Freeborn County lake open for liberalized fishing

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Freeborn County lake open for liberalized fishing


Pickerel Lake in Freeborn County will be open to liberalized fishing from Sept. 25 until Oct. 2 in anticipation of a reclamation project tentatively set to begin in early October, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced.

The 600-acre lake and other adjacent water bodies with connection to Pickerel Lake are slated to be treated with rotenone to eradicate existing fish populations. These fish are adversely affecting water quality and vegetation, according to Marc Bacigalupi, assistant area fisheries supervisor at the DNR Waterville Fisheries office.

“What we want to do at this time is give people an opportunity to harvest existing game fish from the lake prior to the rotenone treatment,” Bacigalupi said.

Water quality in Pickerel Lake must be significantly improved for the lake to reach its full potential, said Bacigalupi. Rotenone is proven to be a safe and effective fish toxicant that will help restore this important lake’s water quality and allow the establishment of a balanced fish community.

Under liberalized fishing regulations, all species of fish may be taken in any quantity and in any manner (except the use of seines, hoopnets, fyke nets or explosives) by licensed residents.
All gill nets must have metal tags affixed stating the operator’s name and address and be attached to one end of the float line near the first float. Each tag must be a minimum of 2 1/2″ by 5/8″.
Pickerel Lake is in a headwater position in the Albert Lea Lake complex and its reclamation is viewed by the DNR and partner organizations as a phase in the effort to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in the area.

The DNR will issue additional information about the rotenone project once details are finalized later this month.