DNR to Stock Muskellunge in Gull Lake Chain

Muskellunge will be released in the Gull Lake chain near Brainerd and the Fairmont chain in southern Minnesota this fall. 
Stated in a press release, “We listened to and considered the more than 1,800 public comments we received during the past two years,” said Don Pereira, fisheries section chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We want to thank everyone who helped guide this process.

“Our lakes are Minnesota’s most important natural resource and that’s one reason public participation is so important. The majority of the responses were positive and supportive of diversifying these fisheries in the Gull Lake and Fairmont chain of lakes and expanding opportunities that will benefit these areas recreationally and economically.”

Stocking muskie is part of an effort to respond to a growing interest in muskie fishing across the state. 

The release also stated, “Minnesota is the crown jewel for muskie fishing in the United States,” said Al Lindner, one of Minnesota’s most well-known anglers who also produces educational fishing programs. “Creating more places to catch muskie where it’s biologically appropriate provides more than fishing opportunity for a growing number of younger anglers. It also offers a great economic benefit to resorts and tourism.”

Roosevelt, Pokegema and the Sauk River Chain are three lakes that have already been stocked with muskie. Several years ago, the DNR prepared a long-range plan designed to balance interest in expanded muskie fishing and plan to stock a total of eight waters by 2020.