Red Lake Management

[EAGLE EYES]

Does anyone know what the MN DNR plans to do with the Walleye fishing status on Upper Red? How long are they considering closing Walleye to anglers? I would hope they would open it before the Crappies take anymore of the beating that they have already taken! Not too many huge Crappies left after everyone and their neighbors beat the tar out of the population! I was just pondering the thought and would like to know. Thanks for the input! EE

[Jones]

The crappies in Red Lake became a primary predator after the walleye population to a nose dive. Harvesting a good number of crappies may actually help the walleyes in the long run. You can manage a lake effectivly for all species.

[Fin Addict]

My understanding is that panfish (crappies) are one of the primary culprits for stocking failures when fry are stocked. In many lakes with heavy panfish populations fingerlings must be stocked to have any success at all and natural reproduction is extremely limited on these lakes. If the eventual goal is to return Red to a world class walleye fishery, then pounding the crappie is a good thing. If you would prefer a crappie fishery, then keep the walleyes out and put some slot protection on the crappies. I guess I would rather see it managed for walleyes but to each his own.

[EAGLE EYES]

I guess over the last few years of top notch Crappies on Red, I like the idea more and more of having a the lake managed for Crappies. I figure as long as the netting of Crappies is not responsible for the Walleye failure, Why not let the Continued Crappie success stand? I'd hate to see all this effort to get the Walleye pop. back up and then shot down again by mindless commercial netting! I say let the Crappies live! :-) EE

[K2]

the walleye season has a moratorium of ten years while the restocking is tried. no stocking in years that follow a successful stocking the previous year. in the restocking/future use agreement, public taking of walleye was not a guarantee. there are many things taking place on dry land that will have as much if not a greater effect on public fishing of walleyes in the years to come.

K2

[Winnie T]

I always wondered why the Red Lake band didn't halt commercial netting entirely, build up a fabulous fishery, and build some casinos and hotels. You couldn't keep people away!!! Those walleyes would prove to be worth much more as a viable fishery than harvested for commercial purposes. Tom

[EAGLE EYES]

Thanks for tyhe info K2, I'm not sure I really like the idea of creating a quality (netting fishery). If ya know what I mean! :-)

[GullGuide]

Winni,
The band has a plan to do just that. Speaking to a friend who is married to a band member and lives in Red Lake, the Band has decided to push for the tourism end instead of the netting. As far as I know, they have ceased netting opperations, and are planning casinos, resorts, etc to cater to the sportsman. Of course you will have to buy a tribal fishing permit and probebly stay at one of their resorts, but I can tell you what...if and when this happens, I'll be one of the first ones to call in my reservations.
Good Luck
GullGuide
>"////=<

[K2]

a couple of questions

1. which red lake does he tell you they are going to develop?

2. why buy a tribal permit when upper red lake is shared by both nations?

K2

[Minnesota]

No kidding? Have the big crappies taken enough of a beating that it is not worth going up there? Just curious because I was thinking of going there some time for some catch and release.

Minnesota

[Pitts]

Boy it didn't seem that way to me they we great fun and fast action on one day and with the change in the weather a little tougher to catch the next.
Definately go this is a great time.

Pitts

[Greg C.]

My view of the situation is to let it become the world class crappie fishery that it is heading toward. Think about it. The lake is already surrounded by great walleye fishing, Lake of the Woods, Cass Lake, Big Winnie, Leech, and the list goes on. Where have you ever seen a crappie fishery like this? I haven't and I fish crappies all over north-central Minnesota and into Ontario. Another thing, because of the crappies, the resort owners and other local businesses have never had it so good during the winter months. They are gaining another two months of business because of the walleye (and northern) seasons coming to an end soon. I've talked to some of the local businesses and know that they could care less if the walleye ever come back. Another thing is the fantastic northern pike fishing that is available on Upper Red. The whitefish are another draw. Another thing to ponder is out of the 48,000 acres or so of available fishing waters, on Upper Red, only a small portion is actually being fished. There are crappies all over that lake. One can only imagine what's on the reservation side of the lake. And what about Lower Red? It is certainly an interesting body of water. Also, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if a slot limit was imposed on Red. Let's keep it heading in the right direction.

[EAGLE EYES]

Minnesota, It is still a quality Crappie fishery. It has slowed quite a bit because of all hype though! It's still definatly worth your effort to go up there and have fun with it. The problem I see, is this cannot last forever. The lake is very shallow the fish have no place to hide. In my opinion the Walleyes need to be opened up as well, so some of the pressure will be relieved from the Crappies. If rebuilding the Walleye pop back up is so important than fine, but at least let anglers take a couple of them with reduced limits. This is how I see It: Every year the Crappies keep diminishing in size. Started with a pile of 2 pounders it's now down to 1 pounders and then ... I'm sure some people will call this whining. I'm just calling like I see it. Have at em' EE