DNR fisheries to discuss changes in the Lake Winnibigoshish ecosystem

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grand Rapids area fisheries office, will hold an open house to discuss historic and recent changes in Lake Winnibigoshish.

The meeting will be Tuesday, March 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center, 413 SE 13th St., Grand Rapids. The meeting will begin with a short presentation of data and include time for questions.

Lake Winnibigoshish (Winnie) is a destination fishery for walleye and yellow perch. Fisheries biologists will share data about changes in fish populations, and the impacts of exotic species and regulations.

“Like many walleye populations, walleye numbers on Winnie have gone through periods of ups and downs over time. Presently, the fishery is going through one of the down periods,” said Gerry Albert, DNR large lake specialist. “We’re investigating whether recent changes are a normal part of walleye biology on Winnie, or if something has changed in the system.”

The meeting is not a regulation review meeting and no special fishing regulation changes are currently being proposed. Interested parties are invited to attend the meeting, review current biological data, and provide input regarding Lake Winnibigoshish management.

More information is available by contacting the Grand Rapids Area Fisheries office at 218-328-8836, or Lake Winnibigoshish large lake specialist, Gerry Albert at gerry.albert@state.mn.us.

Source: DNR fisheries to discuss changes in the Lake Winnibigoshish ecosystem