Hey guys,

Have been exchanging emails with MN DNR and haven’t gotten a clear response from the individual on the subject, but I’m sure I will get a violation if I don’t follow the rules (no disrespect to the individual or the DNR intended). My crew plans to trout fish Thomas, Fraser and Kek, but not all the guys plan to harvest their lakers as most of them are walleye purists and would rather focus their energy there.

My 3 questions are –

(1)For the guys who are not targeting lake trout, do you think there would any penalty if they hook into a laker and release on the spot?

2) Are Thomas, Fraser & Kekekabic lakes “designated lake trout” lakes?

3) Is there an online reference that lists “designated lake trout lakes”?

Designated trout lakes are lakes that are stocked by the DNR with bookies for the most part, not big lake trout lakes.

If the walleye guys are using walleye tactics and are not intentionally fishing for lakers they should be fine. However you can't target them even if you're just planning on catch and release. It's only $10 for the stamp so I generally have a hard time understanding why someone wouldn't get one when they're willing to spend so much on other tackle... It's kind of like driving across town to save .03 cents on gas.

quote brux: "Designated trout lakes are lakes that are stocked by the DNR with bookies for the most part, not big lake trout lakes.


If the walleye guys are using walleye tactics and are not intentionally fishing for lakers they should be fine. However you can't target them even if you're just planning on catch and release. It's only $10 for the stamp so I generally have a hard time understanding why someone wouldn't get one when they're willing to spend so much on other tackle... It's kind of like driving across town to save .03 cents on gas."

Brux...you crack me up using the gas analogy! I know too many people who waste tons of money on garbage but will not hesitate to go out of their way and waste 10+ minutes just getting to the gas station across the street to save $0.01 per gallon...I will never understand that logic either.

I fully agree with the relatively minuscule amount a trout stamp costs vs the overall trip (fishing) expense. I figured it wouldn't hurt to throw it out there as a sanity check. Appreciate the feedback!

quote doubledown: "2) Are Thomas, Fraser & Kekekabic lakes “designated lake trout” lakes?

3) Is there an online reference that lists “designated lake trout lakes”?
"

Thomas, Fraser and Kekekebic are not designated trout lakes. Here is the MNDNR list. (Those lakes are in Lake county)

aren't there mostly trout in those lakes? along with northerns, bass... i've not heard too many people say they're going to these lakes for walleye fishing.

agreee.. buy the stamp, support the habitat.

quote doubledown:

(1)For the guys who are not targeting lake trout, do you think there would any penalty if they hook into a laker and release on the spot?

2) Are Thomas, Fraser & Kekekabic lakes “designated lake trout” lakes?

3) Is there an online reference that lists “designated lake trout lakes”?
"

As long as they are not targeting lake trout they are fine and yes they should release it on the spot. Those 3 lakes are not designated trout lakes. Yes there is a list of designated trout lakes. In addition the difference between lake trout and stream trout besides the physical difference is lake trout fishing in inland lakes ends september 30th and stream trout in lakes Brookies browns rainbows and splake closes October 31st. You can posess minnows on a lake trout lake but not on stream trout lakes. You cant fish on a designated trout lake at all in any form during the closed seasons wheareas on a lake trout lake you could fish it if your targeting a species that is open season at the time and not targeting lakers. You can't seine minnows from a desinated trout lake ever.