Ask a Conservation Officer

[Lee Borgersen]

  Ask a Conservation Officer


Q: I did really well smelting this year and have extras that I would like to use for bait. Where can I use Lake Superior smelt for bait?


 


A: Smelt from Lake Superior can be used for bait only in Lake Superior. Due to the discovery of the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) fish disease in Lake Superior, this restriction was placed to try to prevent the spread of the disease to inland lakes.

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A licensed minnow dealer, minnow retailer or Lake Superior fishing guide can apply for a minnow preservation permit in order to collect, treat and label Lake Superior smelt for sale and use as bait in other waters. If you obtain treated smelt from a permitted minnow retailer, you must retain the packaging and treatment information on the label while using or possessing the smelt as bait on inland waters. The labeling requirement does not apply on Lake Superior.


Enjoy the smelt for a fry or for bait on Lake Superior, but keep these restrictions in mind to help prevent the spread of this invasive disease.

Matthew S. Miller is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer with the Lake Superior Marine Unit. Send your questions to outdoors@duluthnews.com.