here they (DNR) go again...

[JohnWester]

Why screw with this?  they should not introduce fish into lakes.  Too fricken bad that certain people want to see more of them, go fish the fish where they live... IN THE RIVER!!!
I want to fish for red snapper... will the dnr add salt to some smaller bodies of water and stock them for me please!
Give me a break DNR, stay out of the management of mother nature!

Vadnais Heights lake to be stocked with white bass

January 13, 2009

In a state where walleye is king, largemouth bass are treasured and smallmouth bass are highly sought, white bass are little-known and mostly ignored.

But for Minnesota's growing number of Southeast Asian anglers, white bass -- native to the state's larger rivers and averaging about 1.5 pounds -- are similar to a popular fish in their native lands and are coveted for being catchable and tasty. Minnesota anglers regularly flock to Devils Lake in North Dakota, where white bass are plentiful.

"Thousands of people line the shore to fish white bass, and about 100 percent are Southeast Asian," said Pajtsheng Vang of Lake Elmo, president of a local sportsman's group pushing to improve white bass fishing here.

Vang and others believe Minnesota could offer better white bass fishing. Prompted by the Southeast Asian community, the Department of Natural Resources plans to boost white bass visibility, test fish for contaminants, offer information on where to fish for them and stock them in a Vadnais Heights lake this year to try to increase fishing opportunities.

If successful, other Twin Cities lakes could be stocked with white bass, too.

"It's really different for us to do this," acknowledged Dirk Peterson, DNR regional fisheries manager. "This is a species that is good angling fun, it's good to eat but for the most part is an incidental catch for most anglers. This will raise the profile of this critter a little bit."

The DNR intends to move cautiously, and there are several hurdles to clear, he said. But there definitely is interest in white bass.

There are an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Southeast Asian anglers, said Josee Cung, a DNR Southeast Asian liaison officer. "It's not an insignificant number," she said. "If there was a better supply of white bass, they would stay in town and spend their money here, and that would be a win-win situation for everyone."

Vang and others are pleased the DNR is responding.

"This issue has been around for 15 years," he said. "In the past there was no organization to promote it." That's why his 400-member group -- the Capitol Sportsman's Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association -- got involved, Vang said. The group has a wide variety of interests beyond deer hunting.

"We looked at DNR's budget, and zero dollars went to white bass," he said. The DNR included the issue in last weekend's annual Roundtable meetings with constituents in Brooklyn Center.

"We manage lakes in southern Minnesota for walleyes [where they don't naturally reproduce], why not white bass?" asked Dave Schad, DNR fish and wildlife section chief.

Stocking cautiously

Peterson said white bass will be netted in Pleasant Lake, part of St. Paul's water supply system and closed to fishing, and transferred to nearby Sucker Lake, which is connected to Pleasant Lake. Shore fishing is allowed on Sucker. White bass are in the lake system because it long ago was linked to the Mississippi River.

The problem is that zebra mussels, an invasive species, are present in the system. So while the DNR is willing to move white bass from Pleasant to Sucker, it would have to find another source of fish to stock in lakes not already contaminated with zebra mussels.

"We don't know where that is right now," Peterson said.

"Even if we found a trapable population, we'd have to go through disease testing for three years to make sure they don't have diseases that we're passing around."

Recommendations from a white bass workshop suggest only lakes in the Mississippi River drainage downstream of St. Anthony Falls, including the Minnesota River and St. Croix River downstream of the St. Croix Falls dam, be stocked. Lakes should be small and in an urban area, likely St. Paul or nearby cities -- close to the major Southeast Asian population.

The list of east metro lakes that eventually could be stocked includes lakes Alice, Beaver, Bennett, Colby, Como, Fish, Island, Silver and Sucker. The stocking would be experimental, and Peterson said it's unknown whether the effort would be successful.

"We don't have much knowledge about white bass," he said.

Fish tainted here?

White bass are present in the St. Croix River and the Minnesota River, both of which could provide some good fishing opportunities, Peterson said. But fish samples taken nearly 20 years ago show the white bass had high concentrations of contaminants, including PCBs and mercury. The state Health Department recommends eating only one meal per month of white bass from the St. Croix.

