WILLMAR -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday that Kasota Lake, located south east of Willmar and just north of Little Kandiyohi Lake, will be open to liberalized fishing from Jan. 21 to Feb. 22.
According to the press release, "Lakes are open to liberalized fishing when a fish population is endangered due to the lack of oxygen available in the water."
Signs are posted on lakes open to liberalized fishing at the public accesses, or along the shore.
Fish taken from lakes open to liberalized fishing are usually lethargic from lack of oxygen and located near the bottom of the ice or near springs. The DNR also warns potential anglers to use caution and check ice conditions before beginning fishing on these lakes.
Rules governing liberalized lakes include: the lakes are only open for a short period of time, so check the dates posted on signs or in local media; anglers are required to have a resident angling license; fish may be taken in any quantity for personal use; rough fish may be sold; fish may be taken by spear, gillnet or angling (check each lake at the access siteto make sure gillnets are allowed); seines, hoop nets, fyke nets or explosives are not allowed to take fish; all trespass laws are in effect; do not leave trash or litter on the lakes and take home all fish that are caught.
