Trout Fishing Moratorium

Trout Stocking Moratorium

In the spring of 2017, the SLA Board of Directors respectfully disagreed with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) controversial decision to stock 3000 Rainbow Trout yearlings annually in Square Lake, after careful review of the related findings of the DNR, the Carnelian Marine St Croix Watershed District (CMSCWD), and a respected group of environmental scientists, including Professor Leif Hembre, Ph.D., Hamline University, engaged to study the impact of trout-stocking on Square Lake water quality.

According to the numerous scientific reports studied by the Association Board, the research was clear and compelling - the presence of Rainbow Trout has a direct, detrimental impact on Square Lake water quality.

Association members concurred with the scientific assessment and experiential observations relating to the cause-and-effect relationship between trout stocking and diminished water clarity, as presented by Square Lake Association President Scott Alexander, as summarized below:

The previous pristine water quality of Square Lake was severely diminished by trout stocking, and the unjustified, short-sighted renewal of trout stocking by MN DNR negatively impacted the desirability of Square Lake as a destination of choice for visitors from the local and metropolitan communities served by the Lake.

The lake is used and enjoyed by far more diverse constituencies than the “25 to 50 trout fisherman per year,” who the DNR claimed were voicing resistance to the moratorium. The diverse users of the Lake include thousands of swimmers; water skiers; paddle boarders; and canoe, kayak, sailing, and powerboat users; who rely on the lake for its unique reputation for pristine water clarity.

One of those relevant constituencies, scuba divers, will be forced to use other lakes in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where water clarity has been preserved.

The conflict between trout fisherman anchored in deep water, and power boat users who also use the same areas of Square Lake deep water, will be resumed, if Rainbow Trout stocking occurs, thus negatively impacting the water-use experiences of both constituencies.

Why It Matters

Trout fishing also increases the risk of invasive species in Square Lake, as trout fisherman commonly travel from one trout lake to another, to satisfy their trout fishing objectives. In summary:

Square Lake is a unique jewel of pristine water clarity in the 7-county metropolitan area.

Scientists and lake residents have observed, studied, and proven the negative impact of Rainbow Trout stocking on Square Lake water quality. There is no doubt - Trout have a detrimental impact on water clarity.

The many diverse users of Square Lake who enjoy the Lake because of its pristine water, far exceed the number of trout fisherman who are objecting to the trout stocking moratorium.

The reason the DNR agreed to the moratorium in 2012 was because the water clarity of Square Lake was declining to the point where trout were no longer sustainable in the Lake. It will happen again if the DNR fails to apply science and common sense in preservation of the Lake.

Thanks to the passion and persistence of supporting scientists, conservationists, and SLA members, the DNR listened, Square Lake became Trout free - and the Trout stocking moratorium continues to this day.