Minnesota DNR closed trout-water designation comments Sept. 11

Minnesota’s trout map is in play. An Aug. 13 DNR release opened comment through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, on trout-stream and stream-trout-lake designations covering about 125 miles in 11 counties. Waters that can support trout would gain the legal designation (seasons, methods, access, habitat protection). Waters that no longer can would lose it.

By area office: Lanesboro would add 72 stream miles; Duluth add 28 and drop 16 plus one lake; Lake City add 24; West Metro add one mile; Grand Rapids drop 18 miles and one lake; Finland drop three stream-trout lakes; Grand Marais drop one lake. Stream habitat supervisor Dean Paron is the contact (651-259-5205 / dean.paron@state.mn.us).

A designation is not a stocking announcement. It is the tool DNR uses to set trout seasons and gear. Confirm the live trout page after the comment window — the list does not change until the commissioner acts.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Minnesota DNR — accepting comments on trout stream and lake designations (Aug. 13, 2026; comments through Sept. 11).