OUTDOORS: For anglers, these are the good old days

Since the start of the 2019 fishing season on the St. Louis River in May, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend roughly 75 days on the streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes in the region. I’ve strived to continue to grow as an angler, constantly pushing myself to break down new water and add different techniques to my arsenal. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the fish I love to chase and the multitude of ways to catch them. Reflecting on the open water season, I can conclude one thing with confidence: for anglers, these are the good old days.

Anglers long for some quintessential ideal of the glory days of old. In reality, for the most part, angling opportunities in our part of the planet are as good or better than they have ever been. I believe several factors contribute directly to this reality.

For example, our walleyes are heavily protected compared to the past. The Minnesota state record was an egg-laden female pulled from the Seagull River on May 13, 1979. Forty years later, this fish and many like it are protected, free to carry out their spawning unharassed. Locally, the multitudes of walleyes that spawn downstream of the Minnesota Power Dam on the St. Louis River are off limits on the opener, giving them an extra week to complete their business.

Additionally, many of the lakes, reservoirs, and rivers I frequent have protective slot limits. Slot limits apply to varying species based on the body of water. Lake-specific regulations are usually posted at boat landings. However, due to their complexity, I have a whole page of notes on my phone dedicated to keeping them straight. Certain lakes, such as Mille Lacs Lake, have changing daily limits and slot sizes over the course of the season, adding another layer to the equation. Although complex, lake limits and slot limits generally have improved the size and quality of fish available.

Notably, I believe catching trophy bluegills or northern pike is more difficult than in “the good old days.” Current regulations are trying to restore opportunities for both. Although available in certain bodies of water, time will tell if trophy-caliber fish can return to the Northland in sustainable numbers.

Another driving force that has improved angling opportunities is the movement toward selective harvest and catch and release. Selective harvest focuses on releasing larger, healthy, spawning-age fish and keeping a few smaller fish for the frying pan. Most common in bass fishing, catch and release allows all fish to swim away to fight another day. Many tournaments of the past allowed participants to bring their dead fish to a scale, essentially killing a disproportionate number of trophy fish on a body of water. Most tournaments today allow anglers to catch, photograph, record, and release their catch. This keeps lake owners happier, and fish populations healthier.

Protected spawning grounds, slot limits, selective harvest along with a catch and release mentality has drastically changed angling opportunities. Currently, you can catch a 10-inch bluegill, 15-inch crappie, 20-inch smallmouth or largemouth bass, 30-inch walleye, 40-inch pike and a 50-inch muskie within a short driving distance from the Northland.

Hard to argue ... these are the good old days.

Bret Baker is a lifetime resident of Cloquet. He is a proud husband, father, educator and outdoorsman. Bret began guiding fishing trips when he was 16 years old. Today, in his 40s, his passion is to introduce people to the tremendous outdoor adventures our region has to offer.