Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Sixty years ago, lake trout were nearing extinction in Lake Superior — thanks to an invasive, eel-like fish called sea lamprey.

But lake trout have made a remarkable recovery. Last year, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission declared the lake trout fully restored in Lake Superior, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior has been able to 

MPR News reporter Dan Kraker joined a recent fishing trip. He spoke with Ashla Ojibway of Superior, Wis., who does not take the lake trout’s recovery for granted.

"Just to be out on the big lake and be practicing some of our treaty rights that we haven’t been able to for such a long time — it’s amazing how this population has come back,” Ojibway said.

But lake trout could be in danger once again, due to cuts at the federal level to the program that helped save the fish.

Minnesota-based freelance reporter Katie Thornton 

reported on these cuts for the New Yorker

She spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about her reporting.

Press play above to listen to their conversation. 

Shows

All Things Considered

NewsPartners

On Air

Clay Masters

Host

Gretchen Brown

Author

Lake trout were once nearing extinction. The fish could be in danger once again, due to cuts at the federal level.

Lake Superior trout have made a remarkable recovery. Federal cuts could put them in danger.

Lake Superior trout have made a remarkable recovery. But federal cuts could put them in danger

Go Deeper.

Like this?