But Peterson said those recommendations are based on old data. The DNR intends to test white bass from the St. Croix this year to determine if the fish are cleaner now than 20 years ago.

"Right now we have to be cautious about encouraging too much catching and eating of those fish without an updated consumption advisory," Peterson said.

Said Vang: "When our people catch it, they eat it ... so we're trying to make sure it's healthy."

The Cannon River system south of the Twin Cities and the Minnesota River in the Ortonville area also could provide some quality white bass angling, Peterson said.

The DNR also intends to create a web page that provides more detailed information about white bass fishing, and might publish a brochure.

Still, the DNR's Peterson said the agency is in uncharted waters. It's uncertain whether stocking will work or that the fish would be susceptible to angling.

"We're not exactly sure how it will play out," he said.

[beeker]

the government just can't be taught... they can't manage what they have worth a crap so lets add something else.   you know I'ld like to hunt grizzly bear too.. so since they once were native to minnesota I say lets bring them back tooo...  what a bunch of dill weeds...

[Woody]

What's next? 2 peckered billy goats? 

[guythathunts]

What's next? 2 peckered billy goats? 

I dont think they could survive in fresh water. 

[HD]

John, if they make a lake for your Red Snapper.....Can I get some Lobster put in there too? 


Hunter

[Stensethfan]

This is a crock.  They complain about shrinking dollar figures and then they go and make more ideas to spread the money even thinner?  Who the hell runs the show over there anyway?  I would love for him to call me and set up a meeting so I can have a very matter of fact conversation about budgetting and what matters.  I am willing to bet all of my money a drunken monkey could run the DNR better that who ever the guy is now.  I hope he some how reads this, what a fricken tool box.

[22lex]

To stay pro-active about this; if the estimate of 30-40k of anglers would be interested, isn't that enough of a population to warrant avenues to create another fishery of species?

It kind of seems to me like this would be similar to the "trout only" lakes up north, or the pit we have in rochester that has brook, rainbows, sunfish, largemouths, and a few other introduced species for a small population of people who fish it.

[kingfisher1]

I for one would take advantage of the new white bass fishery.  They're a great fighting fish and great tasting.

[JohnWester]

22alex, true I'll give you that, it does seem like the trout lakes up north... but those lakes that they are planting trout in up there are very deep and most(all?) are old surface mines that didn't have anything in them anyway...  and trout thrive in the cold, deep water where they are bothering any other native fish.  These white bass would compete with the native fish for spawning areas, and food.  
And there are places locally they can already catch them, the river.  and those SE asian anglers are already fishing for them there, they just want more, better, closer.  I don't blame them... I would love for them to kill off say... Como and plant shad and walleyes in there and manage that.  I would love a walleye hatchery to go fish out of.

and like stensethfan said... don't they have better things to spend money on?

maybe I'd change my opinion if I ate some... how do they taste?  how is the meat? white, flaky?

[Stensethfan]

I still do not like the idea of introducing new projects when every government agency is struggling for funding.  All it means is they will have to realocate funds and take from some programs that are already under funded.  I am glad our DNR tries to take everyones best interests into mind on this, but like John said they have plentiful fishing opportunities for this species all over the metro in the three rivers that are all located relatively close by.  Plus have they ever tested how white bass will do in a lake setting competeing with the other fish?  I know guys who love Vadnais and there would be a huge problem if it reduced crappie size or reduce walleye population.  Also Vadnais has limited parking areas and you can only fish parts of it.  In my opinion that lakes shores are already pretty crowded.

[guythathunts]

These guys must have never eaten Walleye. Do you think the dnr will stock my toilet with Walleye if I can prove to them that I will fish in it? Think about it - I already have parking, it is fresh cool water and the only other species it would compete with is the ever popular Brown eye bASS!!!!!

