News Releases

Anglers will find low water conditions throughout much of Minnesota on Saturday, April 12, when streams open for harvest of trout, according to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials.

The absence of significant spring rainfall and little accumulated snow has resulted in very light spring runoff this year, which means streams have been running low and clear in much of Minnesota, said Mark Ebbers, trout and salmon program consultant with DNR Fisheries.

"Trout populations are generally in good shape in the southeast and north-central streams," Ebbers said. "However, several fisheries managers in the southeast have reported more silt than usual, probably due to the lack of flushing from spring runoff."

Winter catch-and-release fishing opened Jan. 1 on portions of 12 streams in southeastern Minnesota. Portions of an additional 25 streams opened for catch-and-release fishing on March 1. All southeast Minnesota streams have been open for catch-and-release fishing since April 1.

To fish Minnesota's designated trout streams, designated trout lakes, Lake Superior, or when in possession of trout or salmon, anglers need a 2003 fishing license and trout stamp, available from many sporting goods stores and the DNR License Bureau at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. The license and trout stamp can also be purchased by calling 1-888-665-4236.

Free full-color maps that show public trout fishing opportunities in Dakota, Rice, Goodhue, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore and Houston counties are available at DNR fisheries offices in Lake City and Lanesboro, at the DNR office in Rochester, and the DNR headquarters at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. To have a booklet mailed, send your name, address and $2 for shipping to: Stream maps, 2300 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906.