Trout Fishing Tips

If you live in Minnesota, you should know that some of the fishing regulations will change on December 10. These regulations affect ice fishing, handling fish, and fishing for certain species of fish. But some of the changes affecting trout fishing include:

WINTER TROUT FISHING

All lakes in Aitkin County and Blue Lake in Hubbard County are open to winter trout fishing.

ICE FISHING MEAL PREPARATION

While on or fishing waters with size restrictions, all fish for which the size restriction applies must have their heads, tails, fins and skin intact and be measurable except when a person is preparing and using such fish for a meal.

PACKED FISH LABELING

When packing fish, labels identifying the fish must include the name of the lake where the fish was caught and the size of each of the fish that are regulated under a special size limit.

TAKE A KID ICE FISHING

Anglers older than 16 do not need a license from Feb. 16-18, 2008, if they are accompanied by a child younger than 16 and are actively participating in Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend.

For a more complete list of fishing regulation changes in Minnesota, click here.

Labels: fishing reg changges, Minnesota

You'd like to take your kids trout fishing but don't know where to begin? Well, help is on the way.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Trout Unlimited are sponsoring Take A Kid Trout Fishing Day at Whitewater State Park on Saturday, June 9.

This event is a great way to get started trout fishing with kids ages 5-15. Guides will take small groups throughout the park. The guides will focus on teaching you how to rig your rod, where to cast for trout and how to release the fish safely.

The program is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 9 with fishing to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Participants can bring their own spinning rod and reel or use one provided by the sponsors. Trout Unlimited of Winona will provide lunch at noon and there will be an electro-fishing demonstration at 1 p.m.

The event is free. There is an "Open House" at the park this day, so the entrance fee is waived.

Because it is Take a Kid Fishing weekend, adults do not need a fishing license or trout stamp when fishing with youth. Participants will each receive a small starter tackle box and activity book from the DNR MinnAqua Program. Whitewater Valley Express of Elba provides bait.

To register, call Whitewater State Park at 507-932-3007, extension 0. Registration is limited.

Labels: Minnesota, Take a Kid fishing, Whitewater State Park