mn.us Mike Habrat, DNR, Fisheries Biologist Specialist, Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries Office. 14583 County Rd. 19 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-846-8343. mike.habrat@state.mn.us Al Stevens, DNR, Fisheries Lake and Stream Survey Program and Tourney Coordinator (St. Paul) - (651) 259-5239 al.stevens@state.mn.us MINNESOTA MUSKIE ALLIANCE OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Co-Chair John Underhill (507) 259-5074, muskiefool@yahoo.com Co-Chair Aaron Meyer (320)260-0961 aaronmmeyer@hotmail.com Treasurer Carl Phillips (763)972-8240, cphilli@yahoo.com Secretary, George Selcke (952)933-2608, selckgeo@gmail.com DNR/Legislative Committee John Underhill Committee Members: Shawn Kellett (612) 201-0209, John Underhill (507)259-5074 New Waters/Stocking Committee- Chair Greg Kvale cattail1947@yahoo.com, 218-232-0328 Communications Committee Co-chair Keith Okeson (218) 273-6389 green@lcp2.net Co-chair Dan Crooms (507)744-4265 dcmusky@msn.com DNR REGION REPRESENTATIVES: NE DNR Region: Chapters: Brainerd Lakes, Lake Superior and Star of the North MMPA Reps: Keith Okeson 218-273-6389 Greg Kvale 328-232-0328 Region Fisheries Manager Tim Goeman, 218-999-7819 NW DNR Region: Chapters: Fargo Moorhead, Bemidji/Cass Lake MMPA Reps: Mark Stenger 218-342-2743
Brett Waldera 701-298-9032 Region Fisheries Manager Henry Drewes, 218-755-3959 Central DNR Region: St. Cloud MMPA Rep: Bruce Kitowski (320) 656-1160 EsoxMaster@charter.net ; Ken Schmitt (320)290-6272 kenor@juno.com Brad Parsons, 651-259-5789 South DNR Region: Southern Crossroads MMPA Rep: Dan Crooms 507-744-4265 Region Fisheries Manager: Jack Lauer, 507-359-6046 CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MINNESOTA MUSKIE INC. CHAPTERS #01 Twin Cities: 4012 Washburn Av. So. Mpls. MN 55410; Shawn Kellett, (612) 201-0201, George Selcke (952)933-2608, gselcke@yahoo.com #02 Fargo-Moorhead: PO Box 2021, Fargo, ND 58103; Brian Grote, brianlgrote@gmail.com #15 Star of the North: 16774 W. Bay Dr., Pengilly, MN 55775; Gary Rutherford (218) 885-1677 garyrutherford@me.com; Dave Berglund (218)244-1856 bergfish@mchsi.com #21 North Metro: PO Box 41216, Plymouth, MN 55441; Steve Wernersbach (763)242-2625 swernersbach@gmail.com ; Mike Riha mwriha@aol.com North Metro chapter website link www.nmmuskies.com #24 Brainerd Lakes: 9143 Lone Pine Road, Brainerd, MN; (218)821-3669 Jeff Young; Greg Kvale (218)232-0328 cattail1947@yahoo.com and Aaron Heimkes aaronheimkes@yahoo.com Brainerd web site at: www.brainerdmuskies.com #33 Lake Superior: 2031 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet MN 55720; Keith Okeson (218)273-6389 green@lcp2.net; Pat Okeson; Lake Superior web site at: www.lakesuperiormuskies.com #37 St. Cloud: 109 Greenstone Ln. Waite Park, MN. 56387; Bruce Kitowski (320) 656-1160 EsoxMaster@charter.net ; Ken Schmitt (320)290-6272 kenor@juno.com Aaron Meyer (320)260-0961 aaronmmeyer@hotmail.com St. Cloud web site at www.stcloudmuskies.com #38 Vikingland: 106 Main Ave. Carlos MN 56319; Chris Willander (612)554-8170, Chris@titan-mfg.com #46 Bemidji/Cass Lake: 16256 Andrusia Rd. N.E. Cass Lake, MN 56633; Rory Potter (218) 335-8597 home; (218) 368-2688 cell roryjudy@paulbunyan.net #54 Southern Crossroads: 1931 Greenwood Drive, Owatonna, MN 55061; Dean Peterson 507-345-8701; Dan Crooms (507)744-4265
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