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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will be conducting lake and stream surveys in the Grand Marais area, beginning in May and continuing through September. Surveys are needed to identify changes in fish populations, water quality, habitat, and to evaluate management strategies.
Survey methods vary based on the type of information needed for ongoing management of individual lakes and streams. Most streams are surveyed using backpack electrofishing gear, while most lakes are surveyed using standardized gill nets and trap nets.
Large lakes with heavy use are surveyed more frequently than small, remote lakes. Stocked lakes are also sampled more often to better assess stocking success. Large trout streams are surveyed more frequently than small trout streams or warm-water streams.
The DNR uses survey results to review and revise individual lake and stream management plans. Those plans identify broad goals and specific objectives for key species, and outline management activities needed to address them. The plans are typically revised about every 10 years, on average.
Surveys and assessments are planned for several Cook County lakes and streams during this summer’s fieldwork season. Dates are subject to change depending on staffing, site accessibility and weather conditions.
Waters scheduled for surveys or assessments in 2023 include:
May 1-22 – Place water temperature monitors in lakes and streams, and stock walleye and trout when lakes become accessible. Water quality profiles are conducted monthly on Trout and Greenwood Lakes May through October.
May 29 – Survey Clara Lake.
June 5 – Survey Talus and Pine lakes, and map lake trout habitat in coldwater lakes.
June 12 – Survey South and Star lakes.
June 19 – Survey Pit, Davis, Bingshick, and Fay lakes.
June 26 – Survey Iron, Little Iron, and Mit lakes.
July 3 – Survey Crab, Boulder, and Red Rock lakes.
July 10 – Survey Mayhew, Holly, and Binagami lakes.
July 17 – Survey Tom, Flour, and Devil Track lakes.
July 24 – Survey Pike, Aspen, and Trout lakes.
July 31 – Survey East Bearskin and Kemo lakes and assess water quality in West Pike and South lakes.
August 7 – Survey Gunflint Lake, and conduct water quality measurements in Pine, West Bearskin, and Birch lakes. Conduct surveys in the Flute Reed River and Irish, Kadunce, and Kimbal creeks.
August 14 – Finish surveys in Gunflint Lake. Conduct surveys in the Onion, Devil Track and Temperance rivers, and in Durfee Creek.
August 21 – Survey Saganaga and Birch lakes, and the North Brule River.
August 28 – Finish surveying Saganaga and West Bearskin lakes.
September 4 – Survey Cascade and Two Island lakes.
September 11 – Survey Pine lake.
September 18 – Survey West Pike and Leo lakes.
September 25 – Survey Lima Lake and stock trout into area lakes.
October 2 – Survey Bogus Lake and stock trout into area lakes.
Lakes and streams may be added or dropped, and the timing and duration of some surveys may change. Questions and general information about area lakes and streams may be directed to Grand Marais area fisheries office, 1356 Highway 61 E., Grand Marais, MN 55604, or by calling 218-387-6021, or emailing grandmarais.fisheries@ state.mn.us. Public comments and suggestions for management of these waters are welcomed at any time.
Preliminary results for most of the surveys should be available in the fall of 2023. Final reports will be completed by the spring of 2024. Final lake survey results will be available online at mndnr.gov/ lakefind or from the Grand Marais area fisheries office. Contact the Grand Marais office for final stream survey reports.
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