October 4th bait regulation change in Minnesota

[greatoutdoors]

We just received notification that the use of Smelt and Ciscos for bait have been banned on all Minnesota lakes, effective October 4th, 2010.
The two of us that supply Ciscos to most of the shops from International Falls to Duluth to Grand Marais are seeing what we can do about this.
The reason is the VHS virus.  Our Ciscos do not come from a lake with this virus, or any invasive species present so we are trying to work with the DNR for an exemption.
Will keep you posted when we see if these negotiations work out.

A few moose hunters bringing their kill to the check in stations, but not in any good numbers.  Possible that the warm weather is keeping the bulls from cruising.
Only a few people fishing lately, most packing their boats away for the winter.
Will have more reports when the lakes ice up.

[Lee Borgersen]

Hey G.O.

What your saying about your sources for cisco's and smelt make sense. Hopefully the DNR will allow you special dispensation on this. Unfortunately common sense doesn't always take precedence when it comes to policy and procedures these days. Good luck on this issue and hopefully you'll get a favorable decision on this one.

Keep us posted

[BiggA]

I thought if you preserve the bait it is usable? Not sure what that entails but may be a possibility for ya.

[greatoutdoors]

If they don't make exceptions and let us freeze ciscos taken from a non invasive species lake, I'll preserve some in the mineral oil they want, and see if they will work as well as fresh ones for pike and trout.
However, there will not be any ciscos available at most bait shops because the new regs will make packaging and labor costs go through the roof.
Wholesaling them will be out of the question unless people will pay a retail price of $10-$12 per dozen.
For the last 20+ years, there are two of us dealers that supply almost every cisco you buy in the Grand Marais area, Ely, Virginia, Duluth Superior, International Falls, and the north shore.
Everyone will be affected that fishes and uses ciscos in these areas.