[22lex]

22alex, true I'll give you that, it does seem like the trout lakes up north... but those lakes that they are planting trout in up there are very deep and most(all?) are old surface mines that didn't have anything in them anyway...  and trout thrive in the cold, deep water where they are bothering any other native fish.  These white bass would compete with the native fish for spawning areas, and food.  
And there are places locally they can already catch them, the river.  and those SE asian anglers are already fishing for them there, they just want more, better, closer.  I don't blame them... I would love for them to kill off say... Como and plant shad and walleyes in there and manage that.  I would love a walleye hatchery to go fish out of.

and like stensethfan said... don't they have better things to spend money on?

maybe I'd change my opinion if I ate some... how do they taste?  how is the meat? white, flaky?

I suppose the main concern to support this new stocking effort is the mercury levels in the fish caught in the river. If that is the case, I suppose some new testing that is current is warranted to support the "theory" of eating bad fish.

I would agree that the stripes would probably compete with the local species in a lake. If my memory serves me well they are quite aggressive and would probably out-compete other species.

Just so you know I would like to catch sea trout instead of snapper!

[kingfisher1]

maybe I'd change my opinion if I ate some... how do they taste?  how is the meat? white, flaky?

The meat i white, flakey, and has a taste close to crappies and sunnies.  It's like eating a 15-18 inch sunfish, IMO

[JohnWester]

maybe I'd change my opinion if I ate some... how do they taste?  how is the meat? white, flaky?

The meat i white, flakey, and has a taste close to crappies and sunnies.  It's like eating a 15-18 inch sunfish, IMO

hmm... who's up for a ice out fishing trip on the river?  what's the season and limit on thee things?

[Jeremy (Yeti)]

So could the DNR also bring mule deer to northern Minnesota?  This is so stupid, if you wanna fish for white bass get your happy little *** in the car and travel to them, just like many people do when they wanna hunt a species which is not found in their neck of the woods.

[Fawkinnae]

I was on the St. Croix early last year - probably late May. We probably caught a dozen of them. They are a riot to catch. Reminded me of big crappies but better fighters. Not one of us had ever eaten them so we decided to grill some of them them along with our hamburgers and hot dogs. They were dynamite eating I thought. And frankly I can't wait to catch some more of them next summer. They would definitely be worth targeting.

[beeker]

I just don't see the point in starting a new project when the other stocking projects aren't perfected yet... all the anglers that they speak of will be plenty satisfied catching the native species... and if they're not they can go to cub and get some tulipi or red snapper.

[JCAMERON]

I'm really not all that crazy about the DNR stocking any species in lakes so close to the cities. Those are the lakes that just get slammed and I could see there efforts going to waste by people keeping any and everything they catch and depleting the fish... IMO
And I agree that the DNR should keep working on current projects until there truly are sufficient resources to take on newer projects.

[kingfisher1]

maybe I'd change my opinion if I ate some... how do they taste?  how is the meat? white, flaky?

The meat i white, flakey, and has a taste close to crappies and sunnies.  It's like eating a 15-18 inch sunfish, IMO

hmm... who's up for a ice out fishing trip on the river?  what's the season and limit on thee things?

continuous season, limit is 25, and I'm up for a rivr trip!

[HD]

Just so you know I would like to catch sea trout instead of snapper!
[/quote]

I thought all guy's liked snapper?  Well.......maybe not all......... 

(Sorry Lex, I had to do it)

[22lex]

Just so you know I would like to catch sea trout instead of snapper!

I thought all guy's liked snapper?  Well.......maybe not all......... 

(Sorry Lex, I had to do it)
[/quote]

Douch.....I mean Touche' HD.
 

[kingfisher1]

JohnWester, PM sent

[sandmannd]

I agree with those that say we don't need to do this. We can't manage what we have and are low in money. Now if I went to a state, say FL and said I don't wanna just catch bass in this lake you need to stock it with eyes, what do you think they would say? We don't have to bend because someone moved and likes a certain species, if that's all you want to catch, then go find them.

[kingfisher1]

Since the DNR is short on money, should the stop stocking walleyes and muskies until they get their finances in order?  People want those species stocked, and the DNR does it, along with trout and other spiecies.  I see nothing wrong with stocking white bass in one lake.

[Joe]

Minnesota / DNR slapped for lax policies, spending

By Dennis Lien
dlien@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 01/16/2009 12:00:24 AM CST

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources exercised poor controls over some of its policies and spending during a three-year period ending last spring, the legislative auditor said Thursday.

