Muskies in MN Waters Causing Controversy

BRAINERD, Minn. - Muskies are causing a big stir out on some Minnesota lakes and it is dividing communities. The DNR wants to add muskies to five new waters across the state in Cass, Crow Wing, Lesueur, and Stearns counties.

The Larson’s worry lake-side living could change drastically, if the DNR starts stocking the waters with muskies. The opposition is worried the predatory fish will steal the food supply for the beloved walleye and may attract too many anglers.

Supporters say muskies belong in these waters, despite their bad wrap. Greg Kvale is a member of Muskies Inc, a group in favor of expanding the musky population, for the sport of it.

’Anybody that fishes them are partial to these fish,’ said Kvale. ’Once they've fished them once they've seen them, you see a four foot fish swimming by, and it's kind of a thrill of a lifetime."

The DNR says the demand for muskies continues to rise. The state's proposal calls for introducing the fish to five lakes statewide.

The DNR says all of these waters meet the criteria for musky management. The key here is stocking the fish in low density. Every other year, a few hundred muskies would be stocked in upper south long lake, compared to 9,000 walleye.

The DNR is taking public comment on musky stocking through the end of September.