A while back I was asked to submit any photos I had fitting the description of an angler with a “tight line” to the DNR Area Fisheries Office for a potential cover to the 2011 Trout Angling Opportunities Brochure for Southern and Central Minnesota. I thought about it for a bit and looked through a few options but nothing was jumping out at me, then it hit me. I can recall the April day clearly, we arrived earlier and happened upon an excellent caddis hatch that provided many “tight lines” and with it the opportunity for some good photos of which many were taken. I have to thank Wendy B. for a memorable day catching so many fish that I was able to get several of these shots easily. These brochures will be finding their way to places anglers frequent soon, this years edition contains new and updated easements on quite a few area streams as well as central state maps that were previously not included with the southern maps. Thanks also to the staff at the Lanesboro Area Fisheries office for considering and ultimately choosing to use this photo to represent trout angling in S.E. Minnesota, for me this is very cool. These books belong in your vehicle and should be a reference to ensure anglers are confident of the easement locations and regulations for various area streams. The DNR does a great job laying the streams and regulation information out in an easy to understand way for anglers of all ages. Now, time to find a new place to fish. There are so many of them…get out there.

This came in the mail a while back. I know the physical stamp is a novelty but one I dig even though my first one was of a Chinook Salmon. Tomorrow begins the Catch and Release season for trout on all S.E. Minnesota creeks, this is an essential piece of gear to carry with you (license and stamp). Keep in mind the fees (license and stamp) we pay go to support our DNR staff who do more with less and have done an excellent job with our fisheries. It is important to ensure they continue to be well funded and although this is not a big place for politics I know I would pay way more than 10 dollars for this thing. Virtually priceless to have the resource I have around me. 4/1 remember to pause and enjoy it (between hook-sets)…

Winter trout season opens January 1st. The MN DNR has specific regulations for where anglers can fish from Jan.1-Mar.31st. Although there may be a possibility that in a few years all streams designated for trout will be open for the winter season for now we fish a select few. The MN DNR released maps with the winter symbol for the streams designated for winter fishing, however the DNR’s website has a much more descriptive map for the winter streams. These are the streams closest to me.