The report, for example, noted the agency hadn't fully repaid money to its game and fish fund that had been spent on a controversial game warden conference in St. Paul in 2007.

In all, the auditor cited 17 findings dealing with inadequate or inconsistent ways of handling revenue and payroll transactions, of documenting special expenses or of monitoring cell phone use by employees.

In a letter to the legislative auditor, the department said it has resolved some of those problems, has partially corrected others and will make other fixes by mid-year. Commissioner Mark Holsten said personnel and policy changes within the DNR between July 2005 and May 2008 led to some of the problems.

"We have restructured to increase accountability, guarantee appropriate sources and uses of funds, enhance compensating controls and establish tracking systems that allow for ongoing review and improvement of all department policies and procedures,'' Holsten wrote in the letter.

The report said the agency hasn't determined how much general fund money should be transferred to the game and fish fund to reimburse it for spending on the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association's annual conference.

Two DNR officials lost their jobs after auditors found $289,000 of agency

money had been misspent on the conference. Most of it came from the game and fish fund, which hunters and anglers support through license fees.

Dennis Lien can be reached at 651-228-5588.

[kingfisher1]

shouldn't have been mis-spent in the first place.  Maybe if they learn how to spend their money, they won't have to raise our license fees.  Although, I would fully support an increase, pending they become accountable and fix thier mistakes and get things in order. 

[sandmannd]

No reason to stop stocking or raise fees. The money's there. Stop miss-spending it!!! I can't believe folks so easily say "I would be all for more money "if" they spend it right". Well, they don't  spend it right. No one in government do. And yet the people voted for a tax increase after the largest gas tax hike EVER!! And all the when the economy is for  . You need to learn to budget. I can't go to my boss when gas goes up a buck a gallon and say "I need a raise" they would laugh me out of there. Learn to freakin' budget and quit sticking your hands out!!

Sorry to rant, it just erks me. And also 

[kingfisher1]

No reason to stop stocking or raise fees. The money's there. Stop miss-spending it!!! I can't believe folks so easily say "I would be all for more money "if" they spend it right". Well, they don't  spend it right. No one in government do. And yet the people voted for a tax increase after the largest gas tax hike EVER!! And all the when the economy is for  . You need to learn to budget. I can't go to my boss when gas goes up a buck a gallon and say "I need a raise" they would laugh me out of there. Learn to freakin' budget and quit sticking your hands out!!

Sorry to rant, it just erks me. And also 

I agree that they don't spend it correctly.  At the same time, it's hard for them to do things that they need to do when the costs go up and funding dcreases.  If it bugs you so much, run for office and tell them how to budget correctly!

[sandmannd]

Hey, if you have money to burn, donate some to them. Costs go up for everyone, learn to live with it.

From Outdoor News Magazine

Brooklyn Center, Minn. - With the state legislative session just under way, there's already been whispers about the new dedicated outdoors funding - and how that funding might free up other money, according to conservationists and legislators.

So they get it to pays that we get a sales tax increase and two months later are already talking about spending elsewhere. Isn't this what the lottery was originally for? Classic, they just take the dedicated money and move it other places then they promised. Then the gullible vote for increases to put some money back into it. Doesn't even take effect and they are already talking about moving it to other areas.

Sorry, I call 

[kingfisher1]

Hey, if you have money to burn, donate some to them. Costs go up for everyone, learn to live with it.

 

And I have.  Better than some I might say......

Anyway, I agree costs go up, but the DNR really hasn't gotten a "bump" in the last few years besides the sales tax increase.  Imagine working for 4 or 5 years without a raise while things continued to increase in price. Imagine trying to buy anythig extra, say like a TV, then.  Also, While I agree that te can manage thier money better, regardless of how they spend it, smeone is going to cmplain that it was "misspent." 

And yes, I DO donate to the DNR. I donate my time doing things like helping out at the State Fair as Smokey the Bear, being a Firearms Safety Instructor, and helping out with CWD testing wen that was going on.  With all the good that the DNR does for us, have you thought of donating to the DNR?  Be it money, time, or whatever, it helps out.