Posted on December 17, 2013
by Aaron Schultz
From the DNR
Sugar Lake in Wright County will be open to darkhouse spearing this winter for the first time in more than 40 years. Sugar is one of 12 lakes on which spearing bans were lifted this year.
“During the sixties and seventies, it was common to ban spearing on lakes managed for muskies,” said Joe Stewig, Department of Natural Resources Montrose area fisheries supervisor. “Sugar Lake was designated for muskie management in 1967, and up until now, darkhouse spearing has been prohibited.”
Spearing of muskellunge is still illegal in Minnesota waters.
Those participating in spearing activities are responsible for properly identifying fish before spearing them.
Anglers planning to spear on Sugar Lake should note that there also is a 24- to 36- inch protected slot for northern pike.
The harvest of any fish within the slot is prohibited, regardless of the method used to take fish.
All other regulations related to spearing, angling and shelters still apply on this water.
Northern pike historically have been abundant and small in Sugar Lake.
Recent DNR gill net data show 13 northern pike per gill net, with an average size of 20 inches and two pounds.
When compared to the northern pike abundance in similar waters, Sugar Lake is considered high.
