Tower—The Minnesota DNR wants public input on an updated draft management plan for Lake Vermilion. The new six-year plan (2017-2022) retains the walleye regulation implemented in May 2017 and is more specific than the previous plan about management goals and activities for individual fish species including walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and panfish.
Other changes include new stocking guidelines for walleye and muskie, evaluation of the northern pike regulation, and adjustments to fish survey methods and the timing of sampling.
The plan was developed in partnership with the Lake Vermilion Fisheries Input Group, which is comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders representing local, statewide and tribal perspectives. The 20-member group held eight meetings over eight months in 2016.
“Lake Vermilion is a special place to area residents and visitors alike, and that was reflected in the time commitment and hard work of our fisheries input group,” said Edie Evarts, Tower area fisheries supervisor. “The public comment period is the last step in finalizing this plan and we appreciate everyone who has contributed their time and input to the management plan for this popular, multi-species fishery.”
An executive summary and full management plan are available at the Lake Vermilion webpage of the DNR website at mndnr.gov/lakevermilion.
The public is encouraged to comment by responding to the web questionnaire, or by emailing written comments directly to Edie Evarts, Tower area fisheries supervisor at: edie.evarts@state.mn.us.