9.d) DNR Muskie Stocking ProposalMuskie Stocking Proposal — Big Marine Lake, Washington County
MNDNR Fisheries is soliciting public comments on a proposal to stock muskellunge in
Big Marine Lake near Scandia. Public comments will be accepted through December
31, 2015. Opportunities to comment include verbal or written comments to the East
Metro Area Fisheries Office, online at www.mndnr.gov/muskie or at an open house
meeting scheduled for November 30, 2015.
Big Marine Lake is a moderately productive 1,800 acre lake located in northern
Washington County just southeast of Forest Lake. Big Marine has a diverse fish
community with primary fish management directed at Bass and Walleye. Big
Marine has the physical/biological characteristics which make it a good candidate
for Muskie management.
o Large size (1,800 acres)
o Forage base consisting of bullheads, perch, golden shiner, and small pike
o Diverse shoreline, depths and habitats for angling
• MN DNR is attempting to address the need for more Muskie fishing opportunities in
the seven county metro area.
Muskie fishing is one of the fastest growing segments of the Minnesota fishing
community. According to a survey conducted by the University of Minnesota,
Muskie anglers comprise 14 percent of the fishing population (2008 data), up from
9% in 2003.
• MN DNR is proposing to stock 576 Muskie fingerlings every other year to develop a
low density, high quality Muskie fishery. If approved, Muskie stocking could begin
as early as the fall of 2016.
Questions/comments on this proposal can be sent to:
metroeast.fisheries state.mn.us or
DNR Fisheries
1200 Warner Road
St. Paul, MN 56401