Woods & Water by Dick Herfindahl

 

A few inches of snow on the ground really makes it feel like the Christmas season. Our family hasn’t gotten together yet for our annual lefse making day. The plans are made for a day closer to Christmas, but I am already craving a little taste of that scrumptious morsel sprinkled with a little sugar and cinnamon. I am counting the days until I will be sitting at the dinner table loading a lefse with potatoes and that delicious lutefisk topped with melted butter and a little salt and pepper – Yum, can’t wait!

This time of the year is a busy time for most of us, especially folks like me who seem to never want to start shopping too early. I inherited that trait from my Dad. Somehow, like he did, I always manage to get the job done, but I seem to be slowing down a little and that might have something to do with age.

This is the time of year when I like to take a moment out to reflect on Christmas’ past and all of the family gatherings that we would have when I was a kid. It seems like times were simpler back then. When I think about it, I was just a kid so I wasn’t the one doing all of the work.

I have mentioned many times about how much I enjoy watching the birds at the feeders and the squirrels and rabbits who inhabit our neighborhood. On cold wintry nights I like to sit back in my favorite chair and look out the window as the moonlight reflects off of the snow. It seems as if there is something magical about a moonlit winter’s night.

I have also mentioned in past columns of how I would like to go up to my cabin for a few days in the winter. I don’t believe there is anything cozier than sitting in that small cabin with a warm fire blazing the woodstove. If I had a way to get the drive plowed out I would like to give it a try. I have a couple of grandsons who would love to do that, but unfortunately they are either working or in school so that pretty much leaves me. I guess I will have to settle for my late fall and early spring trips to quench my thirst for a little up north adventure.

There have been a few portable fish houses on Fountain and Pickeral Lakes and I have also heard numerous stories of folks going through the ice on various lakes around the state. The warm weather coupled with some rain which we had after the initial ice-over and the recent snow cover means folks need to tread carefully when venturing out. I can’t think of a fish that is tasty enough for me to want to risk my life over it.

 

Northern pike anglers and spearers gearing up for winter action, new regulations

As cold temperatures begin to make ice on Minnesota lakes, ice anglers and spearers are gearing up for winter fishing action. For many, winter is a time to seek out the eager-to-bite northern pike. This will be the first ice fishing season of new northern pike zone regulations throughout Minnesota, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The new regulations went into effect in May 2018 and created three distinct zones. While not designed to manage for trophy pike, the new regulations are meant to move pike populations to a larger size more desired for table fare, particularly in the southern and north-central zones.

The move toward new regulations was a response to anglers’ concerns about the over-abundance of small, hammer-handle pike in much of central to north-central Minnesota, the low numbers of pike in southern waters and a desire to protect large pike in the northeastern part of the state.

North-central zone – Anglers: Limit of 10 northern pike, but no more than two pike longer than 26 inches; all from 22 to 26 inches must be released. Spearers: Limit of 10 northern pike, only one between 22-26 inches and 1 over 26 inches; or, only two over 26 inches.

Northeast zone – Anglers: Limit of two pike; anglers must release all from 30 to 40 inches, with only one over 40 inches allowed in possession. Spearers: Limit of two pike; only one northern pike over 26 inches.

South zone – Anglers and spearers: Limit of two pike; minimum size 24 inches.

The new northern pike regulations apply to inland waters, but do not affect border waters or individual lakes, rivers and streams that have their own special regulations for northern pike.

“Family photo albums almost always include an old photo of someone with a large pike in their hands and family recipes for pickled northern are often considered prized secrets,” said Rick Guertin of the Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association. “The new zone regulations are a big step forward in improving the northern pike sizes in our waters and maybe restoring an interest in pike fishing while also preserving those opportunities for the next generation.”

 

Boat hosts needed for Governor’s Fishing Opener

Until next time, I would like to encourage anyone who is a registered boat owner and would like to participate in the Governor’s Fishing Opener by being a boat host to sign up online. The easiest way to do that is by going to www.governorsopener.com look for the search box and type in boat host, click on search glass and it will take you to the page. Select boat host information and follow the instructions.

This is our chance to showcase this great community that we choose to live in and one that we are proud to call home.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers, because they are the reason we are able to enjoy all the wonderful freedoms we enjoy today.