DNR wants to stock muskie in five more Minn. lakes

The Minnesota DNR wants to stock muskie in five additional lakes in the state.

The agency already manages more than 100 lakes with muskie populations, and agency officials want to add more lakes to meet a growing interest in muskie fishing in the state.

Tim Goeman, the DNR's regional fisheries manager in Grand Rapids, said more anglers are fishing for muskie because of their large size and unique qualities.

"There's a real adrenaline rush, certainly when you catch a muskie," Goeman said. "But just also some of the habits and characteristics of muskie, in that they will follow lures ... sometimes they'll strike right at the boat. And of course when you're dealing with a fish of significant size, all the usual aspects of angling and catching a fish are just magnified."

Goeman said just 10 years ago, only five percent of anglers fished for muskie.

"In a more recent survey that number has risen to about 14 percent of all Minnesota anglers, and another 18 percent have at least some interest in fishing for muskie," he said. "So we have a demand there, and this is an attempt to meet the demand."

The DNR is taking public comment on the muskie stocking proposals through the end of September. They want to start stocking efforts in the fall of next year.