Minnesota's special sunfish regulations work to preserve size structure of fish

It has been quite a few years since DNR Fisheries Biologist Eric Altena and I first discussed the need for new laws concerning the sunfish in Minnesota. It has been even longer since the first experimental rules were implemented on select lakes to try and preserve the size structure of these fish.

According to Altena, it was in the late 1990s when a few lakes were given new regulations for sunfish limits. Locally, Carnelian and Pleasant were on that list. Although both lakes have improved the size structure, Carnelian has been more successful than Pleasant.

The whole concept for new laws is based on research that revolves around spawning. Once the larger fish, predominately males, are eliminated from the population and the smaller fish take over the spawning duties, the growth rate of those fish is greatly reduced. Lakes end up with stunted sunnies that never get bigger.

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For this reason, 52 lakes have been added to those that already have reduced bag limits for sunfish. They are part of a program called the Quality Sunfish Initiative. Altena stated that there are now approximately 220 lakes with special sunfish regulations.

Increased winter fishing pressure on Minnesota lakes is partly to blame for the size dilemma. According to Altena, 75% of the annual fishing pressure occurs in the winter months on many lakes. This is why just posting spawning beds is not a viable option.

That fishing pressure is substantial and increasing as more anglers are learning how to fish through the ice. On a local level, there were more fish house on area lakes this winter than I have ever witnessed.

Many Minnesota lakes now have a daily sunfish limit of five or ten. The normal daily possession limit is 20.

The confusing part is the possession limit. The possession limit is 20 for the state. However, if you are fishing a lake with a daily limit of ten, you can legally fish that lake two days in a row to reach a possession limit of 20 and still be legal.

Altena went on to say that there was very strong public support for the changes that were made. Online response was heavy.

Make sure you check the regulations book carefully to learn more.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota's sunfish regulations work to preserve size structure of fish