Minnesota DNR adds to steelhead numbers in streams, Superior

St. Paul — In 2017, the Minnesota DNR began raising steelhead trout to bolster the population of these fish in streams along the North Shore of Lake Superior and in Lake Superior itself.

The program began with the intent to raise “clipped-for-harvest” fish, which means only fish with a clipped adipose fin could be kept by anglers. The adipose fin is a small fin on the back of the fish between the dorsal (large fin on the back of the fish) and caudal fin (tail fin).

With multiple fish now being more than 5 years old, the program is working with fully-mature adults in prime reproduction age. Female fish are producing more eggs than in previous years, and reproduction is exceeding expectations.

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The program goals were set by the DNR’s’ Lake Superior fisheries staff and, compared with those goals, a surplus of steelhead were produced. The DNR used this surplus of steelhead juveniles, which will be of harvestable age in coming years, to increase populations in the following areas:

• Lake Superior at Two Harbors – 63,000 fall fingerlings.

• Sucker River – 62,000 fall fingerlings.

• Knife River – 14,000 spring yearlings.

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Stream conditions have been unfavorable for steelhead to naturally produce due to a five-year drought and flood cycle, which caused populations to drop by at least 50% to 80%.

“We’re excited because this is the first year the broodstock we have been developing is not only meeting our quota, but also exceeding our expectations,” said Cory Goldsworthy, Lake Superior DNR fisheries supervisor. “Given the low population of steelhead in our streams and Lake Superior, our surplus of fish couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The success of this program led to conversations with stakeholders about how to best utilize future broodstock, where to stock them, and a potential to focus on other species, such as native brook trout. This information will also help to update the DNR’s Lake Superior fisheries management plan.